Someone told me I’d be a good craft show organizer. After vending at craft festivals and fairs for over ten years I think I can agree. It would be hard work and I wouldn’t want to be a professional organizer, but one event? Might be fun.
Most importantly, in my opinion, is that an organizer should actually care about the event. I could do that. In fact, I might care too much, for when I take on a project I get pretty enthusiastic about it.
The organizer has to keep others engaged too. She has to make the event attractive to the vendors as well as the shoppers. What makes an event attractive to me as a vendor? Here are some things I came up with in no particular order:
1. Reasonable booth fee
2. Ample booth space
3. Desirable event location
4. Free donuts and coffee on set-up day! (Not required, but a definite plus.)
5. Big crowds ~ Not a predictable factor, but if past attendance is indicated that’s helpful.
6. Sufficient advertising
Now it’s your turn. What makes an art/craft show attractive to you as a shopper? I’ll get you started:
1. No entrance fee
2. Entertainment (music, kids’ activities)
3. Food vendors (if so, what kind of food?)
4. Good variety of artists, i.e. not heavy on one particular type of art/craft
Are you a vendor? A shopper? Both? What do you look for in an event? Are you buying for yourself or gifts for others? Do you like to make an afternoon of it, or do you like to zip in and zip out?
Even though I’m into the show season by now, I’m always looking for a good venue. Do you have any favorite shows you attend? I’d love to hear from vendors and shoppers alike!
Auntie B's Wax 