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Antioch Holiday Craft FairAntioch, CA - Nov 7-9, 14-16 Review by Starving Vendors Set up began on Thursday 1:00PM. We arrived there around 1:45 and saw quite a number of vehicles there already. We got there early to avoid the rush, since we wanted to get close to an entrance and that worked out pretty good. We checked in and then found out (thankfully) that our space (A-28) was located in the first building We had done this event last year and were located outside. It's easier to set up outside, of course. Hwever, we did experience some rain and decided to pay a little extra and have our booth inside the building, out of the weather. We positioned the van in front of the entrance and hand-trucked all our equipment and merchandise inside. It wasn't easy and it was not done quickly. On Friday, the weather was absolutely beautiful. You couldn't ask for a better November day. No rain. Sun. Temps in the 70's. We arrived there around 8:00 and completed setting up and we were ready for business at 9:45. The show started at 10:00 and finished at 4:00. Ready for business? What business? Crowds were small and sales were slow for everybody. Just have to go with the flow. I never like Friday shows as I have never had good sales on a Friday (except for Tyson Wells Sell-a-Rama and county fairs). Three day shows usually have slow Fridays because most of the crowd is at work....and you probably get people who have no jobs and little money. Of course, no kids. You can expect more of a family type crowd on Saturday and on Sunday, I would think that you get more women strolling around the booths after the football-watching husbands kick the wives out of the house. On Saturday, it was somewhat cloudy most of the day and the rains had held off until we closed up and left at 5:00. The people really came out for this event. The promoters did a great job in getting the word out. However, our sales were still down and the other vendors had the same problem. Nothing we can go about that, just ride things out. They did a magnificent job getting the people here, but they were just holding onto their money during these rough times. Some vendors did rather decently. Too much jewelry, as our necklace sales were down. DISCUSSION FORUM
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Our forums are now remodeled and provide the best advice for artists, from artists.Stories from the trenches, ask and tell, craft show vendors, and fair promoter sections are a source for the best advice from those who've seen it all. Whichever part of fairs and festivals you happen to be in whether an artist, or an event promoter, choosing the right show to attend that fits your crafting demographics can either generate substantial profits, or could catch you with few sales and more importantly waste your time. How do you choose the best summer time - or anytime - event to attend? Discuss this an many other topics in the FairsandFestivals.Net forums. Latest form discussions: |
Friday, Jul 03, 2009
Updated 10:32 AM ET International Women's Day FestivalBy F&F StaffBillionaire, former CEO of eBay, and one of the nation’s most influential people according to Time magazine, Meg Whitman, is the invited keynote speaker for the 2009 festival. Confirmed speakers include: Adele Scheele, PhD, a career strategist and author of the international best seller Skills for Success who has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, and CNBC; and Louise Wannier CEO and co-founder of myShape, a popular online retail clothing store created just for women. Fairs and Festivals Boost EconomiesBy Jared WillabyIn a time when economic times are tough, one bright spot is craft shows, fairs and festivals. In the second quarter alone, local festivals impacted the local economy and brought in an estimated $4.1 Billion to United States neighborhoods, according to the Craft Organization Directors Association (CODA). Not only do craft shows financial asset to economies, but the events rekindle the foundation that supported societies for decades: local arts and crafts. Craft Shows in Today's EconomyBy Kerry McKinseyToday's economic conditions have spurred a change in both artists and craft show revelers. A rekindled outlook on the "sustainable" and locally fresh grown products is coming to the forefront. Such a phenomenon may include the desire for more organically produced foods; they are blockbusters at this year's fairs and festivals. Local art and constructed craft goods are also a hit. From hand made clothing to jewelry, craft show goers are now more inclined to purchase green and sustainable art. SHOWTIME!
Fairs and Festival CalendarWe'll help you make sure that you get into the festivals that feature your art and that you choose the best fairs and festivals that represents your target audience. Craft Show ChecklistBe prepared before you head out to your show. Print this checklist for a stress-free show day allowing you to devote more time to your artwork. BUSINESS
Craft Shows and TaxesThe benefits of your own crafting business include getting those well deserved tax breaks. We'll show you how to account for your taxes as a small business owner while keeping your hard earned money from the grasps of Uncle Sam. Pricing Your ArtPutting a price tag on your arts and crafts can be intimidating. We'll show you how to value the heart and sweat you put into creating your art. more business articles TECHNOLOGY
Etsy SuccessPart 1 in the Series: Your own e-commerce website or Etsy? In this article we list the pros and cons of crafters who build (or who hire to build there own website) versus selling through an online marketplace like Etsy. Amazon and eBay have dug their own niche in the online shopping and selling market and Etsy is on its way to becoming the industry standard for selling handmade art. Buyers and shoppers of such crafts are raving about the many features of Etsy and we'll show you how to take advantage. more art & tech articles
COMMUNITY AND KIDS
Kids and ArtHow you can get your kids involved early. Events such as home craft shows will stimulate your kids to become artistically creative. Money management lessons can also be taught at an early age through fun crafting projects for kids and hands-on interaction. |
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March 8, 2009 - Santa Barbara, CA
In 1997, the United Nations declared March 8 the day to celebrate women around the world. The Women’s Festivals were created to celebrate the accomplishments and nurture the dreams of women in an interactive, multi-cultural, and entertaining format focusing on the five key areas of women's lives: Personal, Professional, Philanthropic, Political and Planet (also known as the "5 Ps"). The Festivals aim to provide a unique opportunity to provide a rich common experience and fertile environment for networking and resource sharing.
Jan 30 & 31 - Honolulu, HI
Feb 21 & 22 - Los Angeles, CA
Apr 19 & 20 - San Diego, CA
The Green Living Expo is an amazing event aimed at improving our environment and quality of life. Through the presentation of green products, services, and educational resources, this Expo promises to inspire a transformation in our community by educating the thousands of consumers who are sure to attend.
This is the perfect event for vendors who offer products that reduce their carbon footprint and support a healthy lifestyle.
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Marketing Course for artists and craftspeople. Learn the secrets on how to make your art desireable and profitable.