As I prepare for the American Craft Council Wholesale and Retail tradeshow in Baltimore at the end of February I am learning a lot. As in more than can currently fit into my head.
One of the most critical bits I needed to address was the all important question “what will my booth look like?”
I settled upon propanel walls as they are perfect for hanging textile art.
They arrived in my studio last week and they are quite gorgeous.
Although I’m not sure who is more exited – me or the cats.
6 big boxes and 200 pounds waiting to be unpacked. Help is already on the scene.
1st box open. Everyone wanting to read the instructions all at once.
The lower level of panels are up within 45 minutes. Union helpers are on break.
No tools needed to set up the walls. Pretty fancy hardward holds it all together.
1 1/2 hours later the booth is put together. It is 15×8 feet.
It barely fits in my studio so getting a photo is a challenge.
You know things are about to happen when all she does is look up.
Yep – kinda expected that.
Quality control gives the booth a thumbs up.
I’m pretty sure I have the worlds most expensive cat jungle gym in my studio and I’m looking forward to putting it back in boxes so I can ship it to Vermont next week so they stop using it as a scratching post.
Yes – Vermont – surprisingly this is the easiest and cheapest way to get it to Baltimore if you can’t drive it.
Breaking into the fine craft trade show biz isn’t for the weak at heart.
Next week I’ll be making line sheets, order sheets and figuring out my terms for the wholesale show. Never a dull moment!
PS – American Craft Council show details are here.
Friday, Feb. 22: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 23: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 24: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Baltimore Convention Center is at One West Pratt Street in Baltimore, Maryland.
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{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow- a big step up in the world. It reminds me of the first and only time I did an outdoor event. (Cherry Creek no less.) And I had to go from 0 to 60 in a few short months. Tent, walls, flooring, supporting materials. etc. So I can appreciate the guts it takes to make this huge investment. That’s a lot of hours to be “on”, but you’ll be great!
Nanci – yes – it’s all rather crazy! I am at least indoors – so no tent.
Thanks for the vote of confidence!
—lisa
Lisa,
The booth looks great. Wonderful color choice. It definitely goes faster if you have a helper too. Hopefully you got a good lighting setup as well.
Definitely dont let those babies become scratching posts for the kitties they will ruin your investment fast!
Good luck
Kristen
Thanks Kristen,
I’ve got pretty good lights but I haven’t turned them all on yet. That is a project for tonight.
—lisa
Looks great Lisa, good luck.
Thank you Judy!
Propanels are definitely the way to go. Really like the layout you created with them. Have a great time!
Lori – yes! They are pretty fun – like great big carpet covered lincoln logs.
—lisa
Looking good! I look forward to shots of the real thing.
I was accepted into the Atlanta show a few years ago, but something happened and I didn’t get to go. Or maybe I just got cold feet! Logistics are crazy! I did do a big outdoor show (Main Street), and discovered it’s a lot of work just setting up. Smiling all day was also something new!
Sherri,
Logistics are indeed crazy – as is the expense. Yikes!
Yes – the smiling all day thing will be fun. 1 day is pretty doable – 5 in a row is going to be interesting.
—lisa
Thanks for sharing this experience – it all looks so impressive. Best of luck – looking forward to reading your thoughts during and after the Baltimore Show.
Thank Catherine – right now I have 1 goal for this show “prove to myself I can do this” :):)
I’ll share more as it all unfolds!
—lisa
This is so exciting Lisa. I love the look if the booth and how the frey will set iff your quilts. Do you pin the pieces to the walls? I wish you a great show and am sorry that I won’t be able to come to the show. Maybe Philadelphia next?
Cheryl,
Maybe – it will all depend on what I think of this experience.
I’m using a combination of drapery hooks and pins to hang the work. At least that is what I hope to do :)
—lisa
Wow! That’s going to be a great layout. You must be planning a lot more shows, that’s a hefty investment. I’ve heard great things about the ACC shows. I’m hoping to go up to the one in St Paul (to browse/shop) this year. Make sure you take and post lots of photos of the booth – I’m sure everyone will want to see the results of your efforts. I find looking at artist booths as inspirational as looking at the art itself.
Dori,
The propanels were a big investment but if I decide these types of shows aren’t for me I can sell them and while I will lose money it’s not too much different than the cost had I rented walls for the show.
I’ll share lots of photos!
—-lisa
This sounds like an awesome way to start the new year! And you are also teaching. Way to go! Good luck with the booth and the show and I look forward to reading about your experiences the pictures.
Ana
Thanks Ana – I’m excited. All sorts of new things this year!
—lisa
WOW! What an AMAZING experience that is going to be Lisa! I look forward to seeing photos of your booth all filled & ready for the buyers. CONGRATULATIONS!
Stock up on energy before those 5 days – the smiling all the time is more work than constructing the booth.
ENJOY every minute of the experience!!!
Dale,
Yes -amazing is exactly it – I’m pretty excited and think it will be most fun.
Thank you!
—lisa
Love the cat jungle gym! It helps to have a glove on when getting the drapery hooks into the Propanels, since they dull pretty quickly and need some pressure. Velcro is awesome for signage. Hope it goes well!
Margaret – thanks for the tips – I’ve added glove to my packing list.
Thank you!
—lisa
Tons of work! I’m hiding it from my kitties so they don’t get jealous.
Alyson,
You need to lock your computer to keep them from learning about these things!
—lisa
so pleased that the panels went through a through feline quality check!!
Mary,
Yes – it’s a good idea to ALWAYS get the felines in on the action – they have such good taste :)
—lisa