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  • CraftBoston Spring Exhibitor Information

    CraftBoston Spring Exhibitor Information

Exhibitor Dates to Remember

Show Install (Exhibitors Only)
Wednesday, May 13, 2020  /  12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 14, 2020  /  7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Show Take-Down (Exhibitors Only)
Sunday, May 17 2020  /  5:00 p.m. 10:30 p.m.

Exhibitor Hours + Addresses

Cyclorama @ the Boston Center for the Arts
539 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02216


Show Hours
Friday, May 15, 2020  /  11:00am to 8:00pm
Saturday, May 16, 2020  /  10:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday, May 17, 2020 /  11:00am to 5:00pm

Spring 2020 Exhibitor

Written on .

 

Booth Payment Deadlines

Final Payment Due: March 25, 2020

An invoice for your remaining booth balance will be sent to your email. The size of your booth is located in the notes section of the attached invoice. Let us know if you would like to split the payment due and pay it in two amounts. We will agree on solid dates to run the split payments. We know it’s show season.

To submit your Final Booth payment:
Booth fee payment requests will be emailed to exhibitors individually. You may pay with check or credit card using our payment processor PayPal.

Form Deadlines

Due: March 25, 2020

Mandatory: exhibitor arrival + storage form
What time will you arrive? Do you need extra space for your boxes?
Complete Form

Rentals: Crossbars and Chairs
You may be traveling from afar and need to rent a table or in fact need additional electricity than we provide.
Complete Form

Marketing Opportunities: For Purchase + For Free
Submit an ad and drive customers to your booth. You may also request postcards and stickers for your own postcards. We'll mail them right to your door.
Complete Form

Host Request Form
Skip the hotel room and stay with a member of the Society's community. If you are interested in staying at the home of one of our hosts, please fill out this form.
Complete Form

Roommate Request Form
Please fill out this form if you have an interest in sharing a hotel room or airbnb with another CraftBoston exhibitor. Upon completion of the form you will be able to see a list of exhibitors who are interested in sharing a room and their preferences for accommodations and roommates. You are welcome to contact your fellow exhibitors using the information they provided. Please be advised that by filling out this form you are allowing yourself to be contacted by other exhibitors as well. 
Complete Form

Due: April 20, 2020

Decorative Materials & Fire Safety Certificate ($25)
If you are using any decorative materials beyond the provided pipe and drape included in your booth package, (ie. such a your own white drape) you may have to complete Boston’s application (please download here). This application must be submitted each year. our decorative materials must be approved by Boston laboratories by sending your application form, a 12x12” piece of your drape, and a $25 processing fee. For questions about your display or to determine if you even need to complete this application, call Boston's Chem Lab at 617-343-3527 and ask for Frances. Anticipate submitting this application 30 days before show time.


CraftBoston FAQs


What's my booth number?

Booth assignments can be found in the Artist Directory in your artist profile found under your last name. Visit the Artist Directory.

What’s included in my booth?

Your booth fee includes the following Booth Display Package:
  • (1) 8’ high back drape (black)
  • (2) 8’ high side drapes (black)
  • (3) cross bars
  • (4) upright posts & bases
  • 7” x 44” Exhibitor ID Sign with booth number & artist or business name
  • SPRING ONLY: (1000 watts) electricity

What color is the drape?

All booths come furnished with black drape. If you would like to hang drape of another color it must be fire certified by the city of Boston. Side drapes are shared between adjacent booths, therefore you may not remove the black drape without the consent of the exhibitor in the neighboring booth. We advise to instead come up with a method to hang your personal drape over the existing black drape by using hanging findings such as curtain hooks.

What are the regulations about drape and fire safety?

Decorative Materials & Fire Safety
  • Curtains, drapes, banners, decorations and acoustical material (including but not limited to cotton, hay, paper, straw, moss, split bamboo and wood chips) must be flame-retardant treated and a manufacturer’s or fire testing lab issued Certificate of Fire Retardancy must be submitted to show management prior to the event. Material that cannot be treated for flame retardancy shall not be used.
  • Table coverings used in exhibit halls must be flame-retardant treated, unless they lie flat, and have an overhang of no more than six (6) inches.

Is a cross bar included?

You may order an additional cross bar pole to run along the front of your booth. Check the exhibitor forms to order your crossbar for the CB show you are participating. When ordering a crossbar from Freeman, crossbars can be found on Page 1, under Furnishings > Miscellaneous.

Should I bring a carpet?

CraftBoston Spring:
The floor in the Cyclorama is an old, yet beautifully maintained polished brick, except in the front and back salons where it is poured concrete. Exhibitors are not required to lay flooring in their booths, but you may bring your own if you would like.

CraftBoston Holiday:
The Hynes floors are a high-polished cement. We advise you either bring a carpet for your booth or rent one from Freeman.

Can I decorate beyond my booth?

  • Rigging of cable/hanging devices or affixing any materials to the ceiling, electrical bus ducts and conduits, on sprinkler pipes, ventilation equipment, windows, columns or any other physical structure at the CraftBoston venues is strictly prohibited.
  • Exhibits shall not cause or permit any nails, staples, hooks, tacks, screws, or the like to be driven into the facility structure (including, but not limited to, any wall, ceiling, column, stone, window, drape, or painted, carpeted, and concrete surfaces) of the premises.
  • Exhibits shall not erect any decorations or use adhesive materials, including tape that can deface the walls, ceilings, floors, facilities, and equipment contained on the premises.
  • Walls, floors, ceilings, furnishings, and fixtures are not to be painted or have permanent coverings applied.

Do I need to rent an electric outlet?

CraftBoston Spring:
Your booth fee includes 1,000 watts of electricity. Exhibitors may order additional electricity in the exhibitor rental form. Exhibitors exceeding the included level of electricity are subject to an additional electrical charge on site.

CraftBoston Holiday:
Your booth does not come with electricity at the Holiday show. You need to rent an electric outlet from the Hynes through their Signature Boston group.

Do I need to provide my own lighting?

Yes.

Can I have my kids with me while I set up my booth?

Children under the age of 18 are not permitted on the exhibit floor or loading dock zones during set up and dismantle hours. This regulation will be strictly enforced due to show floor conditions that could be dangerous. All ages are welcome during public show hours.

Is there internet at CraftBoston?

CraftBoston Spring:
The Cyclorama has free internet, but it can be spotty. Provide your own back-up plan if the wi-fi isn’t great from your booth location.

CraftBoston Holiday:
The Hynes has free internet and it is very dependable.

Is there storage for my boxes?

CraftBoston Spring:
There is limited empty box storage in “Salon B” located to the back left of the exhibition hall. This service is free. Access to this area will be kept to a minimum during the public show hours. Access will be available 30 minutes before or after each show.

CraftBoston Holiday:
There is empty box storage in a modest room off the exhibitor area. This service is free. Access to this area will be kept to a minimum during the public show hours. Access will be available 30 minutes before or after each show.

Is there Jewelry Storage / Lock Up?

A secure lock-up service is available to artists who wish to lock up their small or expensive work during set-up, tear down, and non-show hours. If you are interested in the service, you can indicate so on your CraftBoston show contract. If you want to add it on after filling out the contract, contact the CB Director at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please be advised that artists are responsible for insuring their work.

Can I ship to CraftBoston? (Spring/Holiday)

For CraftBoston Spring artists, and an alternative to Freeman's shipping for CraftBoston Holiday artists, you may want to contact Johan from Art in Motion, who provide shipping services and some rentals. You may want to check with him about tables. If you don't see it on his site, call him. His site does not have every item he owns. AiM may be more affordable than Freeman... food for thought! Learn more about Art in Motion at artmoves.biz.

Can I ship to CraftBoston? (Holiday)

CraftBoston Holiday

Freeman can assist you if you'd like to ship a crate to your booth. There is a fee and you'll have to work with Freeman to coordinate the delivery. Below are some helpful facts they've asked me to share with you. Freeman questions are best answered by Freeman staff, although I'll do my best to assist.

Warehouse Shipping Address:
Exhibiting Company Name / Booth #___ CRAFTBOSTON HOLIDAY
C/O Freeman
25 Doherty Ave
Avon, MA 02322

PLEASE NOTE: The warehouse is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Freeman will accept crated, boxed or skidded material beginning in November 2020 at the above address. Material arriving after the first week of December 2020 will be received at the warehouse with an additional after deadline charge. Warehouse materials are accepted at the warehouse Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. If required, provide your carrier with this phone number: (508) 894-5100

PLEASE NOTE: The warehouse will be closed on Thursday, November 26, 2020 and Friday, November 27, 2020 in observance of Thanksgiving. Shipments will not be accepted on these dates.

Show Site Shipping Address:
Exhibiting Company Name / Booth # CRAFTBOSTON HOLIDAY
C/O Freeman
Hynes Convention Center 900 Boylston Street Cambria Street Entrance
Boston, MA 02115

Freeman will receive shipments at the exhibit facility beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2020. Shipments arriving before this date may be refused by the facility. Any charges incurred for early freight accepted by the facility will be the responsibility of the exhibitor.

PLEASE NOTE: All items and materials that must be brought into the facility are subject to Material Handling Charges and are the responsibility of the Exhibitor. This also applies to items not ordered through the Official Show Vendors. Refer to the material handling form for charges for the service.

Please be aware that disposal of exhibit properties is not included as part of your material handling charges. Please contact Freeman for your quoted rates and rules applicable to disposal of your exhibit properties.

***FINAL DATES ARE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL***

When is load-in / load-out?

CraftBoston Spring 2020:
Load-In Hours:
Wednesday, May 13 - 12:00pm - 7:00pm
Thursday, May 14 - 8:00am - 4:00pm

Load-Out Hours:
Sunday, May 17 from 5:00pm - 10:30pm

Will there be help at load-in / load-out?

There will be a limited amount of volunteers to help exhibitors unload or load vehicles. Do not depend on having their help. Volunteers help all exhibitors a little bit and cannot become a personal assistant. Be prepared on your own. BRING YOUR OWN DOLLY / CART. We do not have enough carts to help everyone and often the CraftBoston owned carts go missing. No motorized carts are allowed on premise of either CraftBoston location.

Do artists and assistants need I.D. Badges?

For security purposes, all exhibitors and their assistants are required to wear badges at all times during CraftBoston, including during load in and load out. Each exhibitor will receive one exhibitor badge with their name and five generic assistant sticker badges. Additional booth assistant badges may be requested at the Exhibitor Services Desk.

What is Massachusetts Sales Tax?

Massachusetts tax is 6.25%.

SA+C and CraftBoston cannot not advise exhibitors in tax-related matters. If you have questions, call the Massachusetts Department of Revenue at 1-800-392-6089. Thank you for your understanding.

How do I Register for Massachusetts State Sales Tax Certificate?

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires all exhibitors to register with the state to collect state sales tax on all transactions made during CraftBoston. Exhibitors must have a valid state sales tax certificate (TA-1). You can register online or call 617-887-MDOR. After applying please print out a copy to keep as a temporary certificate until you receive yours by mail. If you have questions, call the Massachusetts Department of Revenue at 1-800-392-6089. Please bring a copy of your certificate to the show. CraftBoston cannot not advise exhibitors in tax-related matters. Thank you for your understanding.

Exhibitor Refund/Return/Exchange Policy

CraftBoston strongly suggests exhibitors post their refund, return, and exchange policies in their booth. It is not sufficient to have the policy printed on sales receipt as the receipt is received post-sale.

Shopping Bags

Exhibitors must provide their own shopping bags for customers at CraftBoston. CraftBoston branded bags (small + large) can be purchased online ahead of time, and will be available for sale at the Exhibitor Services Desk.

Liability & Insurance

Exhibitors display all work at their own risk and should carry appropriate insurance. Exhibitors are urged to carry ALL-RISK INSURANCE to protect against damage, loss and all other hazards, from the time the materials leave place of origin until they are returned after the show. Riders can usually be added to existing policies to get the needed coverage.

Do you provide booth sitting services?

CraftBoston provides complimentary booth sitting services for exhibitors. Booth sitters will be available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm in 30-minute increments. If you are working alone in your booth, please take advantage of this service so that you don't leave your booth unattended during show hours. Sign up for booth sitting services on site at the Exhibitor Services desk using the form provided in your Exhibitor Folder.

What are CraftBoston Cancellation Policies?

Deposits on booths are non-refundable, and refunds on booth remainder payments will only be given until the date stated in your show contract. This information is provided in your CraftBoston exhibitor contract, to the terms of which you agree upon signing when confirming participation in each show.

Accommodations

Find a Roommate
If you have an interest in sharing a hotel room with another CraftBoston exhibitor please fill out the Roommate Request Form.

Host Program (Free)
CraftBoston hosts are Society board members, local artists, and others close to our organization who are willing to share their homes with exhibitors. If you are interested in staying with a Boston host, please fill out the Host Request Form.

Hotel Suggestions
There are numerous hotels located in the South End neighborhood within walking distance of the Cyclorama. Due to the small number of exhibitors, CraftBoston Spring does not have a room block for exhibitors. View hotel suggestions.

Parking

About Parking
Limited on-street parking is available in the South End neighborhood. Some patrons may have luck finding parking on Tremont Street and Dartmouth Street. Please remember to carefully check street signs for resident only parking.

Reserve a Spot
Consider using the Park Me Parking Reservation Service. CraftBoston patrons have access to a special discount for reserving a space ahead of time. Get the discount.

Parking Garages
We have compiled a list of parking garages near the cyclorama with a range of hours and pricing. View Parking Garage Suggestions

Resources

Local Shopping
Find local stores you may need while exhibiting like Grocery Stores, Convenience and Pharmacy, Coffee Shops and Snacks, Lunch Restaurants, Dinner Restaurants, Office Supplies, Florists and Hardware and Home Supplies

Download Full List


Marketing Materials
Promote your booth number for the weekend and in turn, promote CraftBoston Spring! Use the attached materials to help market your booth and have a great show.

Discount Stickers
CraftBoston Spring Logo (Square)
CraftBoston Spring Logo (Rec)

Floor Plan

View the CraftBoston Spring Floor Plan

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