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  • CraftBoston Spring Exhibitor Information

    CraftBoston Spring Exhibitor Information

Exhibitor Dates to Remember

Show Install (Exhibitors Only)
Wednesday, April 10, 2019  /  12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 11, 2019  /  7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
*Please note: the Thursday night Preview is now Makers in the Gallery, a celebration of our artists at the Society of Arts + Crafts (100 Pier 4 Blvd, Ste 200).

Makers in the Gallery
Thursday, April 11, 2019 / 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Join us as we celebrate you, the Makers, in our Seaport home.
The retail gallery will be open to artists until 6pm, when we welcome other patrons to the party.

Show Take-Down (Exhibitors Only)
Sunday, April 14, 2019  /  5:00 p.m. 10:30 p.m.

Exhibitor Hours + Addresses

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

Makers in the Gallery Reception 
Thursday, April 11, 2019  / 6:00pm to 9:00pm 
@ Society of Arts + Crafts (100 Pier Four Blvd., Ste. 200, Boston, MA 02210)
Free entry for artists 
The exhibition and retail galleries will be open to artists all day. Retail will close at 6:00pm.
VIP event will begin at 6, general admission from 7 to 9.
Meet other artists and CraftBoston patrons. Food, drinks, and craft for an evening of fun!

Show Hours
Friday, April 12, 2019  /  11:00am to 8:00pm
Saturday, April 13, 2019  /  10:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday, April 14, 2019  /  11:00am to 5:00pm

Please note:
Monday, April 15, 2019 is the Boston Marathon. 
Make travel and accommodation arrangements ahead of time! 

Spring 2019 Exhibitor

Written on .

 

Booth Payment Deadlines

Final Payment Due: March 1, 2019

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 15, 2019

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

Due: March 29, 2019

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
  • 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 16 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’s unreliable. 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 please fill out the jewelry lock-up form for the CB show you are participating.

Can I ship to CraftBoston? (Option 1)

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 withFreeman 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 Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at the above address. Material arriving after Wednesday, December 06, 2017 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 22, 2018 and Friday, November 23, 2018 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 12, 2018. 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.

Can I ship to CraftBoston? (Option 2)

As an alternative to Freeman's shipping services, you may want to contact Josh from Art in Motion who has various rentals too. 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. I bet his rentals are less money than Freeman... food for thought! Learn more about Art in Motion at artmoves.biz.

When is load-in / load-out?

CraftBoston Spring 2018:
Load-In Hours:
Wednesday, April 18 - 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Thursday, April 19 - 8:00am - 4:00pm

Load-Out Hours:
Sunday, April 22 - 5pm - 10:30pm

CraftBoston Holiday 2018:
Load-In Hours:
Wednesday, December 12 - 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Thursday, December 13 - 8:00am - 4:00pm

Load-Out Hours:
Sunday, December 16 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 his or her name and two generic exhibitor assistant badges. Additional booth assistant badges may be purchased for $10.00 either in advance or on site.

What is Massachusetts Sales Tax?

Massachusetts tax is 6.25%

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) 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.

What are CraftBoston Cancellation Policies?

Refunds are honored within 30 days of payment made. After the 30 days, CraftBoston will not offer refunds on deposits or booth payments. This information is also provided in your CraftBoston exhibitor contract, to which you agree to the terms 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