Design Your Booth Tips to Make the Most of Your Space
Before an artisan begins preparing the booth layout, they should understand the maximum dimensions the festival established and if there are regulations regarding the display of products and signage outside the booth. These regulations will help the artisan understand their footprint.
Many artisans set up their products in a “U” shape to allow for circulation within the booth and for attendees to move freely in and out of the booth while viewing the products. There is a fine line for the number of products displayed within the booth.
Too much inventory makes the booth look overcrowded and limits an attendee’s ability to move within the booth. Too little of a product makes the booth look uninviting. Finding that balance is key to creating a layout that displays the product.
The Frankfort Fall Festival requires artisans to display a poster in their booth that shows them making their product. Customers appreciate the opportunity to see the steps in making these handmade products.
It is also valuable to see the artisan’s name and where they are from prominently displayed in the booth. Having business cards available for visitors is helpful as well for visitors who may want to purchase something later.
Use Your Space
Artists can make the best use of their space by displaying their products in their natural environment. If artwork is to be hung, hang it on display panels. If a product is to be worn, display it on a hanger or show it on a foam head. Do not leave it up to the attendee to determine the product’s intended purpose.
Another way to make displays inviting is to make them look like what you might find in a boutique. If using folding tables for displays, cover them in a cloth or manner complementary to the product. If selling holiday-themed décor, add touches that fit the season like a little Christmas tree or hay bales.
When looking to pair items together, it is important to understand the event’s regulations. Festivals often have strict rules about only displaying products identified in the application, so check that out ahead of time.
If you decide to pair items together, make sure they complement each other and that from the attendee’s eyes look like they then go together. An eclectic inventory may make it more difficult for the festival selection committee to appreciate the true art, so be selective about your paired products.
Keep in mind visitors may walk past your booth quickly, so be sure there is something on the back wall or in a vertical space identifying what the product sold is. Prominently display your booth location so visitors can find you if they reference a guide or are trying to return to your booth.
Be Inviting, Attentive
Smiling, greeting attendees, and showing interest in sharing your product with festivalgoers are key to establishing an inviting booth. Visitors love to hear artists describe how they make an item and see the steps involved in it.
Consider asking a friend or family member to join you at the festival, so you have someone assisting people with purchases. Someone who can share your story and knowledge about your product adds a personal touch and helps to build a connection with the attendee.
Festival days can be long. Limiting the use of electronic devices — except for points of sale — is key. When artisans show no interest or are distracted by the people visiting the festival, the attendees might have limited interest in your product. An added benefit is demonstrating how your product is made, if feasible.
Be sure you have enough light to see the product in your booth space. Inexpensive, battery-operated lights can be useful as well as a tablet that illustrates your product’s uses and construction.
More Advice
If it is an artisan's first time at the festival, look online for pictures from past festivals to see how others set up their booths and displays. This gives the artisan an idea of the festival’s landscape and helps to meet the expected standard. If you are a repeat artisan, find time during the festival to walk around and look at others’ displays to stay sharp on changing trends and get new ideas.
Some festivals have regulations about information artisans must provide in their booth. This may include instructions regarding the display of booth numbers and footprint of the designated area. Following the regulations for the booth and displays is key to being welcomed back to the festival.