ABOUT EVENT

Is there an entrance fee for the festival?
No. We would prefer that our guests spend money with the participating businesses in order to help stimulate the local economy.

What are the Fall Fest hours?
Saturday October 27 4 10AM – 6PM

What address should I use for GPS?
200 W Ganson St, Jackson, MI 49201

Where should I park?
Parking is free in lots at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. If the lot to the east of the American 1 Event Center is full, guests may drive past the center to the west lot. Vendors are also asked to park in the west lot.

Are dogs welcome at this event?
Yes, though outside of the building, and at your own risk. Keep in mind that you are responsible for the health and welfare of your pet (it may get cold out there), and the safety of other guests during pet interactions (be sure your dog does well in large crowds), as well as maintaining a clean environment (scoop up after your dog). Neither Buy Michigan Now, nor the Jackson County Fairgrounds, are responsible for any damage or harm caused by bringing a pet to the event.

Are ALL of the products sold at the fall fest made in Michigan?
Most, but not necessarily all. Every participating business must be Michigan-based; however all of their products do not necessarily have to be made in Michigan, though that is our preference and the preference of our guests. Priority is given to businesses that only sell products made in Michigan during the selection process. Because of that, if a business applies saying they will only sell products made in Michigan, they may NOT sell any products made elsewhere.

How does the Buy Michigan Now campaign differ from the festival?
The festival is a one-time event; however the campaign is a year-round effort to promote Michigan-based businesses and Michigan-made products. Through the campaign we promote buying local on a statewide level and direct consumers and organizations toward member businesses. The campaign is independent of state government and funded entirely by the businesses that benefit from it.

How can my organization join the Buy Michigan Now campaign?
Membership is available for nominal fees or free, depending upon the benefits desired. To decide which type of membership best suits your business, or to become a member, visit www.BuyMichiganNow.com.

Does Buy Michigan Now host other events?
Yes. The Buy Michigan Now Festival takes place in Northville the first weekend of August. As new events are added we will make the information available through our free monthly newsletter. Click HERE to subscribe. You may also follow us on Twitter (@BuyMichiganNow.com) or like our Facebook page for updates.

FOR VENDORS

How can I get a link to my website from the Scheduled Vendors page?
Links to websites is an extra marketing tool provided to sponsors and vendors who are Premiere members of the Buy Michigan Now campaign. Often guests who attend an event return to our site to try to find a company they saw or spoke with, but whose name or contact information has escaped them. The links stay up until the next year’s vendors are scheduled, and can help with your company’s search engine optimization. To learn how your business can become a Premiere member at a discounted rate available to our vendors send an email to fest@BuyMichiganNow.com or register for a package that includes Premiere membership.

How can I help promote the event/my business through social media?
We all benefit from higher attendance so if you are active on social media, please actively promote that you will be at the fest. We use the hashtag #BMNFallFest. We highly recommend clicking the “Going” button on the Facebook event page and inviting others who might like to attend.

Buy Michigan Now actively promotes our vendors through social media. Be sure to email and let us know your Twitter handle, Facebook page, etc. If you make a product in Michigan that you will be selling, we highly recommend sending us a picture(s) well in advance of the event so we can help spread the word.

How can I request a specific vendor space?
There is a box on the application called Additional Comments or Requests. All location requests should be made in that box. Please keep in mind that they are merely requests. While we do our best to accommodate as many as possible, there are several factors that go into determining a vendor’s location like: fire lanes, access to water and power, sponsorships, disabled accommodations, access to inventory, etc. It is helpful to explain why you require the specific space so that we may prioritize critical needs.

Can two or more companies share the same vendor space?
Maybe. While we do not encourage this practice as it sometimes confuses guests, we understand that many small businesses have a desire to share costs. One business must take the lead, register, and make payment on behalf of all. All financial & equipment arrangements must be handled privately among the businesses involved. Unfortunately, because we are an all-volunteer staff, we do not have the resources to help businesses find partners. If sharing space, all businesses must be Michigan-based as defined by meeting one of the criteria on the application, and all businesses must submit an application for approval. The primary business, the one responsible for making payment, should apply first and provide the name of any business with whom they wish to share space in the Comments section of the application. The other business(s) must name the primary business in the Comments section of their own application(s). All must agree to abide by the Rules & Regulations and provide clear descriptions of what products they intend to sell on their applications.

Does vendor space come with a tent or tables and chair?
No. Because most of our vendors have their own equipment and desire to keep their costs low, no display equipment is provided. Indoor vendors will have pipe and drape separating them. If you prefer to erect a tent indoors, please request permission in advance so that no pipe and drape is placed in your booth space.

What are the hours of this event?
The event is open to the public on Saturday October 27, 2018 10AM – 6PM. Vendors will have access to the building for set-up purposes 3 hours prior to the event opening. If a vendor believes they will require more time, they may inquire about setting up on Friday.

Does our booth have to be open during all of the event hours?
Yes. All vendors are expected to remain open and available to guests from open to close, even if no product remains. In the event of an emergency, please contact volunteers at the Information Booth or call 248-390-0974 to request a schedule adjustment. Vendors may not leave tents or any other display materials unattended while the event is open to the public.

Are there people who can help me set up and/or breakdown my booth?
Yes. Vendors are ultimately responsible for all of their own merchandise and equipment; however Buy Michigan Now will have volunteers on site to assist. If you need help, come to the Information Booth and we will do our best to assist you.

How can my company join the Buy Michigan Now campaign?
Membership is available for nominal fees or free, depending upon the benefits desired. To decide which type of membership best suits your business, or to become a member, visit:www.BuyMichiganNow.com.

If something changes and I can’t attend, can I get a refund for my space?
Maybe, based on timing. Notice of cancellations must be in writing. If you wish to cancel your reservation send an email with an explanation to Fest@BuyMichiganNow.com. In the event of a vendor cancellation in writing prior to September 15, 2018, 50% of the vendor fee will be refunded. No refunds will be made after that date because it may not allow us enough time/resources to market the space to other companies.

 

Author: bmnadmin