Exhibitor Kit

2025 Exhibitor Manual

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for participating in the Maryland Home + Garden +Craft Show.

The Exhibitor Manual has been compiled to help exhibitors and their staff with complete details about all phases of the exhibition process at the show. A printed version of this manual will not be distributed, and it is subject to minor changes as the show approaches.

We strongly urge you to give this manual to those responsible for your participation in the show. If you have questions or concerns, please contact our show team at the numbers below.

Sincerely,

SCAM WARNING

There have been a number of spam emails offering our attendee lists. These are scams and the senders are unauthorized to use the Marketplace Events’ name. These scammers are attempting to receive monies from exhibiting companies without providing anything in return. These emails are not approved by Marketplace Events, and Marketplace Events would never ask for bank information or other sensitive information over email.  

CLICK HERE for more information.

Directory of Contractors

SHOW MANAGEMENT 

The Maryland Home & Garden + Craft Show is produced and managed by: 
Marketplace Events LLC
2000 Auburn Dr., Ste 200 
Beachwood, OH 44122 
716.861.7411
www.marketplaceevents.com | www.capitalremodelandgarden.com 

SHOW FACILITY

Maryland State Fairgrounds
2200 York Rd
Timonium, MD 21093
Phone: 610-265-6200
https://marylandstatefair.com

SHOW DECORATOR

General Exposition Services (GES)
205 Windsor Rd
Pottstown, PA 19464
Main Phone: 610.495.8866
Email: info@generalexposition.com
(Carpet, furnishings, labor)

ELECTRICAL

Maryland State Fair
Office: 410.252.0200
Electrician: 240.674.5607

INTERNET

Maryland State Fair/Fairgrounds Office
Rebecca Williams
410.252.0200

UTILITIES &CLEANING

Internet: free basic wifi will be offered to all exhibitors – the password will be posted at the show.

Electricity: purchased through the Maryland State Fair office. Order form is linked on our Exhibitor Kit webpage HERE.
NOTE: Unauthorized use of electrical outlets is prohibited and will be checked during the show.

Booth Cleaning must be arranged through Anago of Baltimore – contact Sarah at 410-760-6306.

Show Details

SHOW OFFICE
During move-in, show hours, and move-out, Show Management will maintain a show office. The Show Office is located next to the center entrance to the South Hall.

EXHIBITOR BADGES

Exhibitor badges can be picked up in the Show Office during move-in. Unless the staff working your booth will not be able to get badges from you before the show, please have all exhibitor badges picked up by Friday, February 28th before the show opens on Saturday, March 1st.

EXHIBITOR ENTRANCES

Exhibitors can enter the Exhibitor entrance at the front of the show by presenting their Exhibitor Badge. If badges have not been picked up during move-in, they will be available at Exhibitor Registration, just inside the Exhibitor entrance.

SHOW HOURS 

**Exhibitors may enter the exhibition hall one hour before the show opens to the public.

Dates & Deadlines

FINAL PAYMENT

Final Payment is due by February 15, 2025. Full and final payment for exhibit space must be completed to allow move-in to the show. Show Management reserves the right to refuse entry to any Exhibitor whose account has not been settled and paid in full.

SHOW GUIDE
Each year, we print a Show Guide that includes a show floor map and a list of exhibitors. Make sure your company is listed in the guide by booking before February 15, 2025.

DIRECT SHIPPING (THROUGH GENERAL EXPOSITION SERVICES)

For direct shipping options through General Exposition Services – order through their service kit (located in the following section of this Exhibitor Kit)

Advance Warehouse Shipping- Deadline Monday 2/10/25
Warehouse receiving hours M-F 8:30 am -11:45 am and 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm – address label details below:

Name of Exhibiting Company
Your Booth Number
Maryland Home & Garden +Craft Show
General Exposition Services 205 Windsor Road
Pottstown, PA 19464

Direct Show Site Shipping
Beginning Monday, February 24th, 2025 through move-in -no advance on-site delivery – address label details below:

Name of Exhibiting Company
Your Booth Number
Maryland Home & Garden +Craft Show
Timonium Fairgrounds Cow Palace
c/o General Exposition Services
2200 York Road
Timonium, MD 21093

Show Decorator Kit

General Exposition Services (GES)
205 Windsor Road, Limerick Business Center
Pottstown, PA 19464
Tel: 610-495-8866
Email: info@generalexposition.com
www.generalexposition.com

General Exposition Services is the show decorator and provides carpet, furniture, signs, and labor assistance. Should you need any of these items, you will be able to preorder them by accessing the order forms below. 

Exhibitors requiring forklift services should make advance arrangements with GES through their Labor services.

Read their instructions here: GES Exhibitor Instructions Letter

Follow this direct link to the Service Kit: https://www.generalexposition.com/online-servicekit.php 

At the Login Page - Exhibit Code: MDHOME25

Advance pricing before February 10, 2025

Electricity - Order from the Timonium Fairgrounds office

Order form linked Here: 2025 MD Electrical Order Form

Email form to Maryland State Fair
Email: rrensor@comcast.net 
Phone: 410-252-0200

Order before move-in to receive an advanced rate. On-site rates increase.

Move-in & Move-out

*Please note, all accounts must be paid in full before you move in*

The move-in schedule is based on the location of your booth on the show floor. You will receive an email detailing your specific move-in date and time. 

 Exhibitors must have received an exception approval from Show Management to move in during a different day/time than assigned. If you are unable to move in during your assigned time slot, please contact Show Management.

While there may be some exceptions, we ask that you arrive as close to your designated time as possible to keep wait times to a minimum. Our team will be onsite to marshal the cars in and out of the building in a timely manner.

Vehicle use on the show floor during move-in will be at the discretion of the Show Manager. Though some dollies will be available onsite, numbers are limited. Be prepared for hand-carry by bringing your own handcarts, dollies, etc.


MOVE-IN SCHEDULE
Coming Soon.

MOVE-OUT

All booths MUST remain up and fully staffed until show close on Sunday, March 9th at 6:00 p.m. No vehicles are allowed in the halls until all carpet is removed by the show decorator. Early move out is strictly prohibited and NO EXHIBITS can be removed during show hours.

General Move Out Schedule – All Halls

Booth Regulations

DRAPE & HEIGHT

Each booth space will be provided an 8’ drape along the back, with two side drapes that extend from the back of the booth to the front at a height of 32”. (Home booth drapes are black, Craft booth drapes are silver/grey). 

•  All exposed areas of your exhibit space must have finished surfaces including back and sides.  All exhibit booth walls are to be completely finished. No wires, frames, wood, etc…should be exposed for the public or for your neighbors to see. Extra charges may incur if Show Management needs to drape part of your display.
• Nothing is to be pinned or stapled to drape – “S” hooks are available through Decorator. 
• Exhibitors are allowed to build their booth to the maximum height of 8 feet – this includes back walls and side walls. Exhibitors in booths 20x20 or larger may get approval to build above the 8-foot restriction.
• Exhibitors must remain within their booth space. Your carpet, tables, etc. may not extend into the exhibit spaces around you, or into the aisles. 

FLOORING

Flooring is not included in the cost of your booth space. It is mandatory that all booths are carpeted or have some type of professional-looking floor covering. All edges must be secured and 100% of your area must be covered.

CLICK HERE to view Flooring FAQ sheet 

• All flooring should be neat and clean.
• All edges of the carpet should be taped down – double-sided tape is acceptable. The following two brands are acceptable: Echo Brand – Double Coated Carpet Tape (DCW188F) or Shur Brand – Residue Free (DF545).
• Duct tape is not allowed.
• You must return the floor to its original condition – exhibitors will be charged for any damage or tape residue left that requires extra clean-up.
  

TABLES & SKIRTING

All tables must be professionally skirted. Skirting must be provided for all exposed areas of the table. Skirting must go from the edge of the table to the floor. All skirting must be pressed and neat. Tablecloths (plastic or fabric), pieces of fabric and bed sheets are not permitted.

SIGNAGE

All exhibitors are encouraged to have a professional sign identifying their company for consumers. All signs must be professionally prepared, handwritten signs will not be permitted.

Booth rental comes with (1) one identification sign (7” x 44”) that includes your company name and booth number.

• Company signage must be single-sided.
• Professional signage only - if using a “banner” style sign, please make sure it is fastened tightly and not wrinkled.
• Signage may not go more than one foot above the drape line.

 *No tents or canopies are permitted.


DEMONSTRATIONS & DISTRIBUTIONS

Exhibitors who provide demonstrations using products or handing out advertising, samples, or souvenirs are not permitted in the aisles or anywhere outside the confines of their booth. “Hawking” attendees in the aisles is prohibited. All conversations with attendees must be generated from within your booth space. Booth representatives who do not adhere to this policy will be asked to leave the show.

•  The use of microphones is not permitted on the show floor unless approved by Show Management.
• Small sound amplification systems for captive-audience demos may be used, but the sound must be inoffensive to neighboring exhibitors.
• Advertisements may include prices but cannot include price comparisons with competitive products.
• Helium-filled balloons are not allowed.
• No food (including popcorn) or beverages may be distributed by exhibitors inside the venue unless approved by Marketplace Events.
  
  

FIRE REGULATIONS

Materials such as table draping, cut trees, wood chips and mulch used in the construction of displays must be fire-resistant to the satisfaction of the fire department.


ANIMALS/PETS

Venue rules prohibit pets on leashes. Small pets can be hand-carried. Exceptions are always made for service dogs.


ALCOHOL

Alcohol consumption is strictly forbidden during all move-in and move-out hours. Additionally, the use or distribution of illegal drugs is strictly forbidden. Any persons including exhibitors, service providers, employees, attendees or anyone else working at or attending the show that does not comply with this policy will be removed from the show.

Food & Beverage Sales & Sampling - Temporary Permits Required!

Any vendor selling or sampling food or beverages at the Maryland Home & Garden + Craft Show must complete a temporary permit application through the Baltimore County Environmental Health Department.

Along with the completed form, they will need a copy of your annual license. There is a $35 per day fee for this permit, payable by check or credit card (with fee for credit card).

The form is linked here: 2025 Health Permit Application
This application is due no later than February 20, 2025

For more information:
Baltimore County Department of Health
Division of Environmental Health Services
6401 York Road, 3rd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21212
Phone: 410-887-3663
Email: ehs@baltimorecountymd.gov
Website: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/health/environmental/index.html

Complimentary Exhibitor Tickets

Complimentary physical tickets will be mailed to exhibitors approximately one month before the show. There will be a limited amount of physical tickets available onsite. Complimentary electronic tickets will also be emailed to you approximately two weeks before the show. 

For questions on tickets, please contact Alex Sawatzki at alexsa@mpeshows.com

Insurance

Our shows have all been set up so exhibitors can apply using this link: Exhibitor Insurance Application
A few things to be aware of:

• Exhibitors will have to pick the show from a drop-down list that includes shows other than just those run by MPE. 
• Marketplace Events is not selling this insurance and doesn’t profit from it in any way.  This is simply a resource for those vendors who don’t already have the required insurance coverage per their contracts.  They do not have to purchase this.

The Insurance clause is #5 on the Terms and Conditions page of all booth space contracts.  For easy reference, vendors are required to have:

• Comprehensive General Liability and All Risk Property insurance
• Coverage must be from the start of move in to the end of move out
• Coverage of at least $1,000,000 for each separate occurrence
• Name Marketplace Events LLC and the venue as additional insured
• Provide a copy of certificate of insurance to MPE

For any questions regarding the vendor insurance application, contact Kendra Reilly Monahan, Buttine Underwriters Purchasing Group, LLC 212.867.3642 | kar@buttine.com

ENHANCE YOUR COMPANY’S ONLINE EXHIBITOR LISTING

Your basic listing will be uploaded to the website when you book your booth. Within 24 hours you will receive an automated email to enhance your listing. This link can be used multiple times and you can make updates and changes to your listing until ONE day after the show commences. If you have any questions regarding the online exhibitor listing or do not receive the link, please email our digital support rep,  JenK@mpeshows.com.

Learn more about the benefits of creating your enhanced listing.
GO FROM BASIC TO ENHANCED!

Social Media
#Letsgetsocial

Share your show pics or your home reno projects with us.      

IG Hashtag: #MarylandHomeAndGarden

In an effort to protect potential joint customers from fraudulent events and scammers, we request that you do not create your own Facebook Event. This helps us manage ticket sales for the event, and ensures that our team is available to support both exhibitors and potential attendees with any questions, comments, or concerns that they may have. Please feel free to reach out to your show manager or show marketing manager with your company's Facebook page and we can add you as a co-host to the official event.

Click HERE for the Facebook Event

Click HERE for the Social Media Marketing Toolkit