“Sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes the bug” – Mark Knopfler
It’s been a challenging day, with a variety of unexpected (and previously undiscovered) changes taking place regarding Holiday Market. I’m frustrated by them, and you will be as well; ultimately, our options are limited and we’re choosing to work harder to keep the last two weekends on the calendar. But I apologize now for a communication gaps and logistical inexperience by external forces which have created a bit of a Nightmare Before Christmas for us.
Two Major Changes
First: the location of our event within the venue has shifted. We are normally in Halls B, C and D (see the map above). This year, we have been placed into Halls A and B. The square footage is the same, and the overall vendor booth layout will be the same - but we’re all shifted to the right. Your booth setup, neighbors, and proximity to walls should all be the same. But EVERYONE is officially in a new physical spot exactly one hall to the right; load-in will occur from the Southern ramp at the loading dock, not the Northern ramp we’ve normally used.
Second: We must completely vacate the building after the first weekend. Yes, I know - this is contrary to what we shared with you, and contrary to what we were told and planned for. But having spent the entire day trying to find an alternative solution – there isn’t an alternative. We have to move out between Weeks 1 and 2.
The reload is going to be challenging, too. We can regain access to Hall B about 8pm on Friday, and Hall A about an hour after that – the events that were scheduled into both of those locations are going to be loading out, and we’re going to be cross-loading as quickly as possible. Additional load-in time will begin at 6am on Saturday.
To Recap:
- All Vendors Must Load-Out after Weekend One. We recommend that you go light on the decorations this first weekend.
- Reload for Week 2 will begin 8pm on Friday, 6am on Saturday. We are hoping about half of the vendors choose to reload in on Friday night, and the other half on Saturday.
- The entire footprint will be shifted into Halls B/A
I know this stinks, and I apologize – it’s not a situation we control, created or can remedy (I’m drinking an Adult Beverage now, as my BP is elevated and it makes me upset, too.) But given the choice between canceling the last two weekends of Holiday Market (which are the best weeks of the season for many artists), or working some long hours to pull this event off – we’re going with the hard work ahead.
My team, who is scrambling to digest all of the changes and figure things out, will be at work tomorrow to answer your questions by email or phone call. Please be kind - they are equally frustrated, as this is a surprise and inconvenience for all of us. We are going to take a few days off to spend time with their families on Thanksgiving, then we will be back in full swing the following week. I will personally be at Collegedale Christmas Market on Saturday, November 30 to answer any questions - if you want to come by and chat with me in person.
But we’ll manage.