Please join us for this exciting event!
We currently are seeking vendors and exhibits from businesses and organizations that will be of interest to our audience of preschool and elementary teachers, child care providers, home visitors, administrators of early childhood programs, and parents. The majority of our participants work with children 0-8 years of age and their families in a variety of settings, including Head Start, home visitor programs, Early On, public schools, licensed center and home child care programs. We are expecting approximately 200-250 participants from across the Upper Peninsula and beyond.
Space is limited, and will be awarded based upon a first-come, first served basis, with consideration given for unique types of businesses and organizations. (We do not want all of the tables offering the same or very similar items.) Lunch is included in the fee.
To apply for a space at our conference:
- Read the Requirements and Expectations section below carefully.
- Fill out the form. By pressing Submit, you are acknowledging and agreeing to the Terms and Conditions as set down in our Requirements and Expectations section. The cost for vendors is $35 for one day or $60 for both days. The cost for exhibitors is $30 for one day and $50 for both days.
- Send your payment, postmarked no later than February 17, 2020. Checks must be mailed in order to reserve your space, Make check payable to the UPECC (Upper Peninsula Early Childhood Conference).
Thank you for your support of our mission to “educate and motivate early childhood professionals and parents in order to enrich the lives of young children and their families.”
REQUIRED PARTICIPATION
You must have your exhibit set up and ready by 7:30am on Friday March 6 or Saturday March 7 IF you are only exhibiting on Saturday) and you must remain until 4:15 pm on Friday, and 3:00pm on Saturday. (You may register for one or both days in which case the start and end times will vary).
If you fail to arrive on time or remain for the duration, you may not be able to register for a space in the future.
SET-UP and TAKE-DOWN
Businesses and Organizations participating may set up their exhibits on Thursday March 5, 2020 from 5pm until 9:30 pm or 7am set-up on Friday or Saturday morning.
Tables and Chairs or Space as reserved will be provided. It is your responsibility to provide table coverings if you choose to have them (tablecloth, skirting, etc.). Electricity may be available, but is not guaranteed. (It will be in your best interest to pack an extension cord). Please make sure to indicate any special needs or requests on your application form.
ANY MATERIALS REMAINING AFTER 4PM ON THE DESIGNATED LAST DAY OF YOUR PARTICIPATION FROM AN UNMANNED EXHIBIT WILL BE THROWN AWAY. PLEASE BE PROMPT TO TAKE DOWN YOUR EXHIBIT.
SPACE SIZE
Our space is limited, and thus, you will be limited to the space you reserve and are confirmed to have. Most spaces are 8 ft. tables. If your space needs are smaller or larger than those listed, please contact Tina Brandel (906) 249-9000 to discuss the possibility of an arrangement not listed on the form.
ADDITIONAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
If you are interested in more information to register for additional parts of the conference, please feel free to contact Corey Holcomb (in our Contact Form, Attn: Corey Holcomb). Remember, if you plan to attend other aspects of the conference and are selling items at your exhibit, YOU must have someone else staff your space in your absence.
CANCELLATIONS
If it is necessary to cancel, you must contact Tina Brandel (in our Contact Form, Attn: Tina Brandel) no later than Monday, March 2, 2020 in order to be refunded. If it is necessary to cancel after Monday, March 2, 2020 your payment is non-refundable.
FUNDRAISER/SALES OPPORTUNITIES
While planning your participation, it is also important to note that many childcare facilities and daycares run sales and fundraisers to help cover the cost of equipment. If your business or organization provides opportunities for fundraisers or sales, it would be in your best interest to bring that information along with you to the conference.
RELEASE OF CONTACT INFORMATION
Exhibitors with their contact information (Name, Address, Phone, Email, and Website) will be listed in the Conference Brochure. Please make sure that the information you provide is correct and indicate your interest in being included in the form below.
APPLICATION ACCEPTANCE
Applications will be accepted if they are postmarked on or before Monday February 17, 2020. Once applications have been received, you will be notified if you have been selected to exhibit. Confirmation information will be sent by Monday February 24, 2020. Fees collected for vendors/exhibitors where space has not been allotted will be returned at that time.