2026 Vendor Kit

SHOW MANAGEMENT

Tacoma Holiday Festival is produced and managed by: 
Marketplace Events LLC
2000 Auburn Dr., Ste 200 
Beachwood, OH 44122 
www.marketplaceevents.com | www.holidaygiftshows.com

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REQUIRED READING

Click Here for the 2026 Rules & Regulations

It is required all participating Vendors review the full Vendor Kit along with the show Rules and Regulations. This document has detailed descriptions on everything you need to plan for the show, and where you can find the answers to most questions that may arise. 

For questions clarification contact EmilyB@mpeshows.com.

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MISSED PAYMENTS

After three (3) missed payments, your contract is subject to cancellation without a refund, and your booth space will be released. If you wish to restart payments, monthly payment plans will no longer be available. Your only options will be a 50/50 payment split or payment in full. Please note that your product category may be capped, or original booth space may no longer be available.

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FINAL PAYMENT 

The full and final payment will automatically charge your card per the original contract on September 15th, please ensure funds are available before this date. Any outstanding contracts after the show cycle will be automatically forwarded to collections. The vendor will remain responsible for the booth space fees and will be prohibited from exhibiting in future Marketplace Events. For any questions regarding payment, please contact Emily Bedient at  Emilyb@mpeshows.com or 503-567-5712.

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STORAGE 

All stored items in your booth including inventory, and personal effects, must be kept completely out of sight. Storage space is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is located in the locker rooms in the breezeway between the Exhibition Hall and the Arena. Storage areas are located in locker rooms A-E. 

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MASCOTS 

We are pleased to feature a contracted Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus who will be available in a designated area for photo opportunities during the event. Guests will be directed to this area to enjoy their visit with these beloved holiday figures.

To maintain the integrity and flow of the event experience, only the official Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present in character roles. As such, vendors are kindly asked not to include mascots or additional holiday characters in their displays.

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POLITICAL MERCHANDISE POLICY 

Marketplace Events (MPE) wants to make clear its position on what content will not be permitted on its exhibit floors in all its US consumer home and holiday shows effective January 1, 2024.

MPE shows are welcoming environments built solely to encourage face-to-face commerce. Creating respectful, safe marketplaces where our attendees and Vendors can come together to learn, shop, compare pricing and do business together is our highest priority. MPE’s acceptability standards do not permit political candidates, parties or other groups promoting issues or ballot initiatives to participate as Vendors. In addition, the display or sale of any products or services that are political/partisan in nature or that can be interpreted to promote, incite, or glorify hatred, violence, racial, sexual, or religious intolerance are prohibited. MPE’s judgment in applying these standards will be final.

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BOOTH BOUNDARIES 

Nothing, including carpet or banners, may extend beyond the designated boundaries of your booth into the aisles, above your pipe & drape, or into adjacent booths. Solicitation outside your booth parameters is strictly prohibited.

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DISTRACTING DEVICES 

Attention-attracting devices, such as noisemakers, flashing lights, feather flags, movies, music, broadcasting, or drawings, are subject to Show Management approval. Show Management will promptly ask any vendor to remove any attention attracting and/or distractive devices being used without prior approval. Devices that are deemed distracting or disruptive to other exhibitors will not be permitted. Hardwall systems must be used for stereo equipment to minimize noise.

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EXHIBITOR CONDUCT 

Show Management reserves the right to refuse admission or ask any exhibitor or exhibitor’s employee to leave the facility if they are deemed unfit, intoxicated, or disruptive to the show.

Check back this summer for the 2026 Move In Map. While the load-in areas are clearly labeled, please be aware that they are subject to change depending on weather conditions. 

Click Here for The 2025 Move In Map

 

MOVE IN

Upon ARRIVAL, please pick up your badges at the Show Office located in the NE corner of the Arena.  Follow signs for "Vendor Check In" and "Show Office".  Aisle carpet will be installed in both Ex-Hall and Arena during Move-In.  All aisles must be kept clear during set up. 

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13  Exhibition Hall Only  8 am – 8 pm Load-in doors along East 27th St. and Lobby entrance. No vehicles are allowed in the building. No booth move-in for Arena on Tuesday.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14  Arena & Exhibition Hall   8 am – 8 pm No vehicles are allowed in the building.  Exhibition Hall can continue to set up their displays. The load-in is through NW and NE Arena doors.

• On Wednesday, the Tacoma Dome security will use a numbering system to route trucks to the load-in areas.  THE FIRST 200 VEHICLES TO ARRIVE WILL “TAKE A NUMBER” AND BE STAGED IN ORDER TO UNLOAD. If you do not need to drive to a loading door, you will not need a number.  Park your car and hand truck your products to your booth.  Parking is free during move-in.  CLICK HERE for map of Tacoma Dome parking lots.
  
  
• The show decorator will provide material handling at the Tacoma Dome during move-in. If you need forklift services or shipping/material handling, please contact Trade Show Supply House, Inc. at 360-624-4498.
  
  
• After 8 pm, the building is locked down.  You may continue to work in your booth; however, you cannot leave your display area.  Once you leave the building, you cannot re-enter. 

All booths must be set up by 8:00 pm on Wednesday October 14th

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MOVE OUT 

SUNDAY OCTOBER 18
6:01 pm - 10:00 pm. Booth teardown can begin in both the Arena and Exhibition Hall at 6:01 pm on Sunday October 18th. DO NOT pack up your booth before show closing, customers are still on site to make purchases. Please respect your fellow vendors and valued attendees by adhering to this enforced policy.

• The decorator will begin rolling up the carpet as soon as the show closes.  PLEASE KEEP AISLES CLEAR. Please do not roll carts over the carpet – hand carry only. This usually takes approx. 1.5 hours after show closing. All booths must be moved out of the building by 10:00 pm on Sunday.
  
  
•  Before leaving, you must remove all garbage and place in the provided receptacle bins. Failure to do so can result in fines issued by Show Management. 
  
  
• For the Arena booths that need to access the loading areas at move-out you must first pack up your booth. Once ready, contact a staff member by the roll up doors to verify you are ready to go and they will give you a move-out number.  Then you can retrieve your vehicle and bring to the loading door.
  
  
• If you do not need to use the loading area, you may pack up your booth and proceed moving out.

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ADDITIONAL DETAILS 

• The Show Decorator provides a minimal number of handcarts to help with move-in; you are strongly advised to bring their own dollies and handcarts.  Please remember to label all your personal property – such as handcarts and tools.  
  

• For safety reasons during the move in/move out hours there are NO CHILDREN ALLOWED under 16 years of age (including infants). Children are prohibited inside, around the show halls, and parking lot. This precaution is taken due to vehicles operating in the building, including forklifts and machinery that are dangerous. Injuries to children will not be covered by insurance due to this enforced regulation.

VENDOR BADGES

Show Badges are required for entry during show days. Please pick your badges during move in at the Show Office located in the NE corner of the Arena. Once picked up, you are responsible for distributing the badges to your staff prior to entering the building. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR BADGE IN YOUR BOOTH. Replacements are $7 each if badge is lost or left in booth.

• Each booth receives up to 5 badges for vendor staff, which gains access to the building on show days. You are responsible for distributing the badges to your booth personnel. Do not rotate badges at Will Call, which is for one-time pick up only. 
• All personnel must be 16 years of age or older.
  
• To pick up badges during show dates, please instruct your workers to park on Lot F or G, and use the Exhibitor Entrance to enter building at the NE corner and go directly to the Show Office. Click here to view a map of the Tacoma Dome parking lots/entrances.

If you need more badges than the allotted amount, please contact EmilyB@mpeshows.com 

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SECURITY 

A Vendor Badge will be required to enter the show floor. All loading dock doors will be closed and there will be no access granted during show hours. If you need to restock your booth with supplies, please do before the show opens. Security is permitted to stop any Vendor from entering or exiting through the side entrances or loading dock doors.

Vendors will be subject to a search prior to entering the facility. This can include bags, backpacks, purses, briefcases, etc. Metal detectors will be used during show days, be prepared and arrive early. 

Due to Aramark’s contract with the Tacoma Dome, no outside food or drink is allowed. Aramark offers a variety of hot food options along with Grab-and-Go products on-site during show days.

For vendors with dietary needs, only single-serving meals/snacks prepared at home are allowed.  Food and drinks may not be prepackaged, or purchased from a restaurant.  Any food deliveries will be turned away. On show days, any home‑prepared food must be declared to security upon entry and is subject to inspection.

There is no smoking or vaping allowed inside the building. 

BOOTH PLANING 101 

We know from experience that booths with on theme  decor do best! Watch the video below for inspiration and guidance as you plan for the show

 

 

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HOLIDAY DECOR REQUIRED

This is Winter Holiday event, all vendors are expected to plan their booth décor accordingly. Think of your booth like a picture window at a department store, proper set up and decoration will make turn an attendee your customer! Lights, trees, garlands, and ornaments are just a few suggested ways to transform your space. 

We offer locally grown Poinsettias for $12/ea. To place an order, email the number of Poinsettias desired to EmilyB@mpeshows.com.

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FLOORING 

It is mandatory that all exhibit booths have flooring that covers 100% of your booth's square footage. 

• All flooring must be clean, and professional looking. Approved flooring types include carpeting, interlocking foam tiles, astroturf, hardwood, tile, vinyl flooring.  You may bring your own or rent from Trade Show Supply House.
• All floor edges must be secured with double sided tape on the underside of the carpet. Duct tape is not permitted. Any tape or residue left on the floor after moving out is subject to a fee.
• Protective material must be placed on the floor before laying bricks, patios, etc. Do not drill holes, nail glue or affix flooring.  Any damage (including unremoved tape) to the Tacoma Dome flooring will be repaired at the Vendor's expense. 

All inline exhibit spaces will have three 'walls' made of 8’ high pipe with black drape, one on each side and one at the back. 

Corner booths will have two sides of 8' high, black drape, open on the corner.

End cap booths will have black pipe and drape on the back wall. There is no furniture or flooring included with your booth price. Please see Decorator & Electrician Order Forms section of the vendor kit to rent any additional booth items.

 

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SIGNAGE

All signs must be tasteful and professional. All signage should fit within your square footage and be no higher than your 8' pipe and drape.

• Signage may not impede adjacent booths.
• Any booth signs or product should not block show signage or other displays.
• The use of handwritten signs, paper banners, large discount pricing cards or other such material is not permitted.

Avoid these common mistakes when exhibiting and see your engagement increase!

1. Not enough space in your booth.  When you inquire about booth space, always tape out the dimensions on your floor before coming down to the show to get an idea of how much room you have, and how you want to lay out the space so you are better prepared. 

2.  No goals/measurable results.  Set yourself a goal for the event, whether that's booking 10 appointments/consultations or handing out all your marketing materials with a conversation.  This will keep you accountable and driven.  

3.  Forgetting the "three second rule".  You only have 3 seconds to make an impression on a customer walking by.  That means your display has to be something that intrigues them, as well as you have to appear available to them.

4.  Bad Signage.  Don't make it a guessing game as to what your booth is offering.  If you have bad signage in your booth or hand written signs, you are advertising that you aren't professional or prepared enough.  Plan your display out in advance and print things out professionally or from your printer and put them in a nice frame/display.   

5.  Booth design that acts as a barrier.  If you can't invite someone into your booth for a conversation, that means they are lingering in the aisle where they are going to get pushed around and more likely to keep walking.  Don't put a table right at the front of your booth, leave room for them step into your space and chat with you.

6.  Inexperienced staff.  You are at the show to sell/market your services.  If you have inexperienced staff at your booth, that's what you are advertising to your customer, that you are inexperienced.  Prepare your staff ahead of time to be able to answer questions and train them appropriately for the event.  

7.  Passing out literature instead of having a conversation. People can read about your company online, they come to the show to have a conversation and to be told why you are the right vendor for. 

8.  Talking and not listening.  Let the customer ask their questions and listen to what they want.  If you are always sales pitching, you may miss important details to know if they are the right client for you or not.

9.  Sitting in the back of the booth.  You look disinterested and hard to approach, be sure to check in with your body language and be approachable.

10.  Eating, being on your phone, working on computer etc.  By being unavailable you miss the opportunity to talk with someone.  Be sure to have a team member there who can cover for you if you need to eat your lunch or take a call.  If you aren't present and available to chat, you are going to miss potential sales.

11.  No means of gathering contact info.  Be sure to have a method of capturing potential leads.  Ensure you are capturing the details of people who are interested in what you have to offer and give them an easy digital form to fill out.  Don't leave it up to them to contact you by just taking your card.

12.  Poor follow up or no follow up.  Be sure to follow up with customers within the days of the show so you are fresh in their minds.  Don't just do it once either, follow up with them again the month after to remind them! 

Advanced Order Discount Deadline: TBD

SHOW DECORATOR

Trade Show Supply House, Inc
360-624-4498
Bryan@thedecorator.net

Check back this summer for the 2026 Order form. 

The Show will be using black drape and red aisle carpet. If you would like special color drapes other than those furnished by Show Management, you may order them for an additional fee.

• If not ordered in advance, services and equipment will be subject to “floor order” rates.
  
• Show decorators work standard 9am - 5pm hours during move in and out. The show decorator will have limited availability during show days.

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Advanced Order Discount Deadline: TBD

 

SHOW ELECTRICIAN 

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ADVANCED SHIPMENTS

Any shipments arriving to the Tacoma Dome before October 13th will not be accepted and will be returned at the Vendor’s expense. 

• All major shipments, i.e., crates, will be off-loaded with forklifts and delivered to designated booth locations. IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT EXHIBITORS ARE ON HAND TO RECEIVE THEIR SHIPMENTS.  This avoids damage and theft of goods and ensures delivery to correct booths. MPE and Trade Show Supply House is not responsible for any damages to shipments and products. 
  
• Vendors not on hand to receive their shipments may find that they have not been accepted and have remained with the carrier. 

The Tacoma Dome’s 24-hour security office does NOT sign for deliveries on behalf of vendors, nor do they store shipments. Any shipments arriving before October 13th will not be accepted and will be returned at the vendor’s expense. 

Contact Tradeshow Supply House Inc. at 360-624-4498 or via email Bryan@thedecorator.net for additional advanced shipments options

DOME PUBLIC 

At past shows, Square and POS devices have had connectivity issues while using public Wi-Fi. A personal hotspot is recommended for consistent reliable internet access for you and your POS systems. 

The Tacoma Dome provides free Wi-Fi throughout the facility called Dome Public. There is no password
required. The provided Dome Public Wi-Fi is fast and reliable, however, there is no guarantee of upload or download speeds. You can also connect your POS systems to a personal hotspot for reliable internet access. This ensures seamless transactions even when traditional Wi-Fi is unavailable. Please contact Tacoma Dome Event Manager Phillip Oliver at POliver@tacomavenues.org to order your own Wi-Fi connection.

PROOF OF GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE

All Marketplace Events shows require show insurance. Coverage dates must include Move In through Move Out, October 13-18, 2026. Liability requirements are $1,000,000.

It is mandatory that we are listed on your policy as additional insured:

Marketplace Events LLC
2000 Auburn Dr Ste 200        
Beachwood, OH 44122

Please email a copy of your certificate to  MichelleD@mpeshows.com prior to show open. Neither Show Management nor the Tacoma Dome will accept responsibility for injury to persons, loss of or damage to products, exhibits, equipment, or decorations, by fire, accident, theft, or any other causes while in the building.

Exhibitors, or their agents, must provide adequate insurance for their own personnel, the public, exhibits and materials against all such hazards.

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RECOMMENDED INSURANCE PROVIDORS

There are several companies which offer short term insurance for events, such as Insurance Canopy, John Buttine Insurance, ACT insurance, or Hartford Insurance.

Even though we have security on duty, Marketplace Events, LLC and the Tacoma Dome will not accept responsibility for loss or damage of merchandise during the move-in, show, or move-out of the Tacoma Holiday Festival. 

FOOD SAMPLING REQUIREMENTS 

Every exhibitor selling or sampling of food or drink must submit a Temporary Food Establishment (TFE) Application to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD) at least 14 days prior to event, along with payment if required. 

Please go to www.tpchd.org/healthy-places/food-safety/temporary-events to apply and pay fee for the Temporary Food Establishment Permit as well as the Sampling/Tasting Courtesy Application (if applicable).  You can apply online or email to food@tpchd.org.  Must be submitted 14 days prior to event.

All food and beverages sold at an exhibitor booth must be pre-packaged and sealed for at-home consumption. 

PARKING INFORMATION COMING SOON

 

UPGRADE YOUR ONLINE VENDOR LISTING TODAY 

As a vendor, you have a basic listing live on the website, and now you can Enhance It! Maximize your business’s exposure and attract more customers by upgrading your vendor listing. This is included in the contracted space cost and is no additional charge.

You should have received an automated email providing a link to elevate your listing. This link gives you the flexibility to make updates and changes to your listing as frequently as you like until one day after the show ends. Your listing will stay active for as long as you participate in the show.

If you have any questions regarding the online vendor listing or if you do not receive the email with the link, please email our digital coordinator at JenK@mpeshows.com.

For any assistance with your listing, please consult the FAQ section.

We believe this opportunity will greatly benefit your business and we are excited to assist in maximizing your presence at the show.

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

CLICK HERE for a video tutorial.

SPONSOR THE TACOMA HOLIDAY FESTIVAL

Get some extra bang for your buck at the Tacoma Holiday Festival! Work with us to get more people to your booth.

Our approach and process is this...
We are consultative in providing marketing solutions to you or in support of your clients' needs. This means that we want to know about your marketing objectives, strategies and brand positioning so that we are truly on your team of solution providers. We care about your experience in our events and your outcomes.

Contact our team today for more information

Visit the Marketplace Events corporate site for more info and to see our event schedule, MarketplaceEvents.com.

BOOTH EXCELLENCE AWARDS 

We are pleased to recognize vendors who go the extra mile in creating exceptional holiday themed booth experiences. To be eligible for a booth award, vendors must meet high standards which include: festive holiday decor, flawless floor coverings, professional signage, an inviting layout, and strict adherence to booth boundaries.

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AWARD CATAGORIES

Best Holiday Decor
Celebrates the booth that best captures the festive spirit of the season. This award honors creative use of seasonal decorations that bring warmth, charm, and holiday cheer to the event.

Jolly Award
Recognizes the vendor who brings joy and positivity to the show. Awarded to the team that creates a welcoming atmosphere through friendly interactions, enthusiasm, and a cheerful presence.

Best Product Display
Highlights the most effective and visually appealing product presentation. This award goes to the booth that showcases its products in a clear, organized, and engaging way that draws in attendees.

Social Butterfly
Rewards the vendor with outstanding social media engagement. Given to the booth that actively promotes their presence online, interacts with attendees digitally, and creates buzz through creative content.

Best In Show
The highest honor for overall excellence. Awarded to the vendor who excels in all aspects—booth design, decor, product display, engagement, and professionalism—setting the standard for others to follow.

PARTNER HOTELS 

Emerald Queen Casino 1.2 miles to the Tacoma Dome 5700 Pacific Highway East, Fife, WA, 98424 833-314-5474 RATE TBD

Marriott Tacoma Downtown $169/night + tax. * Rate good for October 15-18, 2026  Reservation deadline: September 28, 2026  This rate is only available through the link above. You cannot access this rate via phone, Bonvoy app, or through the hotel's general website.  1.2 miles to the Tacoma Dome 1515 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA 98402 253-294-9200

ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATIONS 

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tacoma

1.0 miles to the Tacoma Dome
1425 E. 27th Street Tacoma, WA 98421

#LETSGETSOCIAL WITH SOCIAL MEDIA

Click Here for the Social Media Marketing Kit

Share your planning process and show pics with us to help build hype for the event!

Click the icons below for our profile pages  

        

Hashtags: #TacomaHolidayShow #TacomaGiftShow

In efforts 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 are available to support both exhibitors and potential attendees with any questions, comments, or concerns that they have. Please reach out to your show manager or show marketing manager with your companies’ Facebook page and we can add you as a co-host to the official event.

Check Back here for the 2026 Facebook Event