Everything you need to "know before you show". Please note that this page is constantly being updated and for the best information, you should check back periodically.
SCAM ALERT FOR EXHIBITORS
As per our privacy policy, Marketplace Events is a permission-based email sender. We do not share, rent, or sell any email lists.
WE ARE CONSTANTLY UPDATING THE KIT WITH 2025 INFORMATION AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE. PLEASE CHECK BACK OFTEN.
Kindness is Contagious!
VENDOR DECORUM: We ask all vendors to uphold a professional demeanor during the event. If any issues or concerns arise, please bring them to our attention at the show office for resolution. Our aim is to maintain a positive and respectful environment, free from gossip or negativity. Early tear down of your booth space is a breach of contract and will result in a ban from all MPE shows. Your cooperation in fostering a professional atmosphere is greatly appreciated.
Christmas Show Checklist
Use this handy Getting Ready Checklist to ensure you are set to go for the show!
Learn more...
General Information
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
SHOW OFFICE
The Show Office is located on the East side of the building in Lounge 1A. During move-in, show hours and move-out, Show Management will maintain a show office in the Tacoma Dome.
SHOW HOURS
Thursday, October 23
10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday, October 24
10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday, October 25
10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sunday, October 26
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
SHOW MAP
Official Show Map coming soon...
INTERNET ACCESS
The Tacoma Dome provides free Wi-Fi throughout the Dome called Dome Public. It is fast, reliable, and should be sufficient for most companies exhibiting. However, there is no guarantee of upload or download speeds.
We invite you to review our Vendor Kit, which provides a brief overview of the rules and regulations for the show. For more detailed information, please refer to the Additional Rules and Regulations: CLICK HERE.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, don't hesitate to reach out to Pipern@mpeshows.com.
Move In & Out Information
MOVE IN
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21 – 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 main Arena on Tuesday.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22 – ARENA & EXHIBITION HALL - For the Arena move-in 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.
8 AM – 8 PM: No vehicles are allowed in the building. Exhibition Hall can continue to set up their displays. The load-in through NW and NE Arena doors.
Aisle carpet will be installed in both Ex-Hall and Arena. ALL AISLES MUST BE KEPT CLEAR.
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 PM. WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 22nd!
Pick up your Exhibitor Badges during move-in at the Registration Desk in the Arena by the NE doors. Show floor map coming soon...
MOVE OUT
Sunday, October 26: 6:01 PM - 10:00 PM
Booth teardown can begin at 6:01 pm on Sunday October 26th. 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. Once the displays have been dismantled, exhibitors 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, if you need to use one of the loading areas at move-out, first pack up your booth. After you have packed up your booth, 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.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
The show decorator provides a minimal number of handcarts to help with move-in; however, exhibitors are strongly advised to bring their own dollies and handcarts. Please remember to label all your personal property – such as handcarts and tools.
Move-in & Move-out - CHILDREN NOT ALLOWED - For safety reasons during the move-in/move-out hours, children under 16 years of age (this includes infants) are prohibited inside and 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 would not likely be covered by insurance because of this regulation. THIS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED!
WARNING: Watch your display carefully THEFT MAY OCCUR DURING the process of move-in and move-out.
Map of loading areas:
Move-In map with load-in areas coming soon...
Vendor Badges & Security
Each booth receives up to 5 badges for exhibitor staff, which gains access to the building on show days. Please pick your badges during move-in at the Registration Desk in the Show Office. All exhibitor personnel must be 16 years of age or older. Do not rotate badges at Will Call, which is for one-time pick up only.
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.
If you need more badges than will be allotted to you, please contact pipern@mpeshows.com.
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 it one hour before the show opens. Security is permitted to stop any Vendor from entering or exiting through the side entrances or loading dock doors. There is no smoking allowed inside the building. On show days, exhibitors can enter the building 1 hour before show open with an exhibitor badge to restock. Exhibitors may be subject to a search prior to entering the facility. This can include bags, backpacks, purses, briefcases, etc. Please be prepared for this on opening day and arrive early.
If you require access to the premises earlier than two hours before the show, you must obtain authorization from Show Management the day prior. Security personnel will not permit access without this authorization. If the facility requires special arrangements for extra security during this early access, the cost of this security will be charged to the exhibitor.
Vendor Standards
Final Payment: Full and final payment for exhibit space must be made September 15. Show Management reserves the right to refuse entry to any Vendor whose account has not been settled and paid in full. If you have signed and authorized Marketplace Events to automatically charge your card on your original contract, please make sure funds are available in the proper time frame. If you have any questions regarding payment processes, please contact Piper Newman at pipern@mpeshows.com or 206-756-0930. Any contracts that are outstanding after the show cycle is completed will automatically be sent to collections and the Vendor will still be responsible to pay off the booth space and will not be allowed to exhibit in any future shows with Marketplace Events.
Floor Covering Required: You can order carpet from the Show Decorator or bring your own flooring materials. It should be professional-looking and clean and must cover your entire booth floor corner to corner. No partial floor coverings are permitted. All edges of a carpet must be taped down – double sided tape is acceptable. Duct tape is not allowed to secure the flooring. Any Vendor leaving tape remnants will be charged a fee for cleanup.
Signage: All signs must be tasteful and professional. The use of handwritten signs, paper banners, large discount pricing cards or other such material is not permitted. Signage may not impede adjacent booths. Signs identifying your booth, company or products must be clear and informative. No signs over 8 feet high are allowed. Any booth signs or product should not block show signage or other displays.
**Please note the Tacoma Dome policy forbids the hanging of signage from the building structure.
Table Coverings Required: Table coverings must be clean and pressed, and extend all the way to the floor. 'Makeshift' or plastic tablecloths are not permitted. You can order coverings/skirting from the Show Decorator or bring your own.
Display: All exhibits must be free standing and self-supporting. Free standing bulletin boards, signs, etc. may be used providing exhibits are not hidden from view. Unfinished sides or backgrounds must be draped. Racks and display shelves must not unduly obstruct visibility of adjacent exhibits. Tables must be professionally skirted (no plastic) with floor-length skirting on all visible sides.
Holiday Decor Required: This is Christmas event, and we ask you to plan your space accordingly with holiday décor. We ask that everyone decorate their space to include décor, lights, trees, etc. We know from other shows that those booths that are decorated do better! The shoppers are feeling festive! All booths must be decorated in a holiday theme and should reflect the holiday spirit. Think of your booth like a picture window at a department store and decorate appropriately, with an easy flow into your booth space.
Booth Pipe and Drape: All inline exhibit spaces will three sides of 8’ high pipe with black drape. Corner booths will have two sides of 8' high, black drape. One 500 watt 120-volt duplex receptacle will be provided for each booth.
Booth Lighting: Given that the drape is black and the dome has unique lighting and isn't evenly distributed across the floor, especially the perimeters. We strongly recommend incorporating additional lighting to ensure the space feels inviting and vibrant. You can rent lighting equipment through Tradeshow for a convenient solution. If you prefer to purchase your own, we’ve provided an Amazon link with some great options to consider: CLICK HERE. Adequate lighting will not only enhance visibility but also highlight your displays beautifully!
Storage: Any and all stored items, ranging from inventory to personal effects, must be stored completely out of sight. Storage is available on a first come first served basis and is located in the locker rooms. Please see Show Office for location.Storage areas are located in locker rooms “A” & “E”, dry storage in locker room “C”, and empty box storage areas are located in locker rooms “B” & “D”.
Mascots: Please be aware that our show will not feature mascots or holiday characters such as Santa, the Grinch, or Mrs. Claus, etc. However, we are delighted to have a Santa available for photos, and attendees will be directed to that area for a fun photo opportunity.
Exhibit Boundaries: Nothing, including carpet, may extend past the outer boundaries of an exhibit into the aisles or an adjoining booth. Solicitation in the aisles and other public areas other than your booth is strictly prohibited.
Display Vehicles: Please refer to page 4 of the Rules and Regulations.
Distracting Devices: Any attention attracting devices, such as noisemakers, flashing lights, movies, music, broadcasting, television, drawings, etc., are subject to Show Management approval. Devices which are obviously distracting and annoying to exhibitors are prohibited (Hardwall systems must be used for stereo equipment to reduce noise).
Exhibitor Conduct: Show Management reserves the right to refuse admission or ask to leave the facility to any exhibitor or exhibitor's employee who is deemed by Show Management to be unfit, intoxicated, or is in any way creating a disruption to the show.
Enhance Your Company's Online Presence Through Your Vendor Listing
Maximize your business’s exposure and attract more customers by upgrading your vendor listing. As a vendor, you have a basic listing live on the website, and now you can Enhance It! This is included in the contracted space cost and is no additional charge.
Within 24 hours, you will receive 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.
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 (which no one wants for their wedding). 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. If you want to just hand out literature, you should participate in the Bride Bag. 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 their big day.
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. Yes, we send you the attendee list after the show, but some of these customers may not be in need of your service. Ensure you are capturing the details of people who are interested in what you have to offer and give them an easy digital from 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. It's one thing to have access to the attendee list of your hot leads from the show, it's another thing to use them. It's also another thing to rely solely on that list vs people that are specifically interested in your product or service. Be sure to follow up with brides and 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! Sort them by wedding date and create a system for yourself where you can follow up with them as their wedding date approaches as well. Brides and Grooms have a lot going on before the wedding, they may need some reminding.
Decor and Additional Electricity Order Forms
SHOW DECORATOR
The Show will be using black drape and red carpet. If you would like special color drapes other than those furnished by Show Management, a charge will be made to you by the Show Decorator. The Show Decorator is Trade Show Supply House, Inc. You may contact them at 360-624-4498 for rental of carpets, furniture, sign-making and cleaning of displays. Please be advised, if not ordered in advance, services and equipment will be subject to “floor order” rates.
Click below for order form:
Order Form coming soon...
ELECTRICITY
Please note power may not be available during move in, please come prepared with cordless power tools and extension cords.
500 watts are included with your booth cost. Please check the wattage of all your power needs to determine if you need more power. For instance, appliances such as vacuums, microwaves, and space heaters may exceed 500 watts and you will trip the breaker for your entire row if used.
Show decorator and electricians work standard 9am - 5pm hours during move in and out. The show electricians will not be on-site during show days.
Order Form coming soon...
Show Insurance
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. Proof of General Liability insurance in mandatory for our shows. Coverage dates must include Move-In and Move-Out, October 21 - 26, 2025. Liability requirements are $1,000,000. Please email a copy of your certificate to pipern@mpeshows.comto keep on file prior to show open.
It is required that we are listed on your policy as additional insured: Marketplace Events LLC 2000 Auburn Dr Ste 200 Beachwood, OH 44122
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. Please insure your own merchandise and exhibit space!
Parking
Exhibitor parking is located in Lot F, M and J. Exhibitor Entrances are at the NE and NW Doors for Arena, as well as one staffed entrance door along North doors of Ex-Hall. Please show your Exhibitor Pass to get the Exhibitor rate. You may purchase a $48 Parking Pass or pay $12 day of pass for F and M Lot. A parking pass allows in and out privileges and is transferable. 4-day parking passes may be purchased only during Wednesday of move-in and opening day.
The Tacoma Dome ADA accessible lot is located in Lot K, outside the front Lobby entrance. Passes are available for $12 per day pass with limited availability.
CLICK HEREto view a map of the Tacoma Dome parking lots/entrances.
For RV and oversized vehicle parking details, please refer to Pg. 4 & 5 of the Additional Rules and Regulations.
Wi-Fi
The Tacoma Dome provides free Wi-Fi throughout the Dome called Dome Public. It is fast, reliable, and should be sufficient for most companies exhibiting. 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 WiFi is unavailable.
253-383-0146 x5 - Call directly to book with group rate $109.00 per night.
All Things Food Sampling
FOOD SAMPLING REQUIREMENTS
Every exhibitor selling or sampling any type of food or drink must submit a Temporary Food Establishment (TFE) Application to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD), along with payment if required. Use the Temporary Food Establishment Permit application to help you discern whether you need to complete the Sampling/Tasting Courtesy Application.
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.
Please note: Sampling size no larger than 2 oz.
A 3-compartment sink for hot and cold water will be available near the roll up doors in the NE corner of the Dome. These dedicated sinks will be supplied with hot and cold water.
CLICK HERE If you need access to a refrigerator, it is first come first serve with limited availability.
If you know you will need multiple orders of ice throughout the duration of show, you can keep a "running tab" and be charged on consumption at the end of the event. Please fill out a Card Authorization Form: CLICK HERE.
Washington Tax ID- Required
The Washington State Dept. of Revenue requires every exhibitor who participates at the show to provide a UBI number (WA State Tax ID) to conduct business in the state of Washington, or they will not be allowed to exhibit.
The show must submit all UBI numbers to the state. Please email your UBI number to pipern@mpeshows.com.
If you are an out of state/country exhibitor and need a temporary number, register online at dor.wa.gov/contact/temporary-registration-certificate. For questions, please call 253-382-2000 for assistance. A "temporary business” is a business that has no more than two events per year in Washington, with each event lasting no longer than one month. Each temporary registration certificate is valid for one event only. You are not charged for obtaining a temporary registration certificate.
Persons who make sales in Washington outside of the two events may be responsible for additional tax liability and may be required to get a “tax registration endorsement” instead of a temporary registration certificate. Visit dor.wa.gov/education/industry-guides/out-state-businesses-reporting-thresholds-and-nexus for more information on registration and tax reporting requirements.
Once a number has been assigned to you, please email the number to pipern@mpeshows.com. Please note that you need to report all revenue from the show to the state 10 days after the close of the show.
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. Exhibitors 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 exhibitors, nor do they store shipments. Any shipments arriving before October 21st will not be accepted and will be returned at the exhibitor’s expense.
Guest Passes - All Exhibitors will receive 6 complimentary tickets per company mailed to them! Send guest show tickets to your clients, prospects and friends. Pick up your guest passes during move-in from the Show Office. If you would like to order more than the 10 tickets provided, additional passes can be purchased for only $10.00 each. Contact pipern@mpeshows.com or purchase on-site at the Show Office.
Click Below to download a fly to have at you place of business to hand out to your loyal customers and they will receive a $2.00 discount off ticket prices!
Ticket Promo QR code flyer coming soon...
THINGS TO NOTE: A show ticket is only valid for one day and are NOT day specific. In and out privileges for same day will require a hand stamp, you can ask for a stamp in the show lobby BEFORE leaving the building.
RE-ENTRY: For re-entry ticket for the next day, please refer to the show office.
Box Office sales will stop, one hour before the end of show. This is to ensure you are getting the full value of your ticket and are able to see everything.
Poinsettias!
NEW! We offer Poinsettias to help elevate your booth!
Learn more...
GET SOCIAL WITH US!
Share your show pics or your planning process with us. 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 feel free to 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.
----- NEW Political Merchandise Policy for 2024 -----
As we enter a highly volatile political environment in advance of the 2024 General Election, 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 exhibitors 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 exhibitors. 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.
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.
