[Harp-L] Vendors Fees at SPAH

[IcemanLE@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 7/4/2007 5:13:43 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
leone@xxxxxxxx writes:


On  Jul 4, 2007, at 4:17 PM, Tom Baehr wrote:

> Unless there is a  selection process, comped/free vending space  
> would be a  nightmare.

Do you mean logistically Thomas? Why a nightmare? Aren't  there people  
who comprise work schedules which involve a multitude  of people  
working different shifts and yet, they are shuffled so  that  
everything works? Aren't there people who make out train bus  and  
plane schedules which are tantamount to a nightmare of  planning?  
Aren't there people who put together high school  basketball  
schedules. It takes a planner.

As for a selection  process, Yes. First come, first served, and it has  
to be harmonica  related. As to how deeply related, that's up to the  
panel to decide.  The criteria would be something like (but not  
limited TO): How does  this benefit the harmonica player? Not spah,  
not the manufacturers,  the membership and all other harmonica  
players. Not guitar players,  not dulcimer players. The membership.
>
> Vendors expect to be  charged a table fee; it's part of the price of  
> doing business.  At our event (Cranberry Dulcimer & Autoharp  
> Gathering,  cranberrydulcimer.com), the only free space is for  
> workshop  leaders, and they only get about 18 inches of front space.  
> This  is a smaller event than SPAH, but everyone else who vends buys  
>  table space, $70 per table with a two table limit.

Ok, see already you  have given a more apt fee. The fee YOU speak of  
could be considered  a 'token' fee and only necessary to weed out  
those who aren't as  serious about vending.
>
> If we, or SPAH, were to give away  space, everyone with some sort of  
> harebrained item would be  vying for space with vendors who rely on  
> their tables of a  living, or a substantial part of their gross  
> income. I don't  think that's fair.

I don't think it's fair to give space to people with  hair brained  
ideas either, but then hair brained ideas have to go  through the  
panel. Your reasoning assumes that no one will monitor  this.

smo-joe


Free to vendors sounds like a bad idea.
 
Vendors should pay some token for the ability to expose their wares to an  
interested public. It also adds to the festivities of a convention, which is  
more than just the headliners that are hired to play. Planners of a convention  
should take so much more into consideration, including being in touch with the 
 realities of these harp case, mic, customizer, and boutique harmonica small  
businesses. After all, what is a convention without a nice exhibit hall of  
industry vendors?
 
$200 is a little steep for cottage harmonica industries. A 20%  donation of 
profits to SPAH is a wonderful solution that is a win/win. 
 
The Iceman




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