2021 Virginia Beach Christmas Market Exhibitor's Guide

2023VBCMExhibitorGuideforWeb.pdf

Below you will find a comprehensive guide to exhibiting at the Virginia Beach Christmas Market. If you questions are not answered here, you can check the FAQ or contact us. We are lifetime Va. Beach natives. So, if you have any questions about the area, please don't hesitate to ask.

A PDF version of this document can be downloaded above.

Show Management

Events Management Group, Inc. (EMG)
P. O. Box 909, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Tel: (757) 417-7771 Fax: (757) 417-7772
E-Mail: info@emgshows.com
Web site: www.emgshows.com

Time & Location

The 42nd Annual Virginia Beach Christmas Market will be held on November 24-26, 2023 in the Virginia Beach Convention Center, Halls C & D which are located in the West end of the building.

Hours

Friday & Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday 10 am - 5 pm

Set-up Times

Wednesday, November 22nd    12 noon - 9 pm
PLEASE NOTE! THERE IS NO THURSDAY LOAD-IN
Friday, November 24th    6 am - 9:30 am
EMG will not be available for on-site for questions prior to Wednesday's set-up at 12:00. All our staff will be diligently working to prepare the hall for your arrival. Please call (757)417-7771 with any questions or concerns. Exhibitors are not allowed on the show floor until 12 noon due to the use of set up vehicles.

Registration & Check-in

Registration/Check-in area will be located at the back of the hall near Hall C/D loading docks on Wednesday Nov. 22nd from 12noon-9pm and up until 9:30 am on Friday Nov. 24th. After 8:30 am on Friday we will move our Management Desk/Registration Check-in area to the front middle of the hall beside the entrance doors.

UPON ARRIVAL: You will line your vehicle up to proceed into the Load-in area. Once you approach the guard shack, you will give them your booth number and they will assign you the correct loading dock based on your booth location. Exhibitors MUST check in and register at the Registration Desk before beginning booth set-up. All exhibitors must have a parking pass in their car to load in. We suggest you allow extra time for the Registration portion of Load In – we will do our best to get you checked in quickly! Please park your vehicle in the loading dock that you are assigned and then come to the Registration Desk to receive your updated show packet, which includes a parking pass, name badges, show directory, Temporary Retail Sales Tax Forms and any updated new booth numbers or new show layout information.
ARRIVAL: Coming down 19th Street you will turn North at the light just East of Birdneck Rd. Drive to the back of the building, and pull into the line or up to the guard shack (on the right) and the Dockmaster will direct you from there. NO Exhibitor load-in can take place in the front of the building through the front hall doors.
All exhibitors planning to arrive for check-in on Friday morning must notify EMG in advance by Monday, November 21st. Any exhibitor who fails to register by 8:00 am Friday will be replaced by reserve artists and will summarily lose all fees, deposits and right to space and participation in the Virginia Beach Christmas Market.
If you run into car trouble or any snag on the way that will not allow you to arrive until Friday morning, please call our office number 757-417-7771 and leave us a message so we can staff the registration desk on Friday morning accordingly.

Porters

Porters, working FOR TIPS, will be available during Thursday set-up only and Sunday night breakdown.  Sign up for their services at check-in and on Sunday evening after the show closes and  when you are fully packed up. Please be fully packed before bringing your vehicle to the loading dock area for the quickest and easiest load-out. Please treat our porters with kindness and courtesy – they are college students working to pay for tuition. If you have questions about proper tipping please ask at the Management Desk before signing the porter list.

Electric & Water

Electric service may be ordered through The Virginia Beach Convention Center at the price of $95 via their on-line webpage HERE until Friday November 10th.. After this date, or if added on-site, the cost will increase to $145. ARTISTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ORDER IN ADVANCE. ON-SITE ORDERS TAKE TIME & MAY IMPEDE YOUR SET UP TIME.

Water service (early arrival with access to the kitchen) will be available by individual arrangement with Events Management at the time of check-in.

Internet

Telephone service for credit card systems may be ordered through the Virginia Beach Convention Ctr. before November 18th Please call 757-385-2000. Square-type devices should work fine in Hall C&D, however you can also sign up for Exhibitor Internet upon your arrival at the registration desk.

Food & Beverage

Complimentary coffee service and Danish is provided beginning at 6am on Friday morning. Exhibitors will also have access to the concessions stand for coffee and other items 30 minutes before showtime Friday-Sunday.
No coolers, food or food deliveries can be brought into the exhibition center during show hours when the concession stands are open. We realize that the concession food is expensive and therefore we DO allow those with “dietary restrictions” to bring in their own food but ask that this be kept to a minimum and it not be seen as you are entering or exiting the building. (Do not order a pizza or carry a bag from McDonald’s, etc. in with you!)

Booth Set-up/Display Requirements

EMG will provide a properly-sized booth with 8' high back drape of sections of red and white drapery, and two 3' sides separator drape on sides (no side drapes on corners), a booth sign, Exhibitor badges, heat, general lighting and 24-hour security services. Exhibitors are responsible for providing their own booth structures and shall be liable for delivery, handling, erection and removal of their own display and materials. Show Management must be notified of any changes to table, chair, or electrical requests at least two weeks prior to show dates. Lighting may be attached to pipe and drape. Show Management must pre-approve any heavy booth signs, art, etc. hung from aluminum piping.

Do not use pins, wire, or tape on drapery. Table rentals measure 30" x 96" or 30" x 72". Exhibitors are responsible for covering tables to the floor on all sides in an attractive, professional manner. Tables are available for rent for $20 but need to be ordered in advance. Exhibitors who ordered tables are responsible for checking tables and table legs before setting up their display.

All displays must be self-supporting and may not interfere or block other exhibits, exit doors or passageways. Be absolutely positive that your displays are within the boundaries of your assigned space before setting up your inventory. Booth spaces measure 10' x 10' to
10' x30’. All exhibitor chairs must be kept inside the measured booth spaces, not in the aisle space. No storage boxes shall be exposed inside or outside of exhibits. All aisles must be cleared and boxes, dollies, etc. must be out of sight when doors open at 10 am Friday. Each exhibiting artist must be at his/her booth and the booth must be set- up and "open for business" during all show hours each day. Helium balloons, the use of spray paint or chemical paints with fumes and smoking are prohibited by the Convention Center.

Load Out

Load out will be from 5 pm until 11 pm Sunday night through the loading docks only.  Artists must leave their space in the same condition in which it was delivered.

***UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL EXHIBITORS START PACKING OR LEAVING BEFORE 5 PM SUNDAY.  ANY EXHIBITORS NOT COMPLYING WITH THIS POLICY WILL BE SUBJECT TO REMOVAL FROM FUTURE SHOWS AND FORFITURE OF ALL FEES PAID.  SHOW STAFF WILL BE MONITORING THE EXHIBIT HALL ON SUNDAY FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THESE REQUIREMENTS.

 

Fire Safety 

You must have individual approval from EMG, Inc. and the Fire Marshall for open flames, i.e.:burning candles or oil lamps.  Contact show management for regulations and approval.  All drapes, curtains, table coverings, skirts, carpet or any materials used in booth display must be fire proofed and conform to city fire codes and regulations.

Exhibitor Parking

There is an assigned area for exhibitor vehicles, trucks, and trailers near the loading dock area. You will receive a parking pass/map to show you these designated areas when you check in. Please DO NOT park in any customer parking spots during show hours. At the publishing of this guide, we do not know if the city shuttle will be available to take customers to satellite lots, so all available customer parking – ESPECIALLY BESIDE THE CONVENTION CENTER needs to be open for customers. These are the people that you are here to sell to, let’s give them a happy
experience where they can’t help but spend money!

Signs & Badges

Each artist will be given a booth sign listing the artist's name, hometown, and booth number. This sign should be displayed on upper right side of your booth so that someone facing the front of the booth can readily see the sign. Signs offering sales, discounts or closeouts are not allowed in exhibits. A maximum of four (4) name badges per booth will be issued. Up to two additional name badges may be purchased for $7 each. These badges are for assistants who are actively working in a booth.
Names must be written on the badges at Registration. Exhibitors with blank badges will not be admitted into the show. Exhibitors must wear their name badge at all times while in the exhibition area. Relatives (including spouses and children over the age of six) and friends will not be allowed into the show without a badge, or a ticket purchased from the Box Office. Exhibitors may leave late arriving assistant's badges at the Management Desk for quick pick up.

Work on Display

Only works of art created by the artist may be displayed or offered for sale at the Virginia Beach Christmas Market. All categories of work must be juried in advance for inclusion in the show.


***IMPORTANT!!! NO BUY/SELL MERCHANDISE IS TO BE SOLD BY ANY EXHIBITOR UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY SHOW MANAGEMENT IN ADVANCE.

Work must be comparable in size, style and quality to the work pictured in slides/photos submitted for jurying. Show Management will review the show beginning Wednesday evening as well as Friday morning and will intermittently monitor booth content throughout the weekend. Show Management reserves the right to exclude from exhibition and sale any non-conforming work as determined by the application, criteria and/or the Event Director. All decisions of the Event Director are final.

No artist may let or sublet their booth either entirely or partially, with or without charge.

Restocking & Cleaning Booth Time

The exhibition hall will be open Saturday and Sunday at 9 am for exhibitors to restock and clean booth areas. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL EXHIBITORS BE ALLOWED INTO THE EXHIBIT HALL BEFORE THE ABOVE HOURS OR AFTER THE SHOW CLOSES FOR THE EVENING.

Deliveries of merchandise during the course of the show should be directed to:

The Virginia Beach Convention Center
c/o Virginia Beach Christmas Market, Booth #___
1900 19th St.
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

or your hotel or place of residence. However, neither EMG, Inc. or the Virginia Beach Convention Center will be held responsible for deliveries that come to the Convention Center.

Security

Security guards will be provided 24 hours a day. However, the exhibitor is responsible for any loss, theft, breakage, damage by fire or personal injury within their rented space. Exhibitors solely are responsible for the security of their exhibits and equipment. Do not leave money boxes, sales receipts, or other valuables in your unattended booth during or after show hours. Report all incidents of theft or matters of a suspicious nature to Show Management immediately. Also, solicitation or photography of booths by exhibitors, customers or others will not be permitted during show hours. Show management may have a photographer, Cory Langley, present during show hours to photograph various items in the show to be used for future marketing and advertising. He will be identified as official show photographer. Exhibitors are not to enter or inspect merchandise in an unattended booth. Security will be posted at the back doors to ensure that the doors are properly secured during all show hours.

 

Please turn in any "lost and found" items to Show Management.

Security guards will be present to protect you and your work. Please treat them with respect and appreciation.

Door Prize Gift Certificates

EMG will offer a daily drawing of a $100 gift certificate (4 - $25 Gift Certificates) to show attendees who fill out a registration slip upon entry into the show. The gift certificates may be used toward the purchase of an item(s) from any exhibitor in the show. If you receive one of these certificates from a customer, EMG will reimburse you the face value of the certificate.

Return Tickets

Tickets purchased for entry to the show are good for the entire course of the show.  Ticket takers and show management will give customers return tickets on request.

Directions to the Virginia Beach Convention Center

    ***Please note: The speed limit on 19th Street is now 25 mph.

From Washington DC: I-95S to I-295 to I-64E to Norfolk/Virginia Beach; after the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel go approximately 5 miles and take I-264 East to Virginia Beach; at the end of the expressway, make a right turn onto Parks Ave and the first right onto 19th Street. The Convention Center will be on your right.

From Eastern Shore/Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel: Rt. 13 South; after the tunnel, get off onto South Shore Drive to where it becomes Atlantic Avenue; turn right on 19th Street; Convention Center will be on the right.

From I-95/Rocky Mount, North Carolina: I-95 to Emporia; take Rt. 58E (Beware! Radar is everywhere on Rt. 58. Drive the speed limit!) and follow signs to I-264 East/Virginia Beach; at the end of the expressway, make a right turn onto Parks Ave and the first right onto 19th Street. The Convention Center will be on your right.

From I-85/Atlanta/ GA: I-85 North to South Hill; take Rt. 58E (Beware! Radar is everywhere on Rt. 58. Drive the speed limit!) and follow signs to I-264 East/Virginia Beach; at the end of the expressway, make a right turn onto Parks Ave and the first right onto 19th Street. The Convention Center will be on your right.

Hotel & Camping Accommodations

Hotel Accommodations: Events Management Group, Inc. has made special arrangements with the hotel listed below that is across the parking lot from the Convention Center. To ensure proper receipt of special rates, exhibitors are encouraged to make hotel reservations directly with the participating hotels by calling reservations at the numbers listed. Rates do not include applicable sales and other taxes; exhibitors are responsible for all hotel charges.
    • IMPORTANT! When calling for reservations, please identify yourself as a Va Beach Christmas Market Exhibitor. MAKE RESERVATIONS EARLY FOR THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND!
DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton
1900 Pavilion Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. (beside the Convention Ctr.)
2023 rate $89.00+ Tax (15% tax + $2/night city lodging tax) for single or double.
This rate is valid from Nov 22- Nov 28. Enjoy newly renovated rooms with luxury bedding, coffee maker, iron & ironing board, data ports, pool & fitness room. Use Group Code 91i . Call 757-422-8900,
or click HERE for online reservations.
Reservation Cut off date Sunday October 22nd .

Camping Facilities: Overnight self-contained RV parking is illegal in the Convention Center parking lot. Exhibitors with RVs can stay in one of the full- service campgrounds listed below, which are just 10-15 minutes away.

Holiday Travel Park - 1075 General Booth
Blvd., Virginia Beach. Full hook-up available. Call: 757-425-0249 or 866-849-8860.
KOA Campground - 1240 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach. Call: 757-428-1444 or 800-562-
4150.

What About Walmart Parking Lots?
We recently did a search to find out if any of our local Walmart Stores allowed RV parking in their parking lots -and unfortunately, we have found that those closest to the VB Convention Center do not allow it. But please do your own research, as we do not have a verbal confirmation on this from Management. Click HERE for more information.

What About Walmart Parking Lots?
We recently did a search to find out if any of our local Walmart Stores allowed RV parking in their parking lots -and unfortunately we have found that those closest to the VB Convention Center do not allow it.  But please do your own research, as we do not have a verbal confirmation on this from Management. Click HERE for more information.

Emergency Contact

In the event of an emergency during the show weekend, exhibitors and/or assistants may be contacted through the Virginia Beach Convention Center Security offices at (757) 385-2152 or EMG staff directly at 757-417-7771. Please make these phone numbers and the phone number of your hotel or host in the Virginia Beach area available to anyone who may need to contact you or your staff in an emergency.

Cancellation & Withdrawal

An accepted application is a commitment to the show. No refunds will be granted for show deposits or for cancellation within 90 days before show dates. Deposits and payments are not transferable to another Event. Exhibitors who must cancel should inform Events Management Group, Inc. immediately, both verbally and in writing, of their cancellation, which will constitute a confirmation not to show. Exhibitors who do not show and do not cancel will not be re-invited.

Last minute cancellations, vehicle breakdowns or other delays should be reported to Show Management immediately at (757) 417-7771.

Insurance & Limitations of Liability

Exhibitors are encouraged to insure their property against the risks of fire, theft, burglary, breakage and leakage, and water damage as well as the risks of transport into and from the event site. Neither Events Management Group, Inc., The Virginia Beach Convention Center, nor the Virginia Beach Christmas Market will be liable to any exhibitor any person for any damage or loss whatsoever, arising from any cause.

Sales Tax, Laws & Facility Policies

Virginia State Retail Sales Tax is applicable to all sales at the Virginia Beach Christmas Market. The current tax rate is 6% of the retail price. Each exhibitor is responsible for recording, collecting and paying current Virginia sales taxes on all sales made during the show. Temporary Virginia Retail Sales Tax Forms and Sales Tax Charts will be distributed to all exhibitors at Registration.
A Virginia Beach Business License is not required to conduct business in this show facility. All pertinent fire codes, laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to health, fire prevention and public safety shall be strictly obeyed and enforced. All food vendors must be approved by the Virginia Beach Convention Center and must comply with Health Department regulations.
Forms will be emailed directly to all food vendors.
No alcoholic beverages of any type are allowed in the event or on facility grounds. There will be no smoking in the exhibition center. Lighted candles, wicks, incense, straw, hay bales or live Christmas trees or greenery are prohibited. Per Fire code no exhibitor shall have a roof or canopy system connected to their booth that would impede the fire sprinkler system in any way. All tent framework with sides must have a flame-retardant certificate. No spraying or use of chemicals, such as lacquer, paint, stain, etc. is permitted inside the exhibition center. Helium balloons are prohibited.

Virginia Beach Weather in November

Temperatures in Virginia Beach during the month of November are generally in the low 50's to mid 60's.  It can also be rather wet and rainy; therefore, bring rain gear and protective coverings for set-up and breakdown.

Advertising, Marketing & Promotion

Advertising will be included in all major area news media including The Virginian Pilot, Daily Press, The Beacon, radio, television, internet, email, direct mail, as well as flyer and postcard distribution to individuals, local businesses and of course social media. Press releases will be sent to local, regional, and national media resources.

***IMPORTANT*** Unlimited postcards and flyers are still available for exhibitors to mail or give out to their customers prior to show time. Help us promote the show by distributing this material to workplaces, churches, schools, offices, stores, other shows, etc. Exhibitors see great results in increased sales by sending out postcards to their former customers two weeks before show time. Call our office at (757) 417-7771 to order more postcards or flyers.

Other Businesses, Services and Special Needs located in Virginia Beach

Auto Service

  • Exxon at 17th Street - 312 Virginia Beach Blvd. (757) 425-8917 (Highly Recommended!)

  • National Tire & Battery - 1000 Laskin Rd. (757) 428-7174

Banks

  • Bank of America - 210 Laskin Rd. & Pacific Ave. (757) 491-6010

  • Suntrust Bank - 3330 Pacific Ave,  (757) 425-6723

Business & Office Supplies

  • Home Depot -3352 Virginia Beach Blvd (757) 340-5804
  • Office & Copy Max - Hilltop North Shopping Center (757) 428-1200
  • Michael's Arts & Crafts - Laskin Rd.& First Colonial (757) 437-1145

Events Management Group, Inc.

P. O. Box 909
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 471-7771 FAX (757) 417-7772
During Show Hours: (757) 471-7771
Virginia Beach Convention Center (757) 385-2000

Florists

  • Harris Teeter Flower Gallery - 2800 Arctic Ave. (757) 422-2496

  • Wayne Jones Florist - 329 Laskin Rd  (757) 428-2901

Glass

  • Binswanger Glass Co. - 623 First Colonial Rd. (757) 425-9227

Groceries

  •  Harris Teeter - 2800 Arctic Ave. (757) 422-4595
  • Trader Joe’s – 503 Hilltop Plaza (757) 422-4840
  • Whole Foods – 1800 Laskin Rd (757)422-0444
  • Aldi’s – 929 First Colonial Rd  (757) 955-2534 

Gym

  • Wareing's Gym - 700 19th St. (757) 491-0700

Hardware Stores

  • Taylor's Do it Center 1609 Laskin Road, (757) 425-6120

  • Lowes -1546 Virginia Beach Blvd, (757) 448-6220‎

Kennels

  • Pet Hotel & Veterinary Hospital - Owl's Creek Pet Hotel - 587 S. Birdneck Rd.; (757) 425-5349

  • Holly Ridge Kennels - 2993 Seaboard Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23456; (757) 426-6100

Locksmith or Safe

  • Commonwealth Safe, Lock and Security (757) 426-6880

Medical Center

  • Oceana Urgent Care - 940 General Booth Blvd.(757) 425-8590

  • Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital - 1700 Will O Wisp Dr. (757) 395-8000

Movies

  • Regal Cinemas - General Booth Blvd. (757) 563-2000
  • AMC-Lynnhaven 18 - 1001 Lynnhaven Mall Loop, - (888) 262-4386‎
  • Beach Movie Bistro – 941 Laskin Rd (757) 963-6764

Pharmacy

  • Wallgreens - 24th Street and Atlantic

  • Rite-Aid  - 750 Hilltop North Shopping Center (757) 425-9474

  • CVS Pharmacy - 300 Laskin Rd,  (757) 437-3091  (corner of Pacific & 31st St)

Shopping

  • Lynnhaven Mall - 701 Lynnhaven Pkwy. (757)340-9340

  • MacArthur Center Mall - 300 Monticello Ave. Downtown Norfolk (757) 627-6000
  • Super K-Mart - Hilltop Super K-Mart Shopping Center (757) 437-2681
  • Target - Hilltop On First Colonial Rd. (757) 428-0233
  • Wal-Mart - 1149 Nimmo Pkwy (757) 430-1836 Wal-Mart - 2021 Lynnhaven Pkwy (757) 416-3480
  • Walmart - 2021 Lynnhaven Pkwy 416-3480

Transportation

  • Taxis - Beach Yellow Cab (757) 460-0605 or 460-0911

  • Car Rental - Enterprise (757) 422-6900

Veterinary Hospital

  • Owl's Creek Pet Hospital 587 S. Birdneck Rd. (757) 425-5349

Virginia Beach Convention Center

1000 19th St., Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Main - (757) 385-2000
Security - (757) 385-2152
Show Management Desk - (757) 417-7771

More….
Please feel free to visit the Registration/Management Desk throughout the weekend for assistance regarding local resources not mentioned here. The Registration Desk/Show Management Area will be at the back of the hall during set up and at the front of the hall by the entrance after 8:30 am on Friday for the duration of the weekend.
Bonus!
Upon arrival, at check-in, you will be given a guide to the VIBE Creative District (located two blocks over from the Convention Center) to assist with grabbing a quick bite or if you are in desperate need of great local fresh seafood!