The  Essex Craft and Design Show is returning once more to  ressing Temple Barn this autumn. The two-day event, happening on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th September, will be showcasing photography, ceramics, textiles, fine art, jewellery, glass and many other contemporary crafts. This will be its tenth year at Cressing, and therefore a great opportunity for artists, craft makers and designers to promote and sell their work to the public. For visitors, it is also a chance to visit the wonderful 13th century barns as the admission also includes entrance to the barns, grounds and Tudor walled gardens..

If you are therefore considering a visit or planning to attend, we’ve put together our top tips to help your exhibition go smoothly.

Book Your Place Ahead of Time

With the event only a few weeks away, it’s important to book your exhibition place as soon as possible. Application packs can be  downloaded online for both indoor and outdoor plots. Regular exhibitors may apply using the standard application form, but those who are new to the event will need to submit photographs of their work.

Equipment such as  tables are not included as standard: they should be requested during the application process, so that the event organisers can arrange them for you.

Exhibit Outdoors

Cressing Temple is a fantastic venue and the barns provide a unique and historical backdrop, particularly for those who enjoy exhibiting outdoors. The excellent outdoors space is great for accommodating exhibitors who need more space, particularly those who want to set up equipment such as  pop-up gazebos and run demonstrations. This is a great way to showcase your craft live and entice visitors to your stall.

Get Prepared

To ensure you’re ready for the event, check all your equipment to make sure you are stocked up. Also confirm that everything you are planning to bring is accepted within the event rules and regulations.

At TFH Gazebos, we have many years of experience working with and supporting market traders and exhibitors, and we recommend putting together comprehensive checklists of all the equipment you need to take. This will include everything from the basic items you will need to set a stall up, as well as additional items such as decorations, business cards and enough money for your float, if you are planning on selling your goods.

Promote Your Attendance

If you have any form of following online, let them know you will be attending the event and where they can find you. Your advocates will love to hear about what your business is up to and where they might be able to purchase crafts from you.

For those that can’t attend, they can share and promote your attendance online and on social media, which may encourage new audiences to attend and find out about you.

Following Up after the Show

Although the show itself is the place where you can network with other artists and sell your original work to customers, it’s the time spent after the event that is the most important.

Do follow up on all enquiries and contacts made throughout the weekend in a timely manner, with a quick call or email. As many experienced sellers know, growing and maintaining a good relationship with any potential customers will help to secure more sales successfully and show them what a great, trustworthy and reliable business you are.

If you’re looking for new or additional products to help support your exhibiting, browse our array of  pop-up gazebos, gazebo accessories and custom branded promotional merchandise.