2025 VIRGINIA BEACH SPRING CRAFT MARKET
Exhibitor's Guide
INDEX PAGE
Show Management 1
Time & Location 1
Set-up Times, Registration & Check-in 1
Electric, Water & Telecommunications 1&2
Food & Beverage 2
Booth Location 2
Booth Set-up/Display Requirements 2
Fire Safety 2
Exhibitor Parking 3
Signs & Badges 3
Work on Display 3
Restocking & Cleaning Booth Time 3
Security 3
Door Prize Certificates 4
Directions to VA Beach Convention Center 4
Hotel & Camping Accommodations 4
Porters 4
Emergency Contact 4
Cancellation & Withdrawal 5
Insurance & Limitations of Liability 5
Sales Tax, Laws & Facility Policies 5
Weather 5
Advertising, Marketing & Promotion 5
Business & Special Needs Resources 5&6
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 39th Annual Virginia Beach Spring Craft Market will be held April 11th - 13th, 2025, in the Va. Beach Convention Center, Va. Beach, Virginia.
Hours:
Friday & Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday 10 am - 5 pm
Set-up Times:
Thursday, April 10th 3 pm - 9 pm
Friday, April 11th 7 am -10 am
Management Availability:
EMG will NOT be available on-site for questions prior to Thursday's set-up at 3:00 pm. All our staff will be diligently working to prepare the hall for your arrival. Please leave a message at
(757) 417-7771 which will be forwarded to our event cell phone with any questions or concerns.
Registration & Check-in:
Exhibitors must check in and register at the Show Management Desk near the loading docks, before beginning booth set-up. At this time, you will receive your on-site packet of materials that include name badges, show directory, Temporary Retail Sales Tax Forms, Parking Pass, and other pertinent information.
Please do not park your vehicle in front of any loading dock areas until instructed to do so by the Dock-master. Loading areas will be congested; therefore, come prepared to load and unload, using your own dollies or hand trucks, The Va Beach Convention Ctr. does not have dollies available for exhibitors’ use, however we do have porters who work for tips who have large carts to assist you.
All exhibitors planning to arrive for check-in on Friday morning must notify EMG in advance by Monday, April 7, 2025. 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 Spring Craft Market.
Electric & Water:
Electric service may be ordered through The Virginia Beach Convention Center for $95 via their on-line web page HERE before Friday April 4th. After this date, or if added on-site, the cost is $105. To pay by check with a mail order, please call 757-385-2185. Payment for mail orders must be received before Friday April 4th. Water service will be available by individual arrangement with Events Management at the time of check-in.
Telecommunications & Wi-Fi:
Your mobile device should perform at an acceptable level to process credit cards during most of the event as there is not another large event scheduled to be in the building during the show. Should this situation change, we will notify all exhibitors through eventeny. However, please keep in mind that during peak times the exhibit hall reaches maximum capacity (typically mid-day Friday and 10am - 2pm Saturday), connectivity might slow down. You can always order Wifi at the Convention Center any time throughout the weekend if you begin to have difficulties.
Food & Beverage:
Each day of the show, artists can enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea to start their day upon arrival. Coffee/hot tea will be provided beginning at 7am on Friday and 9am on Saturday and Sunday, at the back of the hall until it is gone. Ice water will be available all weekend in this same location. Additionally the concessions stand will open 30 minutes early each day at
9:30am for those who want to order breakfast or sodas, etc. Per our convention center contract, no coolers, food, or food deliveries can be brought into the exhibition center during show hours when the concessions are open, but we realize concession food is very expensive. Many of us have special dietary needs and if this is the case you may “brown bag it.” We simply ask that you not bring in obvious containers from other restaurants. If anyone asks - You have “special dietary restrictions.”
Booth Location:
This year we are in Hall D which is easier for load in, and the customer entrance will be on the right (closer to side entrance doors & side parking lot.) You will have received your booth number with this document. Please be sure to check your booth location ASAP. If you have an issue, it would be better to deal with it now, rather than closer to the show. While we cannot guarantee everyone's special requests, we always try to accommodate them as best we can if we know in advance what your unique situation is. Please email us as soon as possible if you are requesting a change.
Booth Set-up/Display Requirements:
EMG will provide a properly sized booth with three sides of 8' and 3' purple and white drapery, (no side drapes on corners), a booth sign, exhibitor badges, 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 drape orders at least two weeks prior to show dates. Lighting may be attached to pipe and drape, and additional pipe without drape can be ordered to support lighting. Show Management must pre-approve any heavy booth banners, art, etc. hung from the aluminum piping. Please contact us to discuss your needs. No lighting or other signs can hang off the side of a booth space. All display, signs and lighting must be within the confines of the space you have ordered. All banners must be approved by EMG two weeks before showtime. No commercial looking vinyl banners will be allowed.
Do not use pins, wire or tape on drapery. Rental tables measure 30" x 96" or 30" x 72". Exhibitors are
responsible for covering tables to the floor in an attractive, professional manner. Exhibitors who ordered tables are responsible for checking tables and table legs before setting up their display. Tables should be in your booth when you arrive, if they are not, please come to the registration desk BEFORE you load in, to get this corrected quickly.
All displays must be self-supporting and may not interfere or block other exhibits, exit doors or passageways. Be absolutely certain that your displays are within the boundaries of your assigned space before setting up your inventory. Booth spaces measure 10' x 10', 10' x 15', 10' x 20' or 10' x 30'. All exhibitor chairs must be kept inside their measured booth spaces, not in the aisle space. No storage boxes shall be exposed inside or outside of exhibits. Tents frames cannot use canopies and must pass all local fire codes and must have a fire-retardant certificate. All aisles must be cleared and boxes, dollies, etc. must be out of sight when doors open at 10 am Friday and each day thereafter. Each exhibiting artist must be at his/her booth and the booth must be set-up and "open for business" from the required open time to closing time each day of the show. Helium balloons and smoking are prohibited in the Exhibit Hall or Pre-function Area by the Convention Center.
Load out will be on Sunday from 5 pm until 9 pm. Artists must leave their space in the same condition in which it was delivered.
⮊UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL
Under no circumstances shall exhibitors start packing or leaving before 6 pm during the weekend or before 5 pm on Sunday. Please remember that when one artist does it, other artists follow suit without looking at their watch. They assume their neighbor must know something they don’t and it is time to pack up and leave for the day, not realizing the domino effect and the fact that they influenced others to do the same. Any exhibitors not complying with this policy will be subject to removal from future shows and forfeiture of all fees paid. Show staff will be monitoring the exhibit hall each afternoon 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:
Exhibitors must check with Show Management upon arrival (in the back of the hall just inside the loading dock) to receive their Parking Passes (for load-in/out purposes ONLY) & Name Badges. Your parking pass is to be placed face up on the driver’s side dash board to be able to be seen by Porters and the Dock Master.
Click HERE for Arrival and Parking Info
Signs & Badges:
Each artist will be provided with booth signage listing the artist's name, hometown, and booth number. This sign should be displayed on the 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 $6 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 always wear their badges 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 assistant's badges at the Management Desk. Badges must be worn at all times when in the Convention center and Parking Passes in vehicles are mandatory during load-in and load-out.
Work on Display:
Only works of art created by the artist and juried into this show may be displayed or offered for sale at the Virginia Beach Spring Craft Market. All categories of work must be juried in advance for inclusion in the show. If your product line has changed since you last exhibited with us, or since your work was juried, and you have not submitted photos and a letter requesting approval to sell this new product, it cannot be exhibited or sold at this 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 photos submitted in your application for jurying. Show Management will review the show beginning 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 your hotel or place of residence. 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. We encourage you to cover your product with sheets or blankets at the end of each day and place chairs at the entrance of your booth to discourage others from entering your booth while it is unattended. Report all incidents of theft or matters of a suspicious nature to Show Management immediately. Solicitation and/or photography of booths by exhibitors, customers or others will not be permitted during show hours. Should you need it, this policy is listed in the show program. Cory Langley, our staff photographer, & EMG Staff will be on site during show hours shooting various areas of the show to be used for future marketing and advertising.
Exhibitors are not to enter or inspect merchandise in an unattended booth. Security will be posted at the back entrance to the loading dock to ensure that no one enters the back doors.
Please turn in any "lost and found" items to the Show Management desk.
Security guards and police officers will be present to protect you and your work. Please treat them with respect and appreciation.
Door Prize Certificates:
EMG will offer a $100 daily drawing in the form of four $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 from any exhibitor in the show. If you receive one of these certificates from a customer, please bring it to the Show Management Desk and EMG will reimburse you the certificate amount.
Directions to the Virginia Beach Convention Center ~ Address: 1000 19th St. Va Beach, 23451
**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.
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.
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.
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:
Host Hotel:
DoubleTree Hotel – 1900 Pavilion Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. $159.00+ Tax single or double. Next door to the Convention Center. Newly renovated with luxury bedding, coffee maker, iron & ironing board, data ports, pool & fitness room. Use Group Code 926. Call 757-422-8900, or click HERE for online reservations. This group room block is for April 9th - 12th. The cutoff date for reservations is March 17th. This is a dog-friendly hotel.
Other Housing Options:
Air B&B’s: Virginia Beach is very Air B&B Friendly! Thanks to a popular music festival produced by Pharrell Williams (Va Beach’s home town musician!) a few years ago, many folks have invested in Air B&B’s near the Virginia Beach Convention Center. We recommend that you research these for yourself and use the zip codes 23451 and 23454 as your search criteria.
Camping Facilities:
Overnight self-contained RV parking is no longer an option in the Convention Center parking lot. Exhibitors with RVs please see the camping resource sheet for RV camping & overnight RV parking resources by clicking HERE.
Kennels:
PetSmart Hotel - 501 Hilltop Plaza
757-425-0286
Owl's Creek Pet Hotel S. Birdneck Rd.
(757) 425-5349
Holly Ridge Kennels, Seaboard Rd.
(757) 426-6100
Porters – Assistance During Load-in & Load-out:
Porters, working for tips, will be available during set-up and breakdown. Sign up for their services at check-in during registration and then at the Management Desk (Front of Hall) when you are packed and ready to go on Sunday evening. Upon arrival, porters are happy to assist you once you are pulled up to the loading dock and are wearing your badge (indicating you have registered and know where your booth is). Due to liability issues and their limited time, porters cannot assist with booth set up/booth tear down. During load out, porters will be happy to assist you once you are fully packed up. Please tip generously- our porters are either saving for or are paying for college!
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 Spring Craft 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 Spring Craft 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.
No alcoholic beverages of any type are allowed in the event or on facility grounds. There is no smoking in the exhibition center. Lighted candles, wicks, incense, straw, hay bales or live trees are prohibited. Tent canopies are not allowed, as they impede the fire sprinkler system. All tents must have a flame-retardant certificate. No spraying or use of chemicals, such as lacquer, paint, stain, etc. is permitted inside the exhibition center.
Virginia Beach Weather in April:
Temperatures in Virginia Beach in mid-April are generally in the high 50’s at night and daytime temperatures normally are in the mid 60’s to mid-70's and moderately humid. Unfortunately, the ocean water is not yet warm enough to swim unless you are a polar plunger! Hot days near the oceanfront can bring on quick short storm bursts; therefore, bring rain gear and protective coverings for inventory to use during set-up and breakdown. Be advised that if it is a hot day when the dock doors are open to the exhibit hall, the A/C is temporarily shut off to avoid condensation. You might bring a personal fan to assist you during load-in and set up if it is above 75°.
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, social media as well as flier and postcard distribution to individuals and local businesses. Press releases will be sent to local, regional, and national media resources.
✔IMPORTANT!
Unlimited postcards and fliers 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 fliers. Click HERE for the Flyer image and Click HERE for the postcard image to use on social media.
Business Needs & Special Resources Located Near the Virginia Beach Convention Ctr:
Auto Service:
Exxon at 17th Street - 312 Virginia Beach Blvd.
(757) 425-8917 (Highly Recommended!)
NTB Tire & Service Center – 1000 Laskin Rd. (757)428-7174
Banks:
Townebank - 600 22nd St.#.100 (757) 417-6200
PNC Bank - 3012 Pacific Ave. (757) 422-4873
Langley Federal C.U - 741 First Colonial Rd
(757) 827-5328
Navy Federal Credit Union - 519 Hilltop Plaza
(888) 842- 6328
Business & Office Supplies:
Office Depot - Hilltop North Shop Ctr (757)428-1200
Michael's Arts & Crafts - Laskin Rd. (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: Show Desk (757) 417-7771
Virginia Beach Convention Center (757) 385-000
Florists:
Harris Teeter Flower Gallery - 2800 Arctic Ave.
(757) 422-2496
Wayne Jones Florist - 329 Laskin Rd,
(757) 428-2901 https://www.flowerswaynejones.net/
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
YMCA Hilltop - 1536 Laskin Rd (757) 422-3805
Onelife Fitness - 2844 Virginia Beach Blvd
(757) 340-4800
Hardware Stores:
Taylor's Do it Center - 1609 Laskin Road,
(757) 425-6120
Lowes -1546 Virginia Beach Blvd,
(757) 448-6220
Locksmith:
Budget Locksmith of VB LLC - (757) 524-8428
open 24 hours
Speedy Locksmith - (757) 866-4153, Sun-Thurs 6:30am -11pm Friday 6:30am-3:30pm, closed Sat.
Medical Center:
Oceana Urgent Care - 940 General Booth Blvd.
(757) 425-8590
Sentara Primary Care (Walk In Clinic)
984-B Laskin Rd, 757-395-6900
1st Colonial Urgent Care 1120 1st Colonial Rd.
(757) 481-2333
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital
(Near Laskin Rd & First Colonial Rd)
1700 Will O Wisp Dr. (757) 395-8000
Nearby Movie Theaters:
Beach Cinema 941 Laskin Rd,
(757) 963-2548,
https://beachcinemaalehouse.com
Regal Strawbridge Cinema - 2133 General Booth Blvd
(757) 563-2000, https://www.regmovies.com/theatres/regal-strawbridge-marketplace/0235#/
AMC - Lynnhaven 18 - 1001 Lynnhaven Mall Loop
(888) 262-4386
https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/norfolk/amc-lynnhaven-18
Pharmacy/Drug Stores:
Walgreens - 2400 Atlantic Ave. (757) 422-3721
CVS Pharmacy - 300 Laskin Rd, (757) 437-3091
Target Pharmacy-525 First Colonial Rd (757) 428-0233
Shopping:
Lynnhaven Mall - 701 Lynnhaven Pkwy.
(757) 340-9340
Target – 525 First Colonial Rd. (757) 428-0233
Walmart - 1149 Nimmo Pkwy (757) 430-1836
Walmart – 546 First Colonial Rd (757) 364-7603
MacArthur Center Mall - 300 Monticello Ave.
(Downtown Norfolk) (757) 627-6000
Transportation (besides Uber):
Taxis - Beach Yellow Cab (757)460-0605
Car Rental – Enterprise (757) 422-6900
Kennels & Veterinary Hospital:
Owl's Creek Pet Hotel & Hospital - 587 S. Birdneck Rd.
(757) 425-5349
Holly Ridge Kennels - 2993 Seaboard Rd.
(757) 426-6100
Beach Pet Hospital: - 316 N. Great Neck Rd,
(757) 428-0482
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
Virginia Beach Visitor’s Center:
2100 Parks Avenue (2 blocks from Conv. Ctr.)
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 385-7873 or 1-800-VA-BEACH (1-800-822-3224)
9am to 5pm, Mon.-Fri., 10am to 4pm, Sat and Sun.
Free Wi-Fi access at the 2100 Parks Ave location.
https://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/
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 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 Local Restaurants to assist with grabbing a quick bite or if you are in desperate need of great local fresh seafood!
BONUS...
Upon arrival, at check-in, you will be given a guide and coupons to local restaurants and to the 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!
