Tabling at an event takes a lot of planning and prep work that can make or break your bank. I've done conventions and markets for a little over a year now, and have made many adjustments to what I do and how I do them. These are suggestions and by no means the end-all-be-all for surviving the weekend, but I hope it helps make the process a littel bit easier for you.
The Table:
- Table cloth - I use dollar store party table cloths to both cover the table and cover the display overnight. I bring two per table
- Table runner - One of these with your info on it really boosts the professional look of your table. You can roll up the side that faces you so you can access under the table without it getting in the way
- Banner - You can attach it to the front of your table or hang it above and behind to be visible overhead
- Business cards - Lay out some of these at the front of your table where they're visible to passers-by and easy to grab without risking knocking over anything
- Hand sanitizer - Because, ya know, *gestures at everything*
- Seat cushion - Convention center chairs aren't the most comfy, espcially when you'll have to sit for a long time
- Card reader - I have a Square contactless chip reader and two swipe readers (one for me, one for my assistant) just in case the contactless struggles to connect. Chip payments are the fastest payment method but its always good to offer multiple ways of payment
- Portable battery - You often wont have an available outlet to charge devices, so i keep a battery pack and any needed cords at my table
- Cash storage - I highly reccommend using a fanny table instead of the traditional cash box. Keeping your cash on your person at all times greatly reduces the chance of theft
- Sketchbook - When I have my assistant I often offer commissions at the table, but even when I don't its nice to have something to work on between customers
- Merch displays - I use a mixture of grid cubes, thrifted shelves, and collapsable easles. This will be the most variable depending on what you sell. Mannequins are great for visibility but can be a pain to pack and carry. You can use a photodrop stand to hang up prints or apparel.
- Wagon - Don't assume you will be able to park close to the vendor hall. Some events have a very accisble load-in and load-out process but its dependent on the venue, so get a wagon or dolly to ferry your goods from vehicle to table and back. I have one that easily folds up to fit in my trunk and then underneath the table
- Shopping bags - No one wants to awkwardly carry their purchase and risk damaging it while they enjoy the rest of a convention! I use cheap clear plastic bags so my work is visible through the bag so as people roam the venue carrying your wares, it gets even more eyes on your work
- Disinfectant wipes - again, *gestures at everything* wipe down your card reader and any part of your display that people are going to be interacting with
- Zip ties - Make sure your display is secure! The last thing you want is for some excited kid to reach out and pull the whole thing down on them
- Pens / markers - To share your info, update pricing, etc
Personal bag:
- Business cards - I always keep some of these on me. I often wear my own merch at events as a form of advertising, so if someone asks where I got my shirt, I can just give them a card!
- First aid kit - Band aids, burn cream, scissors/thread, qtips, etc. You never know
- Lanyard - Keep your vendor badge visible at all times! I have a small bottle of hand sanitizer i attach to the lanyard to keep it weighed donw, and buttons with my pronouns and info like "hard of hearing" and "I am the artist"
- Snacks - Con food is expensible, and often not good. Bring nonperishables that you can snack on at your table, and avoid any foods that will smell strongly or be a messy finger food. I go for fruit snacks, granola bars, and pretzels
Hope that helps with your own artist alley journey!
