exhibitor guide
Your Guide to a Successful SHOW
SET-UP
Friday, Jan 9, 2:00–8:00pm
Saturday, Jan 10, 7:00–9:45am
SHOW HOURS
Saturday, Jan 10, 10:00am–4:00pm
Sunday, Jan 11, 10:00am–3:00pm
TEAR-DOWN
Sunday, Jan 11, 3:00pm
(early tear-down is not allowed)
Welcome to the Bridal Festival — we’re thrilled to have you join us! To help ensure you have a successful and profitable show, we’ve put together this quick guide with tips and suggestions tailored for wedding professionals. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
BEFORE THE SHOW
PLANNING
PLAN YOUR OBJECTIVES: Do you want to book appointments, make sales, or simply build brand awareness? Answering these questions will help you design your booth for maximum success. Get ready to connect with engaged couples and grow your business in just one weekend!
EXTENSIVE MULTIMEDIA ADVERTISING
RADIO/TV: KXLY TV Group, Radio Spokane, KZDB, KDRK, KEYF, 93.7 Mountain, and 105.7 NOW FM.
PRINT: The Inlander, Spokesman Review, Moscow/Pullman Daily News, Lewiston Tribune, Columbia Basin Herald, The Coeur d’Alene Press, and The Wedding Resource Guide.
ONLINE: Stay connected and maximize your Bridal Festival experience! Follow us on ALL our socials for exclusive updates, exhibitor spotlights, and valuable networking opportunities: Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok, and Pinterest. Feel free to tag @bridalfestival in any of your posts, and include the tag #bridalfest2026.
DIGITAL MEDIA KIT: Bridal Festival understands the demands of marketing, especially during peak wedding planning. Take advantage of our Digital Media Kit, your essential tool for attracting more attention and driving traffic to your booth. By utilizing these resources, you can effortlessly showcase your connection with the trusted Bridal Festival brand, signaling quality and excitement to potential clients.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
SWEEPSTAKES & GIVEAWAYS: We’re crafting an unforgettable experience for our attendees, and we invite you to be a key part of our high-impact sweepstakes and giveaways, including our grand prize sweepstakes Elegant Wedding Package, Hook Shots for the Honeymoon, and Diving for Diamonds—plus hourly giveaways, all weekend long. Learn more!
FASHION SHOWS: Command the spotlight and showcase your designs directly on the runway in our multiple high-energy fashion shows each day, presenting everything from stunning bridal gowns and chic groomswear to wedding party attire. This is an unparalleled opportunity to get your products and services directly in front of thousands of engaged couples, styled and presented by professional models. Learn more!
YOUR BOOTH & DISPLAY
YOUR BOOTH PACKAGE INCLUDES: an 8-foot-high backdrop, 3-foot-high side walls, one 6-foot skirted display table (by request), and one booth identification sign (by request) — plus a listing in our complimentary bridal referral program, a mailing list of the brides, a listing in the Wedding Shop, and so much more.
DESIGN: Don’t be afraid to make your booth stand out! Include photos of your best work, a beautifully arranged table with samples, balloons, florals, and more. Have fun and be creative to draw in all the happy couples.
COLOR THEME: The color theme for the event is black and white — like a tuxedo! The standard booth backdrop will have two black panels with a white panel in the middle. The side walls and table skirt will be black, with a white tabletop. If you would prefer a different color of draping, you may contact Design Events for rentals (see below).
SIGNAGE: If you opted in for a booth identification sign during registration, a basic black-on-white sign will be attached to the top of your backdrop. You are welcome to bring your own professionally designed signs to help attract prospective clients. Don’t forget to include your company name, logo, website, and QR code.
ELECTRICAL: If you’ve opted in for electrical services, please contact Exhibitor Services at the Spokane Convention Center at exhibitorservices@spokanepfd.org or 509-279-7105. Convention Center staff will also be present for Check-In as well.
LIGHTING: Good lighting can make all the difference. Use your own lighting (or rent!) to ensure your booth is bright and inviting, as relying on overhead facility lighting may not be ideal.
RENTALS: If you have additional booth requirements that you need to rent, such as special lighting, extra tables, or custom draping, please contact Design Events at 208-765-2595. Design Events will be present for Check-In and Saturday morning until 9:00am.
PRINTED MATERIALS: Make sure you have a generous supply of business cards, flyers, and/or brochures. For easy lead capture, we also suggest including a QR code that links to your website, social media, or a simple contact form. Don’t forget to bring an appointment book, index cards, or lead sheets to make it easy for prospects to give you their information.
MUSIC: Please ensure that any sound recordings are contained within your booth space. Your neighboring exhibitors will appreciate it and extend you the same courtesy.
FOOD/DRINK SAMPLES: Sample-size portions of food and non-alcoholic drinks are permitted. Offering samples is a great way to engage with prospective clients and give them a memorable taste of your product. The Health Department will be in contact with you for the appropriate permit.
RESTRICTIONS: Please ensure that your booth does not exceed the height and width of your assigned booth space and that your exhibit does not interfere with the neighboring booths’ visibility or infringe on their area. Aisleways and exits must remain clear and cannot be obstructed during show hours. All decorative material shall be of non-flammable material or treated and maintained in a flame retardant condition. You may be asked to remove flammable tablecloths, props, or decorative items per the request of the Spokane Fire Marshall. Booths shall not be constructed with any roof, ceiling, or other obstruction without approval of the Spokane Fire Department Prevention Bureau.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The exhibitor is entirely responsible for the exhibit space allotted and shall be liable for any loss or damage to the premises and for any loss or damage to any equipment. The exhibitor assumes all risks and responsibilities for accidents, injuries, or damages to person or property.
YOUR STAFF & TEAM
STAFFING: Generally, two people per 10×8 booth is a good rule of thumb. This allows for breaks while ensuring there is always someone to talk to prospective clients. Please note that your booth must be manned at all times during show hours.
TRAINING: Make sure everyone working the booth is knowledgeable about your services, pricing, and special offers.
SHOW SPECIALS: Create a special package or offer available only to clients who book at the Bridal Festival. This is a powerful incentive for couples to act now!
SHOW LOGISTICS
SET-UP: You may set up your booth on Friday, January 9th, 2:00–8:00pm, or on Saturday, January 10th, 7:00–9:45am.
SHOW HOURS: The doors are open to the public on Saturday, January 10th, 10:00am–4:00pm, and Sunday, January 11th, 10:00am–3:00pm.
TEAR-DOWN: Booth tear-down will begin at the end of the Bridal Festival, Sunday, January 11th, at 3:00pm. Please do not begin to tear down any earlier as we will still have guests in the conference center who deserve your full attention. Exhibitors who begin tearing down early will be fined $100 per booth.
LOADING/UNLOADING: Spokane Convention Center does not accept freight shipped directly to them, so please plan accordingly. Loading and unloading must be done through our designated loading docks. The Convention Center lobbies are strictly for hand-carried items only. After loading/unloading, please move your vehicle immediately as a courtesy to those waiting. All unauthorized vehicles left in the loading area will be towed away at the owner’s expense.
EXHIBITOR PASSES: Each exhibitor will receive two Exhibitor lanyards. Any additional staff will be given sticker badges.
PARKING: The Convention Center is offering a special daily parking rate for Bridal Festival. The Davenport Hotel’s garage will also hold a special Bridal Festival rate. Check back in December for rates.
HOTEL: Bridal Festival is partnering with DoubleTree to offer you a special room rate for those traveling afar, or just wanting the convenience of staying right next to the Convention Center. Check back here in December for rates and a link to book!
DURING THE SHOW
BOOTH ETIQUETTE
ENGAGE: Always stand and smile as couples approach your booth. Your energy is a major factor in attracting new clients! Making eye contact and remembering names can leave a lasting impression. While in the booth, avoid eating, talking on the phone, or texting so that couples get your full attention.
ATTIRE: You may want to arrive in your “work” clothes for set-up and then change into your “show” clothes for the event. Dress professionally, but comfortably, taking into consideration that you’ll be on your feet all weekend!
WALK THE SHOW
GATHER COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE: Take some time to walk the show and see what other vendors are doing. This is a great way to get new ideas for your display and network with potential partners.
RECHARGE
BREAK ROOM: Exclusive to our Bridal Festival exhibitors, we offer a special break area with complimentary coffee and water to relax and recharge. Make sure you’re eating enough and staying hydrated!
POST-SHOW FOLLOW-UP
LEAD MANAGEMENT
ACT FAST: The day after the show, immediately follow up with every lead you collected. The sooner you reach out, the more likely you are to close the sale.
CONTRACT LOG: Be sure to track your leads and record your results. This will help you evaluate your performance and plan for next year’s show.
REBOOK FOR NEXT YEAR
PRIORITY REGISTRATION: As a 2026 Exhibitor, by reserving early, you’ll have first priority on selecting booth location for the next Bridal Festival and save $25 on your registration. Don’t delay — register now!
TELL A FRIEND: Save $100 when you refer a friend or business associate to Bridal Festival! When your referral signs up to exhibit, we will instantly credit $100 toward your next show. There is no limit to the number of exhibitors you can refer! Referral credit will be awarded for new exhibitors only.