INFORMATION FOR EXHIBITORS
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Where is the event?
This well established show takes place in the town of Wilmslow in the so called Golden Triangle of Wilmslow, Alderley Edge and Knutsford. The event attracts visitors from the town and surrounding area as well as further afield.
We host the event in the recently refurbished Church Rooms of the United Reformed Church which is an easy stroll from nearby Sainsbury's and the town centre. Car parking is across the road behind Sainsbury's supermarket.
The suite of rooms for exhibitors is bright and airy with excellent lighting.
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How is the event promoted?
We do extensive local advertising using banners, posters and flyers. We place paid social media adverts and use organic social media to promote the event online and provide copy for local magazines, newspapers, what's on listings and other media.
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How much space is allocated to each exhibitor?
There is space for well over 30 exhibitors but we cap the number at 30 so that it doesnt feel cramped. Everyone's space can accommodate one 6' table and one 4' table.
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Are tables, exhibition panels or anything else available to exhibitors to use?
We do not provide panels, but there are enough 6' tables for each exhibitor to have one and a number of 4' tables. Generally there are enough of these too, because some exhibitors bring their own display panels and other materials. There are also plenty of chairs.
We have a kitchen for exhibitors to make their own hot drinks and we provide tea, coffee, milk etc.
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Applying for our 2025 event
Applications have now closed for our 2025 event. Closing date for applications was 6th April. This is a carefully curated event and selected exhibitors will be informed before 28th April. The cost to exhibit is £100 for our 2025 event and this is only payable on selection. There is no charge to apply for the event.
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A copy of your current Public Liability insurance will be required before the event in October in order for you to go ahead.
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SOCIAL MEDIA
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Social media can be a fantastic tool for your small business or event, especially for promoting events like open studios and art trails as there is so much going on. Novice or an expert, we hope there is something in here for everyone – it's a great idea to work as a community to raise the profile of the trail and each individual artist and maker.
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These fantastic 'How To' guides have been developed by another art trail and although I know that many of you already use social media it's definitely worth putting in some time in to get more familiar and confident with it - just click on the pdf link under each for full details.
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How to use Facebook our Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/wilmslowart
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How to use Instagram our Instagram is http://www.instagram.com/wilmslowarttrail
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How to use Hashtags. During the art trail and in the lead up to it we will use hashtags - #wilmslowart and #wilmslowmakers are all good ones to use during the event and in the lead up. Please use them when you're online.
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Building Relationships
As with all social media platforms, liking and commenting on others posts is vital to start building up relationships. It does take time – it’s an investment – but used correctly it can be very successful for you. If you just post and don’t interact, you can’t expect others to interact with you or even to know you’re there. A good time to interact and start liking, commenting and sharing is just after you have posted yourself. This lets other users know that you are active and encourages them to visit your post.
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Good etiquette is to respond to comments and to return the favour of likes & shares. Some very big companies still take the time to do this, even though they have vast numbers of interactions.
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Take some time to try out different social media platforms; you will probably find one that you are most comfortable with and that you are getting the most engagement with. Aim to update and interact regularly, and vary your content. Don’t just use it to ‘sell’ yourself. Social Media is not your website; instead people like to see behind the scenes, your inspirations, your work in progress rather than just finished products.
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