handMADE Montana MADE fair
The MADE fair is a modern artist & handcrafted market featuring local and regional artists. Our juried events feature a curated collection of over 200 skilled artisans as well as a handful of non-profits.
The MADE fairs are presented by HandMADE Montana— a professional organization for art & handcrafted goods. We organize events (MADE fairs & workshops), provide resources to artists, and encourage growth and support in our community efforts.
Visit our website or Facebook for additional information about events and other offerings. Please email questions to info@handmademontana.com
MADE FAIR SPONSORSHIP
The MADE fair is an artist & handcrafted market featuring local and regional artists. Our juried events feature over 200 skilled artisans as well as a handful of non-profits. Our curated collection of artisans represents the best of the best Montana has to offer and both the artist and customer experience is top notch. Our show was recently listed as one of the best holiday shows in the country!
We estimate over $250,000 is spent during the 7 hour show and over 8,000 customers walk through the doors. Our average customer is female, age 22-45. They are interested in keeping their dollars local and appreciate quality workmanship. They may be a mother, a professor, or a creative spirit who brings a handful of her friends to shop with her. They will post a selfie on Facebook or Instagram at the show of her most recent find and add the hash tag #madeinmontana or #supportyourlocalartist. After the big day is over they will go out to dinner at their favorite downtown restaurant and grab a local brew to celebrate the day. By knowing this customer, our marketing dollars are well spent by strategically utilizing social-media, as this is how our main demographic receives their information. We have over 4700 active Facebook followers and an emailing list of 1500 customers. We reach our target market via radio, Facebook, email campaigns, print media, and disperse over 500 posters and 5,000 postcards in Missoula, Helena, and surrounding communities.
This is one of the largest artisan markets in Montana and a great way to reach potential customers. The benefits of being a sponsor go beyond the physical printed promotional items and are long lasting. By supporting the MADE fair and all it offers (to both customers & artists), you can secure your position in the local community. We are seeking money and in-kind sponsorship to help offset the cost of the event and our marketing efforts. Please consider becoming a sponsor, we appreciate the communities support in helping to make the summer and holiday MADE fairs a success.
Benefits of each sponsorship level are listed in addition to what events are covered. Prior marketing materials and additional information available upon request.
The MADE fairs are presented by HandMADE Montana— a professional organization for art & handcrafted goods. We organize events (MADE fairs & workshops), provide resources to artists, and encourage growth and support in our community efforts. The event is organized by Carol Lynn Lapotka (REcreate designs), and Courtney Blazon with assistance from MADE fair ambassadors and local artists.
SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES
FRIEND $125
SHOW BENEFITS // SINGLE SHOW
Get your feet wet ,and throw your hat in the ring with this introductory level of sponsorship. Your business logo and link will appear on the Sponsored by page on the handMADE Montana website as well as one social mention of your choice (Facebook, Instagram, or blog post). We will throw in a big-ole high five the next time we see you as well.
SOCIAL BUTTERFLY $250
SHOW BENEFITS // SINGLE SHOW
Spread your social wings and fly at this level of sponsorship. Your business will receive 1 dedicated Facebook, Instagram, and blog posts with images, descriptions, and links to your online presence. You will also be given a solid shout out on a web blast prior to the event. Your business logo and link on the Sponsored by page on the handMADE Montana website.
SIDEKICK $500
SHOW BENEFITS // HOLIDAY & SUMMER // ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP
We are always looking for some extra help from our trusty sidekicks. Benefits to this level include all that is offered as a SOCIAL BUTTERFLY as well as a small logo on promotional materials including 5000+ postcards (for each event/location), 500 posters, and 1500 rack cards distributed throughout Missoula, Helena, and surrounding areas.
SUPERHERO $1000
SHOW BENEFITS // HOLIDAY & SUMMER // ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP
You are a rockstar, and all that is super and heroic. We appreciate all that you do to help save the day. Benefits at this level include all that is offered as a SIDEKICK, but you will also get your logo on all email blasts, MADE fair pages on the handMADE Montana website, radio advertisement mentions, and a vinyl banner hung the weekend of the event.
MASTER of the UNIVERSE $2500
SHOW BENEFITS // HOLIDAY & SUMMER // ANNUAL SPONSORSHIP
You have it all figured out, and know that helping us, helps you. Your business is dedicated to supporting local and community efforts, and sees the MADE fair as an event that is in line with what you stand for. Benefits at this level include all that is offered as a SUPER HERO, but also include being our key sponsor. What does that mean? Your business will stand out with a largest logo, and up-front-and -center of it all. You will also be sponsoring 1 artist booth per event via a scholarship program and you have the option to have 1 6x10 booth to promote your business.
The handMADE Montana retail shop is filled with over 80 local & regional artists' modern handcrafted goods. We are interested in discovering a few new artists and giving them the opportunity to sell their items in the store as well as possible online sales. Typically we handpick MADE fair artists, and since we were not able to see everyone in person this year, we are casting a virtual net to find some new ones to add to the shop for the holiday season and beyond.
If you are interested in being considered, please fill out this submission and upload some images of your best-selling works. Think of this as an audition of sorts and tell us why you would be a great addition to the store and how your products are unique. Currently, it is a brick & mortar shop, but we are adding new products to our website daily and looking forward to expanding the selection of goods we offer.
Benefits of being a handMADE Montana Retail Shop Artist
• The shop operates on a 60% (artist) 40% (commission), and checks are sent out monthly.
• Meet the Artist Series blog, FB, IG posts
• Online product selling options
• Exposure to local and tourist traffic visiting Polson, MT (It is a lot during the summer)
• Options to teach small workshops
holiday MADE fair // Helena & Missoula
The MADE fair is a modern artist & handcrafted market featuring local and regional artists. Our juried events feature over 200 skilled artisans and a handful of non-profits. Our curated collection of artisans represents Montana’s best of the best. Our shows are very well attended and supported by the community.
Helena // December 1-2 // Lewis & Clark Fairgrounds The Helena Holiday MADE fair is growing in popularity and has been attended well. Last year, we reworked a few things to help with traffic flow and allow vendors more wiggle room. We are excited to bring back all our events offered for artisans, non-profits, and the local community to the Lewis & Clark Fairgrounds for the Helena Holiday MADE fair. We worked with incredible folks in Helena last year to bring the MADE fair experience to life and will continue to partner with local businesses. We have 30,000 sq. feet of continuous space to feature over 175+ talented artisans, local non-profits, activities, and delicious food & beverage options. This year, we will have a $10 VIP Pass on Friday 5 pm-8 pm, $5 Early Bird Saturday, 9 am-10 am, and FREE entry 10 am-4 pm. All ticket proceeds benefit a local non-profit.
Missoula // December 10 // Adams Center
Once again, we will fill the Adams Center with over 200+ booths on the balcony, arena floor, and upper gyms. The 16th annual Missoula Holiday MADE fair will include free entry, free parking, and plenty of room to shop. $10 VIP Pass 9 am-11am; FREE entry 11am-5 pm
The MADE fairs are presented by HandMADE Montana— a professional organization for art & handcrafted goods. We organize events (MADE fairs & workshops), provide resources to artists, and encourage growth and support in our community efforts.
Community support for all of our events helps make them great. Non-profits play a significant role in creating opportunities, educating, and fighting the good fight all across Montana. They are often the building blocks for what makes our cities great. For the last five years, we have offered booths to local non-profits at a reduced rate to allow them to meet directly with the public they serve.
We are excited to continue offering space for non-profits at all our shows. We strongly encourage some hands-on activity to engage both children and adults who visit your booth. We will be jurying all non-profits that apply to ensure they are a good fit for our event.
HOW TO APPLY
1. Fill out the online application
2. Upload images & logo
NON-PROFIT BENEFITS
For many artists & non-profits, our shows are their best of the season and we do a great deal to promote everyone on our website and social media. We have found our customers enjoy pre-shopping the artists and planning out their day of shopping. This is an added benefit compared to other handmade markets; it is one of the many things that set us apart.
Included
• A well-organized event that attracts over 8,000 customers eager to buy handcrafted products and meet the artists and non-profits!
• Non-profit image, business name, and links on our website
• A landing page with more detailed information about your non-profit including links to yourwebsite, Facebook, and Instagram
• Promotional event graphics you can use on your Instagram account, Facebook page, or website
• A listing on printed & digital floor plan
• Nametag and other great swag
PROMOTION
All of our events are very well attended and we work hard to bring in a variety of customers. In addition to our website, Facebook, and Instagram pages, we advertise our events well in advance using these methods:
• Printed media —10,000 postcards, 2,500 rack cards, 1,000 posters, 5,000 mini cards
• Advertisements in local papers and magazines
• Radio spots
• Social Media—Facebook & Instagram Ads
• Web Ads— Missoulaevents.net
• Calendar Listings—newspaper, online, and magazines
• Digital & printed floor plan maps
IMPORTANT DATES
MAY 1 Accepting applications
October 1 Deadline for submissions
October 10:Accepted and declined artisans notified by email.
October 20 Booth fees due
NON-PROFIT BOOTH FEES // SET-UP // EVENT HOURS
10’ x 6’ $50 + Electric ($15) + Table ($12)
10’x10’ $10 + Electric ($15) + Table ($12)
Booth sizes are listed in width x depth. Chairs are provided, electricity access is available for an additional $15, and tables can be rented for $12 each.
Helena Holiday MADE fair // December 1-2, 2023 // Lewis & Clark Fairgrounds
Set-up: Friday 12 pm-5 pm
Show hours: Friday 5 pm- 8 pm; Saturday 9 am-4 pm
Takedown: Saturday 4 pm-9 pm
Missoula MADE fair // December 10, 2023 // Adams Center
10’ x 6’ $50 + Table ($12)
10’x10’ $90 + Electric ($15) + Table ($12)
Booth sizes are listed in width x depth. Chairs are provided; electricity access is available for a limited number of booths for an additional $15, and tables can be rented for $12 each.
Set-up: Sunday 6 am-9 am*
Show hours: Sunday 9 am-5 pm VIP $15 pass 9 am-11 am
Takedown: Sunday 5 pm-9 pm