Welcome Packet

WELCOME

The Annual Arts and Crafts show is a crucial fundraiser for the University Activities Board, and all proceeds from booth fees go directly to our UAB student events, which provide community building and social opportunities for students on campus. These events are proudly planned and implemented by students.

On behalf of all MSU students who continue to enjoy our campus-wide programming, thank you for being an artists & crafter.

SHOW READY CHECKLIST

COMMON FAQS

EMERGENCIES:

  • The information booth on every floor can respond to concerns and emergencies and provide guidance during emergencies.
  • Sign up for MSU Alerts - register as a guest.

RESTROOMS, PERSONAL HEALTH ROOMS, AND PRAYER & REFLECTION SPACES:

  • Restrooms are located on all five floors of the MSU Union. Unisex bathrooms are located on the fourth and ground floors. 
  • Personal Health Rooms, including a nursing chair and sharps container, are located on the 1st Floor. A key may be checked out at the Welcome Desk.
  • Prayer and Reflection space is available on the 3rd floor, near the entrance to the women's restroom and within, but separate from, the 4th floor north unisex restroom- this space also includes an ablution/wudu station.

ACCESSIBILITY:

  • The only accessible ramp is located on the west side of the building, near Abbott Rd. 
  • All elevators and levels are accessible via elevators. 
  • Accessible parking is available for vendors. Please contact show staff for more information.

SHOW STAFF:

  • There is one information booth per floor.
  • Show Headquarters is located on the 1st floor, near MSU FCU.
  • Show staff is on-site at all times. Two show directors are available at all times. 
  • Please note the building does not open until 9:00 AM on Sunday. 
  • Due to liability, we are unable to provide booth sitters.

FOOD:

  • The MSU Union food court is closed for renovations. We highly encourage vendors to make plans for meals.
  • The MSU Union convenience store is located on the 1st floor.
  • Locally owned and operated Strange Matter Cafe is located on the 1st floor.
  • Complimentary coffee is available for vendors in Show Headquarters. 
  • Grand River Ave offers a large selection of fast food and sit down restaurants. 

STORAGE AND SECURITY:

  • Storage can be purchased on Zapplication. It is locked - access can be requested at the information booth on that level. It is shared with multiple vendors.
  • We provide security from the time the show closes until the building is locked. 
  • MSU PD is on-site during show operations.

TABLES, CHAIRS, AND ELECTRICITY 

  • You can verify the number of table and chairs you requested in your application

  • Vendors can request up to one free table and two chairs per booth. It will be placed in your space before arrival.

  • You may bring additional tables or chairs as long as they fit within your booth (8'x5' or 16'x5')

  • Extra tables or chairs are not available for rent or purchase.

⚠️ Important Electrical Guidelines:

  • Vendors are expected and encouraged to bring their own extension cords (minimum 10 ft recommended) and power strips/surge protectors.

  • Vendors must work cooperatively with nearby booths to share outlet access.

  • Be mindful of your power usage—this is a historic building, and large power draws may trip the breakers. If your usage causes disruptions, you may be asked to discontinue use.

  • Vendors may not run cords across walkways or aisles. Our team will properly secure any cords that need to cross public paths.

TIPS FOR A SMOOTH SHOW

LOAD-IN:

  • Do not arrive before your load-in time and adhere to the scheduled location. 

  • Have your booth number and load-in pass (not proof of purchase) ready when entering MSU; review the booth map before the show.

  • Do not set up your booth before moving your vehicle from the load-in zone. We also recommend waiting to transport your items, when feasible, until your vehicle is un-loaded. The goal of the load-in zone is to quickly off load your items.

  • If you need adjustments to your load-in time, location, or vehicle, complete the relevant forms. It is unlikely that changes will be possible after load-in passes are sent.

DURING THE SHOW:

  • Work with your fellow artists/crafters to maximize your space usage and needs.
  • Start your day with a caffeine boost! Vendors can find complimentary tea and coffee at show headquarters on the 1st floor of the MSU Union, near MSU FCU.

LOAD-OUT:

  • Curbside Load-In should keep both your load-in pass and parking pass for load-out. 
  • Review the process and requirements for load-out, both linked below and on the back of your parking pass.
  • Curbside Load-In/Out - DO NOT retrieve, or send someone to retrieve, your vehicle until you have received your load-out pass. 
  • Be patience with staff. All vendors want to get out and home quickly. Working with us expedites that process. 

STAFFING AND BUILDING HOURS

FRIDAY: 

  • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM - show staff is preparing the building and may not be able to respond to emails or phone calls quickly. Please call the MSU Welcome Desk (517-884-3338) to be connected with show staff as soon as possible.
  • We cannot accommodate early arrivals - vendors may not arrive until 5:00 PM. 
  • The MSU Union will not require MSU ID after 6:00PM. 
  • West Circle Dr. reopens at 9:00PM. All vehicles must be off the road at that time. 
  • The MSU Union closes at 10:00 PM All artists/crafters must exit the building by 10:00 PM

SATURDAY:

  • The MSU Union is open at 6:00 AM - only staff may enter the building before 6:00 AM. Curbside load-in may not arrive before 6:30 AM. The East Entrance will be monitored for emergencies.
  • Curbside Load-In on Friday should use Open Load-In Saturday morning. 
  • Vendors should not park in Ramp 6 after 8:30 AM on Saturday. Please move vehicles to vendor parking in Lot 7. 
    • More Ramp 6 Parking = more patrons = more sales.
  • Show opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM.
  • The MSU Union will close at 6:00 PM. All artists/crafters must exit the building by 6:00 PM.

SUNDAY:

  • The MSU Union opens at 9:00 AM

 

  • The show opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 4:00 PM.
  • The MSU Union will require MSU ID to access the building from 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Vendors will not be able to re-enter the building once they leave.
  • The MSU Union will close at 11:00 PM.