Spring 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. 

SECURITY:

  • We provide security from the time the show closes until show staff returns in the following morning. 4 security guards walk and monitor the booths.
  • MSU PD is on-site during show operations.

TABLES, CHAIRS, AND ELECTRICITY 

  • We are unable to provide tables, chairs, or electricity. 
  • Generators are prohibited.
  • No open flames are permitted. 

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:

  • 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, WEEKEND COMMUNICATION, AND BUILDING HOURS

FRIDAY: 

  • 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM - show staff is preparing the grounds 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 require MSU ID after 6:00PM. 
  • West Circle Dr. reopens at 9:00PM. All vehicles must be off the road at that time. 

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 6:00 PM.

SUNDAY:

  • Show staff arrive at 9:00 AM.
  • The show opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM.
  • Review Load-Out Process for after show instructions.