

Here We Go!
Time to Get Organized For Art Market!
The countdown is on – only 64 more days until Art Market Move-in day! Please watch for our newsletters, as they contain a wealth of important, useful, and informative information coming your way!
At this time of year, our offices are working like crazy to pull off all the fine details of the show. Please refer to your Show Kit on the website for almost all the questions you may have. If you cannot find the answer or need clarification on something, please email and ask now. It is easier to take the time to answer now than the week before the show.
You can email: info@artmarketcraftsale.com, artmarketcraftsale@gmail.com or artmarketmedia@gmail.com
Show Details in your Show Kit are packed with information!
SHOW KIT PASSWORD: 40birthday
DEADLINES
ORDER ALL OF YOUR SHOW SUPPLIES NOW – If you need extra pipe, drape, chairs, tables, etc. for your booth… now is the time to go to your Show Kit and make sure it gets ordered. The DEADLINE for ordering with a discount is October 29th. You can still order after this date, but prices will change.
BOOK YOUR HOTEL – Check your Show Kit for options on our discounted hotels that are close to the Convention Centre. DEADLINE for booking Hilton Garden: October 24th. The Marriott Hotel deadline: October 16th. Art Market has room blocks at both of these hotels; they can sell out, so book now!
Be aware of any hotel scams – the deals listed in your show kit are the ONLY deals offered by Art Market.
Ticket Allocation (Tickets & Totes Tab) – Each artist gets 10 Free Tickets with their booth. These tickets can be used for:
*Your customers – do your own giveaways, prizes, etc. Give to your favourite customers, people interested in your work, etc.
*Friends & Family – Sometimes our friends and family support us the most! Give them a treat of a free ticket and invite them to come watch you shine!
*People interested in Art & Craft. You might have an acquaintance or someone you just met who would be interested in seeing your work.
Whoever you find to give your Free Ticket Allocation to… GIVE THEM AWAY! There are 208 artists this year; that is 2080 extra bodies through the door!
The Free Tickets are given in the form of a discount code or hard ticket copy. If you choose the hard ticket copy, we will mail them out to you. Deadline for this request is October 15th. If you choose ‘Digital’, the discount code with instructions will be emailed to you November 1st.
Gift Certificates/Tote Bags – Deadline October 25th. If you want to buy someone special a gift certificate, host your own contest, or do a gift basket to include an Art Market gift certificate, we’ll need to know by the above due date to get it printed. You can also buy our red Art Market tote bags for your customers; let us know, and we’ll put them aside for pickup on move-in day.
SHIPPING – Is open to book now. Deadline to book: October 25th. Please read the Shipping Instructions for any questions you may have or quotes needed. Art Market Caravan ships from Circle Craft or Abbotsford (and back to Abbotsford) and from Art Market to the One of A Kind show. If you need to go elsewhere, you can book with Rob McCall or use your own carrier. Please remember, your shipping is not booked until we have received payment.
TABLE, CHAIR, MOVE IN TIME AND/OR BOOTH RELIEF – Deadline October 25th. If you need to change your table size, order or take away a chair, change your move-in time, or sign up/cancel your booth relief, now is the time. Many of you have the move-in time of 3pm-6pm… please know that you ONLY have until 9pm to finish your booth setup! You will be asked to leave the show floor by the security guard at 9pm sharp. Make sure you give yourself enough time for setup!
FALL PACKAGE – Your fall package will be sent out within the next two weeks. This will include your booth #, move-in time slot, receipt for payments to Art Market (shipping receipts come with your shipping labels), information for Food Vendors, and other show information.
BOOTH LOCATION – There is a small chance that your booth location may change between now and the show opening. We may need to do some shuffling along the way as last-minute booths are filled from any cancellations. You will be contacted if your location is changed.
Just a reminder: All products entering Art Market’s show floor must be made by you, and all new products you intend to bring to the show that were not included in your application must be juried before making their way to the show floor. Email info@artmarketcraftsale.com to have any product(s) in question juried BEFORE bringing to the show.
Watch Out for Scams!
Scammers hit hard in September – watch your inbox! Every year they try to advertise that “Art Market” has come up with special deals for you, or security deposits, even hotel scams. Don’t fall into their trap. All of your hotel deals and such will be presented in your Show Kit. Please know that all emails come from our iContacts bulk message system, which you can see located at the bottom of each email. We always have our logo at the top, social media links to all our home pages and we sign our name (Nichole or Michelle). If ever in doubt, email info@artmarketcraftsale.com for verification.
No need to go out and purchase all new equipment for your booth. You can enhance your selling space and art by displaying your work at a few different visual heights or by adding a splash of colour or varied patterns to draw customers in.
Keep your booth neat and tidy, stocked, and shiny! Your tablecloths should be clean-looking at all times (bring extras if needed or rent), and have them looking ironed and crisp.
SIGNAGE: Very important! Although we offer a QR code and/or paper map so customers can find you, make sure your booth is labelled with your name and logo. For potential new customers, you don’t want them to forget what, where, and why they need to come back to purchase.
Make your sign visual from all angles of the aisle. Big font, photos of your work or you working in your studio, and your logo are all good things to have on your signage, and when designing signage, remember that you are designing for the inside of your small boutique. The curtain walls at Art Market are black, so colours and a white background really pop!
You can hang up to 6 pounds of signage from the provided S-hooks onto the pipe. There is no pinning or piercing of the drapery.
LIGHTING: Lighting might be the most important element of your booth! At Art Market, we lower the lights to create a dramatic effect in keeping in line with the individual boutique style. Customers will be drawn and attracted to properly lit booths automatically.
You can rent lights from Global Show Services. If you don’t see what you want/need on their website, we recommend you purchase what you need… purchase more than what you think – just in case! Of course, make sure you know the return policy to return any unneeded lighting.
WHAT’S INCLUDED – and where to order more – You have one table (choice of 4, 6 or 8 ft), one padded chair, electrical power, S-hooks, a laminated booth number and 2-3 eight-foot, black draped walls included in your booth.
Global Show Services is our in-house supplier and decorator of our show floor. They offer several items for onsite rental so you don’t have to purchase or cart booth display items into the convention centre. From hard walls, racking, lighting and colourful drapery to carpets, tape, kiosks, plexiglass and more. They can build you what you need and/or deliver goods right to your booth for setup.
Jump into your Show Kit: https://www.artmarketcraftsale.com/exhibitors-info/exhibitor-show-kit/, under “Extra Show Supplies”. Send an email to Devisha at singh@globalconvention.ca before October 29th, 2026, for any discounts they offer. They have a new ordering system. Your contact is Devisha for any questions regarding these items and how they can assist.
Please include your:
Company Name, Booth Number, First and Last Name
E-mail Address
STORAGE: Included in your booth fees are empty box, pallet, and crate storage as well as goods storage. There will be two 53-foot trailers on the loading dock to be used for storage. The goods storage is camera-monitored for safety 24/7 and is locked every evening. You can access this trailer from 8 am to 15 minutes after the closing hour each day. All boxes, pallets, and crates must be properly labelled for storage (labels available at our information desk upon move-in).
You can store products, boxes, and such in your booth only under your table or behind a secondary curtain created by you. Your product is for sale – not your storage items. Please make sure that no visible storage products (cardboard boxes, totes, coolers, wagons etc.) are visible to the customer’s eye. Please make sure you find an appropriate space for your personal items (jackets, hats, bags, purses, etc.) out of the customer’s eye.
Have Questions? Nichole and Michelle are always on-site for any questions you may have about booth setup.
Thinking of a new or good idea and not sure it’s doable? Email Nichole: info@artmarketcraftsale.com anytime for ideas or to clear a concept.
Please feel free to ask questions now before the show to make sure your move-in and setup go smoothly.
See below for some great examples of fantastic booth setups. Again, no need to reinvent or spend copious amounts of money, but be creative!
Booth Examples
The samples below include booth spaces where artists have created their own walls to display their work, and others who have incorporated the black-curtained walls and tables that are provided. Take a look at the different lighting ideas. Both Burlap Sac and The Lemon Square have created amazing, artistic signage that elevates their space. Each artist has utilized their space both vertically and horizontally to create interest. Notice the space that has been created for customers to shop. The last photo is of the show floor showing how each ’boutique’, the colours, and the low lighting really lend to the feel of the show.

HEADS UP!
WATCH OUT FOR THE LATEST SCAMS!
These are the current scams circulating. There may be more with hotel offerings and such. Please remember if the email did not come from info@artmarketcraftsale.com, artmarketcraftsale@gmail.com, or artmarketmedia@gmail.com……it is probably a scam. If you receive one of these, do not click on anything, report the scam to your provider and delete it from your computer.
You can also email one of the above emails to verify any information.
SCAM EXAMPLE 1
Dear Vendor,
Thank you for your interest in the Art Market Craft Sale, Calgary’s premiere art & craft sale, taking place at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre from November 19 – 22, 2026.
The Art Market Craft Sale is a well-attended marketplace that celebrates creativity, community, and local business, bringing together artisans, makers, food vendors, and retailers in a vibrant festival setting.
To participate, please complete your official vendor application using the link below
https://forms.office.com/r/p0000000
It goes on from here, talking about limited space and that they look forward to welcoming you to the Art Market Craft Sale.
SCAM EXAMPLE 2
Hope this email finds you well. On behalf of Alberta Art Market Craft Sale happenning in November 19 to 22, I wish to inform you of our new refundable damages deposit we assigned every booth. For BOOTH #: 508, please make a deposit and support our decisions to ensure a streamlined work flow. The damage deposit is refundable after 3 business days after the event. The fee will be used as cover incase a vendor damages the equipments for the event. We appreciate your support and determination to participate in this event. Thank you.
For payment use the following details:
Amount: $250
Security answer: damages508
Our Calgary Shoppers
We market/advertise to all shoppers. Our median age range is between 35 to 44 (33%), sandwiched between 25-35 years of age (18%) and 45-54 years of age (25%), so your audience is diverse, and so is their spending power, with diverse household incomes. Our shoppers are 85% female, and we normally see around 15,000 people come through the door. We offer a well-used reentry pass for the full four days, which makes a true number difficult to compute.
These statistics are measured and come from our social media platforms, media partners, and bulk email services.
We want our customers to shop Canadian, shop handmade, and stop, shop and buy from you at Art Market!
While you are out and about during the rest of the summer season and into the early fall, look at what is going on at other shows. Is there an idea you can adopt for Art Market? What are the consumers looking for these days? If you are a consumer, what strikes your fancy? What are the new colour schemes for the Fall? Plan to make your changes now so you are ready for the Fall season!
A few things to think about trying at Art Market:
Products & Pricing
Part of our selling feature to the customer is to come to Art Market and MEET the artists. We want them to come, speak with you, hear your story – CONNECT and COLLECT is the idea. For that to happen with ALL shoppers, we recommend that you prepare for three pricing levels. If you’ve made the connection, set them up with the opportunity to go home with something to remember you by – large or small – and when they return the following year, you have given them a chance to save up for that next piece that they haven’t been able to forget about.
Payment Plan Options:
You, of course, should be set up to take as many forms of payment as possible, and now, through many providers, you can offer payment options. The option of Buy Now Pay Later Apps like PayPal, Sezzle, Square and Afterpay can help push that sale over the finish line, assisting the customer with those big purchases. If you provide this option, you should advertise it! Maybe a small picture frame with ‘payment options available’ will push a sale.
How much product should I bring?
There is no perfect answer to this. Each artist is different. We suggest you do your best to have the products you sent us pictures of, and if not, similar items to direct the customers’ attention. Polling your immediate connections or social following about product choices is also an option. Make sure your booth is always full and vibrant with your work.
What do I do if I run out of product?
There is no such thing! We pride ourselves on the ‘beauty’ of the show, and an empty booth would not be pretty. In the case of low stock, have a plan that allows you to keep products displayed to keep your booth looking great and have a plan to take orders. Keep sold product in your booth and offer delivery after the show. You can also have products couriered to the convention centre.
NO Markdowns
We have such value for your work and do not want to see you devalue the work you have put into creating your pieces. No slashed prices or signs indicating 30% off on the show floor. You can, in conversation, offer a customer a deal, but there should be no signage to that effect.
As usual… have questions or ideas you want to talk out, email Nichole at info@artmarketcraftsale.com
More to come soon!
Note: Please watch out for SCAMS! There are some tricky ones circulating out there for all art and craft shows. Make sure any emails are coming from info@artmarketcraftsale.com, artmarketcraftsale@gmail.com, or artmarketmedia@gmail.com. If you do not see any of those emails in the sender box, it is not Art Market. You can always touch base with any of the above emails to verify.
Prizes, Prizes, Prizes
Let’s Talk 40th BIRTHDAY and what is new for Art Market 2026!
The Showcase (of sorts) is back! Many of you have expressed that you have a giveaway item to donate. This year, we will be hosting an opportunity for you to give away different kinds of items. (products, gift certificates, discount cards, etc)
This year we want to spice things up with giving 40 amazing gift bags away each day of the show. Plus Art Market gift certificates and more.
The magic number for giveaways this year 40, 40, 40!
We are currently accepting prize donations as we organize these giveaways and the advertising around it. Below are some suggestions of what you can donate:
Pieces of your work (there is no limit to quantity, but we do not want you to give away more than you care to!). You could also include a 10% off coupon with your work if you would like. This might generate a sale with your giveaway!
A discount code or coupon: Eg: painters, it is hard to give away a painting as it is a very colour/genre specific gift. Instead of donating a painting, you could offer a discount to shop for one in your booth. Or give a calendar or set of cards as a giveaway.
Classes or courses to attend: You might already offer courses or classes on how to learn your craft; a free class gift certificate is a good gift!
Customization or fittings: Free belt sizing or embossing, free live painting on your purchased product, or jewellery fitting?
A Gift basket or box set: A collaboration of samples, flavours, or scents of what you make.
Samples of your yummy products! Everyone likes chocolate, spices, sauces, fancy nuts, sweets…..even a bottle of spirits or wine!
The idea is to give away something that truly reflects you and your work—something memorable that encourages visitors to stop by your booth, thank you in person, and explore the rest of your artwork or products. A thoughtful giveaway can spark interest, lead to purchases, and introduce Calgary shoppers to the quality and creativity behind your brand. Most importantly, it’s an opportunity to showcase what makes your work special, build lasting connections with customers, and leave them excited to come back for more.
If you are interested in donating, please contact Nichole at: info@artmarketcraftsale.com or artmarketcraftsale@gmail.com. Let me know what you’re thinking in terms of product, gift certificate, % off something in your booth, classes and the quantity. We can arrange for shipping beforehand and/or drop off at the info desk on move-in day.
What’s New 2026