HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 Vail Antique Fest. Eval. Final
2010 VAIL ANTIQUE FESTIVAL EVALUATION This was the second year MC Presents hosted the 2010 Vail Antique Festival which was located in Lionshead at the bus stop and around the building
managed by Kitt Williams. The Festival was open to the public on Friday and Saturday 10AM to 6PM, and Sunday 10AM to 5PM, July 16, 17, & 18, 2010. The Festival hosted 27 high-end vendors
with 42 spaces. This was an increase from last year. MC Presents also promotes five other events in premier resort areas but Vail was the only event which had an increase in vendors
from last year. With Vailʼs reputation, the new date from last year in a strong line up of shows, and, additional national advertising made possible with the CSE funds; MC Presents was
able to grow the Festival, even in this economy. The promoters feel the Festival has the potential to grow significantly. As far as weakness of the event, there was one vendor space
in a weak area which resulted in fewer potential customers visiting their booth. Even though the removal of the information kiosk resulted in a larger area, the revised fire restrictions
did not yield more space for vendors but a revision on the layout could be corrected. Another problem was having to move a tent after setup had begun. It would be easier to have the
approval of site locations done beforehand so setup would be less stressful for the vendors. Compliance to the restrictions could be done during setup. MC Presents also needs to educate
Vail service personnel to the nuances of “Antique” festivals. “Flea markets” are generally not considered to be high-end markets. Some of our vendors were riding the Vail buses, and
one of the bus drivers announced the Vail Antique Festival stop as the “flea market”. It is felt, both Vail and MC Presents needs to promote high-end, quality shopping at their venues,
therefore; necessitating some education on the nuances of this industry. The strengths of the show include the vendors and the venue. Antiques dating from 480BC to the 1960s retro were
available for sale. As a whole, the vendors are knowledgeable and are nationally known in their fields. Quality antiques were available for under $20 into the thousands of dollars. The
promoters attempted to bring in fewer ʻgeneralistsʼ and to try to bring vendors who specialize and are experts in their selected area of expertise. Antique Festival customers are generally
educated, wealthy, well traveled and appreciate the quality of antiques for sale at the festival. This clientele fits well in the Vail community. The venue, with the recent remodel,
is one of the most beautiful in the country lending itself to casual, upscale shopping. Another strength was the density of the show. Although Lionshead lends itself to spreading out,
the show was consolidated. The use of the bus lane slowed down the guests as they got off the bus. By placing so many vendors close to the beginning of the show, it helped set the stage
for shopping the show as well shopping the year-around shops. The change of date to July sandwiched between two other strong shows promoted by MC Presents, was also a strength. Vendors
were able to schedule their summer doing strong shows in close proximity, thereby; saving on travel expenses. Another factor helping the Festival, was going from two weeks to the Monday
before the show, to submit the sales tax permit applications. This flexibility brought one or two vendors. The event was well attended. Anecdotal statements appeared to support high
attendance for the Antique Festival. It appears the goal of 5,000 participants over the weekend was met. Several customers stated they had seen the ad next to the Antiques Road Show
on PBS, besides in the Vail Daily. The surrounding businesses appeared to appreciate the activity and were very helpful to the vendors. Some visitors returned to Lionshead several times
to ʻfinish shopping”, revisit an item they were interested in buying, or to buy the item after checking its measurements. As can be seen in the budget, the promoters advertised Vail
on the front range, nationally, and and locally. A website, mcpresents.com, is maintained by the promoters
which lists Vail hotels/motels, discounts for vendors and potential customers on its site; as well as photos of the event at Lionshead with a brief synopses of the attributes of Vail.
By promoting its special events, Vail is recognized as a premier resort which is viable, exciting and truly a destination point. It is estimated that the show generated 135 motel/hotel
nights, over 400 restaurant meals, and an unknown amount of bar bills and discretionary spending by the vendors alone, besides clientele spending. Response by the vendors was encouraging
with many planning on returning next year with friends or family and “extend their stay out west”. Vail is truly a family friendly venue with something for everyone. No other event is
as ʻgreenʼ. Antiques are the original recycle! The vendors used recycled bags. The promoters used recycled paper when possible or by emailing forms. By pairing shows, the promoters encouraged
less travel by the vendors. Most vendors come from other states. By doing consecutive weekends, vendors were able to stay in Vail or the surrounding area to enjoy the vicinity on the
few days between the shows without driving long distances, thereby saving gas, lowering emissions, and helping the local economy with even more motel/hotel nights and restaurant meals.
Marketing and Budgeting Specifics Budget evaluation: Income: Vendors $10,650 (two vendors worked for space and two spaces were the promoters) CSE 4,500 TOTA L $15,150 Expenses: (does
not include Vail permit fees, & office/business expenses) Newspapers 4,600 Radio KZYR 500 Plum TV 1,200 Postcards 92 Posters/stamps 200 Security 1,050 Rocky Mt. PBS 945 Porters 460 Vendor
food 60 Staff help & room1120 Insurance 350 Trade magazines 200 TOTAL $10,777