Midwest Music EXPO FAQS

[Lioret]

The Midwest Music EXPO is rapidly approaching dealer capacity (over 75% of the dealer spaces have been reserved)  We are looking forward to a great event!  We know there may be some questions you have, so we have compiled a Frequently Asked Questions sheet for your reference.  Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
Gregg Cline
Midwest Music EXPO Committee.  
email: midwestexpo@antiquephono.org

 

Midwest Music EXPO Dealers, 

Here are answers for some Frequently Asked Questions.

 

Q. Can we have A “booth” layout with our dealers spaces or just inline?

A. Based on available space, we intend to allow dealers with 3 or more tables to adjust table layout to create a “booth” with the tables if they wish.  It was our intention to create the “booths” based on the needs of the dealers.  Many simply prefer an inline table setup.  Rather than forcing someone who only needs one table to get a booth of 3 or 4 tables we can accommodate them as well as large dealers who need more floor space. The Wayne show has an inline table design show as does the California and NC shows.  We tried making a hybrid between Union and these other shows. There is an attached diagram of some possible dealer space layouts.  As you can see there is a good deal of flexibility available when using some of these configurations.  Should you desire a booth style layout, please let us know so we can accommodate your needs.

 

Q. Why are the tables only 6 feet long?

 A. The 6-foot tables are not our choice, this is what Hyatt has available for us to use. 

 

Q. Can we put displays on the tables and are their coverings on the tables?

A. Yes to both.  You can put your display or shelves on the tables.  There is a cloth covering on the tables as well.

 

Q. How sturdy are the tables?

A. The tables are standard display tables provided by the hotel.  If you are planning on putting an unusually heavy load on the tables, you may need to bring additional support.

 

Q. Can we sell things during the load in on Friday Evening and are early buyers allowed then?

A. NO SALES during the load in… Bringing your items into your spaces only at this time.  Dealer credentials will be required.  No early buyers at this time within the hotel ballroom.

 

Q. Is there dedicated parking at the hotel?

A. There will be a dedicated dealer parking area that will accommodate larger vehicles and trailers per the attached map.  The parking area will not be controlled or managed by MME staff at any time before, during, or after the event.  Additionally, there will not be security detail assigned to this designated parking area during after hours. 

 

Q.  Will there be security?

A.  Yes, there will be security assigned to the hotel ballroom during after hours.  There will not be security assigned to the parking lot.

 

 

Q. Will early buyers be allowed in at the same time as dealers on Saturday Morning.

A. Yes.

 

Q. What type of advertising is being done for the EXPO?

A. Online we are advertising on social media and forums. Several well-known auction houses and related organizations are notifying their customer and member databases. We also are going to be advertising in local markets and Antique publications to try and get general public attendance, especially Sunday.   The California APS EXPO has been very successful in this.   

 

Q. How much does it cost to attend the seminars and speakers?

A. Educational events do not require admission. They are open to the public.  

 

Q. Is lunch available at the EXPO?

A. We will have a limited number of Box lunches available on Saturday and Sunday for $25 each.  We will have to order these ahead of time, so please let us know if you will be wanting them and how many. 

 

Q. How does the Silent Auction Work?

A. The silent auction will be held during the Banquet on Saturday Evening. Most of us think of a Silent auction as being a charity event, However, the main purpose of this auction is for dealers to sell items.  For a nominal $2 fee per item, dealers can sell them through this format.  It will be limited to approximately 150 items. You set the opening bid, and if there is a bid, it will sell.  Bidding continues for a pre-determined time and the end of the event, buyers and sellers settle up with each other.  It is always a highlight of the California APS EXPO and will be a fun time for all participants.

 

Note that items placed in the Silent Auction should NOT be items offered for sale at the Dealer’s ballroom table.  Silent Auction items should be unique to the auction.

 

Q. Can anyone put items into the Silent Auction?

A. No, only registered Dealers may place items in the Silent Auction.  Only Banquet attendees will be permitted to participate in the Silent Auction by assignment of a unique silent auction bidder number.

 

Q.  Can the proceeds from items placed in the Silent Auction be donated to APS?

A. Yes. We encourage you consider donating items for this purpose.  These items will be noted in the Silent Auction accordingly and you will receive a tax-deductible receipt from APS for the value of the item donated.

 

Q. How do I put an item into the Silent Auction? 

A.  In early May, each registered Dealer will receive an email from MME Staff with detailed instructions on how to place items in the Silent Auction. 

 

 

Q. What type of payment should I be expected to accept?

A. Cash and checks are the traditional forms of payment at these shows.  However, we are seeking to attract a younger, more diverse audience at this show.  There is the potential they will expect to pay by Zelle, Venmmo, or other electronic payment option.

 

Q. Do I need to collect sales tax?

A. Dealers are solely responsible for following all federal, state and local laws concerning their sales transactions including the collection of taxes.

 

Q. Will there be security?

A. Yes, there will be security in the EXPO location overnight Friday and Saturday.
 

[melvind]

Terrific information. Thanks for being so thorough and helpful!

[phonogfp]

Yes, VERY helpful, Gregg.  Thanks for posting.

 

George P.

[gismologic]

How many Dealers at this point with a month remaining?

Any International Dealers  booked ?

[gismologic]

This is a very lively Forum,

 

[phonogfp]

The only people who will know how many dealers are booked, and how many of those are international dealers, are the four people on the MME Committee.  I suggest you submit your question to them via the APS "Contact Us" page:

 

https://www.antiquephono.org/contact-us/

 

George P.