Craft Show Producer Spotlight: The Alliday Show

I decided it would be interesting - as we head into this holiday craft show season - to interview some craft show organizers and get a peek at the behind the scenes. Today we're talking with Briana Hefley-Shepard about The Alliday Show. Enjoy!

When was your inaugural show? 
Our first Alliday was last June and was a huge success!  

Who is steering this ship? 
I'm Briana Hefley-Shepard of Bifftastica, a longtime crafter and part-time ESL teacher!  I'm an obsessive organizer, proud Oklahoman, supporter of the handmade movement, chronic antique and vintage hunter and an all-around offbeat gal.

How do you guys make decisions?
Based on many past experiences of participating in shows over the past seven years, good and bad.  I also grew up helping my parents produce various antique and craft shows so I've seen lots of what works and what doesn't.  Vendor and public feedback is vitally important as well and always affects the decisions made.

Is there a separate jury for applicants? Or do you review all the applications yourself? 
Since last year was our first year, anyone who applied with handmade goods was accepted.  This year, with the anticipation of many more applicants and with the desire for varied and unusual products, the applications are being juried by a panel of artists and crafters.

What keeps you coming back for more? 
I love making things happen and I love being a part of the handmade community!  There's so many aspects that make producing a show rewarding:  Introducing new vendors to the show scene, uncovering talented artists, bringing handmade to the public (for free!), the thrill of planning a large scale event, seeing the public discover art and crafts they can't live without and SO much more!

If any part of your show could be magically done for you by little magic fairies - what part would you offload onto the mystical creatures? 
Ha!  That's a great question!  Without a doubt it would be having someone tape off the booth spaces on the floor for me!  Talk about a back ache!  

Show date: December 17, 2011; 9-5

Location: Ford Truck Exhibit Hall at the Tulsa Expo Fairgrounds (near 21st & Yale)

Number of vendors: 80

Expected attendance: Hopefully thousands!  We did not have a counter last year so I'm not sure what the attendance was but do know that it was busy, busy busy!  

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