Portland VegFest FAQ
Check here for up-to-date info on how to best be prepared for the greatest VegFest experience!
This one-step guide answers all your questions about Portland VegFest! Have a question that’s not answered here? Send an email to exhibitors@nwveg.org and we will answer you and add the response here. We’re sure you’re not the only one thinking it!
For Exhibitors
Q. What is Portland VegFest, anyway?
Portland VegFest is a 2-day event celebrating plant-based living, with free food samples, health and nutrition speakers, chef demonstrations, restaurants, films, and activities for kids and teens.
Q. When does booth set-up begin?
As an exhibitor, you will get access to Hall A-A1 at the Convention Center from 1pm-8pm on Friday, Oct. 13, and 7-9:30am on Saturday, Oct. 14 to set up booths, signage, and load-in products and materials. You can load in large items via two entrances into Hall A-A1.
Q. Will there be wifi on-site?
There will be limited free wifi, for making POS transactions. If you require more than that, there is the option of purchasing wifi on-site, for $12/day.
Q. What parking is available?
There are lots of ways to get to the Convention Center, including public transportation, biking, & and via car:
- Take TriMet. TriMet's MAX has a stop right next to the Oregon Convention Center, and that stop is closest to Hall A/A1, where VegFest is located.
- TriMet bus line #6 stops on Martin Luther King (MLK) Boulevard, directly across the street from the Convention Center. If you need assistance in planning your trip, the TriMet Trip Planner makes it easy.
- The Portland Streetcar shares the same stops as the #6 bus line, on Martin Luther King (MLK) Boulevard, directly across the street from the Convention Center.
- Bike parking details: click here
- Car parking options map: click here.
- Car parking list of costs and addresses: click here.
Q. How many items for the Swag Bag and when do you want them by?
We're asking for 500 items for the Swag Bag, and to have them arrive to us at least a week before VegFest, so we can get some of them assembled in advance and verify that we've received everything.
Q. When do we need to ship products for our booth by?
Please have everything arrive at the Oregon Convention Center on Friday, Oct. 13. For more details, please email exhibitors@nwveg.org.
Q. We can’t be on-site this year; can we donate products?
We enthusiastically accept products and coupons to use at VegFest in our New Member Swag Bags.
Perks: Your product will reach a new audience, your company will be listed as a “Product/Coupon Donor” on the VF website, and at VegFest, signage including your company name will be displayed. We’ll also list your company in the Event Program, if received by 9 days prior to the event.
If you are sending more than one box, please let us know how many to expect, and what the contents are so we can verify receiving them in advance of the event.
Q. Will food and non-food vendors be in the same room?
Yes, food and nonfood exhibitors will be in the same hall. .
Q. How do we order an extra table for our booth?
All 10’ x 10’ booth locations come with one 8-foot table and 2 chairs, unless otherwise pre-arranged. If you would like an additional 6-foot or 8-foot table for your space for free, please email exhibitors@nwveg.org.
Q. Will the venue be air-conditioned? We have products that are heat sensitive and can easily melt.
Yes, our Oregon Convention Center venue is indoors and we will have control over the temperature. VegFest 2017 will be in October, and we will keep the temperature inside the Hall regulated. There will also be refrigerator and freezer space available to exhibitors, so product temperature can stay consistent, too.
Q. Can we have a canopy over our booth?
Yes, you can bring in a canopy for your booth, as long as it fits inside your 10' x 10' space. (Or within the dimensions of your booth spaces, if more than 1.) However, if you are food exhibitor and will be cooking, you must have a working smoke detector inside the canopy, even if it is only a roof and not covered sides.