event day schedule

 

Vendor Setup & Check-In

Expo Launch 1: Exclusive to COH Congregation (Service 1)

Expo Launch 2: Open to the Community

Expo End Time

Opens at 7:00PM

Start Time: 9:00AM

Start Time: 12:00PM

Closing 2:00PM

VEndor guide: What to know before the expo

Before the Expo

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A few things vendors need to do.

  • Complete registration and payment by Thursday, September 8, 2026

  • Review the vendor requirements. 

  • Prepare your products, signage, payment method, and promotional materials. 

  • Promote your participation to your customers, friends, family, and networks. 

  • Tag Center of Hope CDC when promoting the Expo on social media. 

Please Don't

  • Don't block aisles, entrances, exits, or neighboring vendors. 

  • Don't use amplified sound or disruptive displays without prior approval. 

  • Don't sell prohibited products or materials. 

  • Don't leave trash or materials behind. 

  • Don't photograph or record guests, especially children, in a way that suggests endorsement without appropriate permission. 

  • Don't use promotional materials that are obscene, sexually explicit, discriminatory, threatening, or otherwise inconsistent with the community-centered nature of the event.

Marketing the expo

2

Promote Your Booth!  Spread the Word!

Vendors are welcome and encouraged to share the Small Business Expo with their customers, friends, family, and community networks. We believe the Expo is stronger when our participating businesses help us reach the people who would most enjoy supporting them.

We will be promoting the Expo through Center of Hope CDC's marketing channels as well. When sharing the event, please tag Center of Hope CDC so we can help amplify your posts and promote your participation.

Tag us!
Instagram: @hopecdcla
Facebook: hopecdcla

Please use professional, accurate, and appropriate content when promoting the event.  Promotional materials should reflect the family-friendly and community-centered nature of the Small Business Expo and Center of Hope CDC.

Event day

3

Vendor Setup

  • Arrive during the designated vendor setup period.  7:00AM – 9:00AM

  • Check in at the CDC table located in the Courtyard before setting up. 

  • Remain within your assigned vendor area. 

  • Keep walkways and entrances clear. 

  • Bring your own tent and table covering if desired/needed. 

  • No electricity is available. 

  • Keep your area clean throughout the event and remove all trash when you leave. 

Guests & Timing

The Expo takes place during church activities.  From 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., the event primarily serves the Center of Hope congregation.  Beginning at 12:00 p.m., the Expo opens to the broader community.

Vendors are encouraged to be prepared for both audiences and to remain available throughout the event.

Guest parking is free.

Make your booth work for you

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1.  Tell people you're coming.
Post your business name, what you sell, where you'll be, and the Expo date/time.

2.  Make it easy to buy.
Bring cash/change and/or have a digital payment option such as Cash App, Venmo, Zelle, Square, etc.

3.  Bring a sign.
Your business name should be visible from a distance.  You don't need a fancy banner.  A clean, readable sign works.

4.  Give people a reason to stop.
Consider a special Expo price, sample, giveaway, bundle, demonstration, or other small incentive.

5.  Collect future customers.
If appropriate for your business, invite customers to follow you on social media, join your email list, or save your contact information.

“Don't have marketing materials?”  No flyer? No fancy banner? No problem. 
Your booth does not need to look like a Fortune 500 trade show.  Make sure your business name, products/services, prices, and contact information are easy to see.  Your goal is to make it easy for someone who likes your product to find you again.