Eastern States Expo (Big E): Maine Building Participants

Maine Day at the Big E is Saturday, September 14, 2024.
Harvest New England Day at the Big E is Friday, September 27, 2024

The Big E is an annual event that begins on the second Friday after Labor Day and runs for 17 days each September.

For Maine Building Participants

Applications

Considering applying? Please read the following information:

Maine Building Exhibit Application

Exhibit Application

Who should use the Exhibit Application:

  • Maine-based brands, businesses and organizations who offer quality products, experiences and excellent customer service, and want to join of team of like-minded professionals showcasing the best of Maine at the Maine Building.
  • Use the application to tell us more about why you would be a good fit, answer important logistical questions.
  • We offer short-term (single day or 5-6 day options), or long-term, 17-day exhibit durations for the upcoming season.

Maine Building Special Event Day Interest Form

Who should use the Special Event Day form: Maine-based brand ambassadors and representatives of promotional groups and organizations who want to participate in publicity activities for Maine Day and/or Harvest New England Day. Maine Building Special Event Day Interest Form

Big E Fair Parade Application

Those interested in participating and applying should visit the Big E parade webpage.

Who should use the parade application:

  • Anyone who would like to be considered by the Big E Fair’s Parade Officials to join the Fair’s parade.
  • Note: Parade selection is at the sole discretion of The Big E Fair's Parade Officials.
  • Questions? Email parade@thebige.com.

Applicant Videos and Webinars

Anyone who sells and/or samples food and beverages: Learn about local Health Dept. Requirements, how to apply for temporary food permits, required training, and food code updates

About the Venue

  • DACF owns the Maine Building which is managed by the Agricultural Resources team. The event venue is located on the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds in W. Springfield, Mass.
  • The Building is open to the public as part the Big E Fair each September.
  • Only items which are produced, grown, crafted, manufactured or significantly altered in Maine may be sold in the Maine building.
  • Any interested Exhibitor (including businesses, collectives, co-ops, and associations) must submit a completed application for consideration.
  • If awarded space, applicants join a team of Exhibitors working to showcase products, brands and services, and the best of Maine to building visitors and shoppers from across New England, parts of New York and elsewhere.
  • Maine businesses and organizations have an opportunity to rent space to sell products, or market brands and services in the State of Maine Building during the Big E!. There are short-term and entire duration rental options.
  • The Maine Building attracts thousands of daily visitors during the 17-day event.
  • Exhibitors must be a Maine-based entity.

Other exhibition opportunities during the fair:

Exhibitor Roster

  • We are excited to provide opportunities to showcase the best of Maine to Big E fairgoers. Exhibitors should complete the application for consideration.
  • 2024 Exhibitor Roster and map - To be announced

Exhibitor Resources Library

Click the plus sign next to the section to expand the full list of resources. Applicants and Exhibitors should review the following information.

FAQs, Checklists, Directions, Maps - All Exhibitors +

Key dates, meetings, load in/out info and checklist with suggested tasks
Maps and getting to the fair
  • Grounds Map (PDF) - For Maine Building Exhibitor reference
  • Directions - Note: traffic patterns may change due to the fair. Follow local, real-time instructions.
  • General Info - Ticketing, activity schedules and fair FAQs.
  • Employee Satellite Parking Maps (PDF) – Shuttle runs daily, 6AM to midnight, between satellite lots and Big E transportation center. Employees must display current year ID badge to board shuttle.
FAQs, booth design, packing

Exhibitor Agreement and Payment Info - All Exhibitors+

Exhibitor agreement and online profile
Fees, invoicing, payments

Forms - Amenities and Services - All Exhibitors +

Note: Building Management encourages all Exhibitors to complete the following early. Do not wait until the posted deadline. Ideally, you should complete this by July 1, if not sooner.

  • Staffing/credentials Form – Due July 1. Submit this information to comply with Fair’s requirements of Building Management
  • Logistical Updates Form – To submit updates to information previously included in your application. For example, electrical appliances, request Fair services (e.g. forklift) Due May 1. About: Management accommodates requests on a best-effort basis; and uses this information to plan for the event and comply with local rules.
  • Logistical Updates Form – To submit updates to information previously included in your application. For example, electrical appliances, request Fair services (e.g. forklift) Due May 1. About: Management accommodates requests on a best-effort basis; and uses this information to plan for the event and comply with local rules
  • Temporary Storage and Delivery Request Form (PDF) - Print and complete to request temporary storage space and/or delivery driver access. Submit form and payment to ESE C/O Derryl (Storage/Delivery Request - ME Bldg) 1305 Memorial Ave. West Springfield, MA 01089
  • Individual Internet at the Big E! - Place your order online. Note: shared wi-fi is available for a more economical rate. Building Management will announce this during orientation.
  • Telephone at The Big E (PDF) - Place your phone/DSL line order
  • Accommodations: This is a popular event; select and reserve early. Accommodation payment is the Exhibitor's responsibility.
    • There are many lodging options in Western Mass.
    • Military retirees or Active Guard and Reserve members can get inexpensive lodging at The Flyers Inn on Westover Air Reserve Base in nearby Chicopee. The telephone number is (413) 593-5421.
    • On-site camping is limited; and not available to Exhibitors.
    • If you are awarded space in the Maine Building, email Maine Building Management to request room block info. Rooms are available first-come, first-served.

Forms and Requirements - Food and Beverage Exhibitors +

Note: Building Management encourages all Exhibitors to complete the following early. Do not wait until the posted deadline. Ideally, you should complete this by July 1, if not sooner.

Fire Safety Requirements - All Exhibitors +

Required by W. Springfield Fire Department

Important Dates! Annual Schedule and Deadlines

Month Items Due
December
  • Exhibit space application opens.
  • Applicants who apply by January 1 receive priority review points.
  • Read the Exhibitor Resource Library documents.
January - February
  • Exhibit space application remains open.
  • Applicants who apply in January may receive priority review points over those submitting an application in February.
  • Applications reviewed according to the Department’s Scoring Rubric (PDF)*
*The Scoring Rubric is subject to change annually. The current rubric will be published at the time the application opens.
March
  • Selection of Awarded Exhibitors is announced, notice sent to Applicants.
  • Awarded Exhibitors attend an orientation webinar.
  • Selection of Waitlisted Exhibitors is announced.
  • Exhibit space application remains open to Applicants seeking to join the waitlist, or be selected for any remaining available exhibitor opportunities.
April
  • Awarded Exhibitor commitment deposits due.
  • Initial booth assignments made.
  • Awarded Exhibitor full payment invoices sent.
  • Waitlisted Exhibitor list is assessed for openings, additional Awarded Exhibitors may be notified.
  • Exhibit space application remains open to Applicants seeking to join the waitlist, or be selected for any remaining available exhibitor opportunities.
May
  • Optional Awarded Exhibitors office hours with Building Managers is held for questions and answers.
  • Waitlisted Exhibitor list is assessed for openings, additional Awarded Exhibitors may be notified.
  • Exhibit space application remains open to Applicants seeking to join the waitlist, or be selected for any remaining available exhibitor opportunities.
July
  • First down payment due by Exhibitor
  • Any advance booth alterations and structural setup must be complete (available to those paid in full)
  • Important forms and documents should be completed, ready to submit - including city departments and fair.
September
  • Exhibition at the State of Maine Building during, The Big E!, 17 days
  • Building Management distributes credentials on-site, at fair
  • Maine Day—first Saturday of the Fair
  • ESE Photo ID Kiosks open to obtain Exhibitor Badge
  • Fair begins the first Friday after Labor Day
October - August
  • Building is closed for off-season
November
  • Application available online for upcoming year

Please email Maine Building Management to receive more information!