DACF Home → Bureaus & Programs → Bureau of Agriculture → Agricultural Resource Development Division → Business Development → Eastern States Exposition (The Big E!)
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 - To exhibit, present and represent Maine!
- Exhibitor Resources - Vendor Services, FAQs
- Exhibitor Roster - Award announcement and directory
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Important Dates - Event schedules and deadlines
Applications
Considering applying? Please read the following information:
- Demographics and visitor stats (PDF) - shared by the fair
- Past Big E fair gate attendance - shared by the fair
- Peruse Exhibitor Resources to understand expectations and preparation needs
- Refer to the Application resource sections for supporting materials
- Please subscribe to our newsletter and bookmark this page to receive updates.
Maine Building 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
- Future Applicant Webinar Registration – Tentatively Scheduled for October 2, 2024
- About the Maine Building – Coming Fall 2024
- Food and Beverage Webinar with Local Health Department (YouTube) – Review requirements, applying for temporary permits and more
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.
Getting Ready, Directions, Maps, Images, Checklists, Directions, Maps - All Exhibitors +
Maps and getting to the fair
- Grounds Map (PDF) - For Maine Building Exhibitor reference
- Maine Day Map – For Maine Day 2024 Participants (PDF)
- 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.
Getting Ready
- Maine Building Exhibit Diagram and Points of Interest (PDF) / Slide Show (.gif)– For applicants and Exhibitors to help see what the space looks like, and key points of interest
- Booth Design Ideas (PDF) - Ideas to help design your Exhibit booth
- Exhibitor Packing Guide (PDF) / Spreadsheet (XLS) - Reminders and tips with space to add your own needs.
- Download Big E logo (EPS) – Please send questions regarding the use of the fair logo to fair staff: MCoburn@TheBigE.com or call (413)205-5043
Exhibitor Agreement and Payment Info - All Exhibitors+
Exhibitor agreement and online profile
- 2024 Maine Building Agreement Terms & Conditions – Exhibitors must agree to the terms if awarded space.
- 2024 Maine Building Agreement Terms & Conditions (PDF) – Download the PDF version to save a personal copy.
- Access State of Maine Vendor Self Service Portal – To search for your State of Maine Vendor Code and/or register your Vendor account.
- State of Maine Vendor Form (PDF) – Download form, email Building Management to request a secure email to submit completed form.
Fees, invoicing, payments
- Pay Your Invoice
- Please follow the payment instructions emailed to the billing contact.
- Watch Video Guide – Using PayMaine (YouTube)
- Maine Building Booth Space Reference Sheet With Diagram (XLSX) – View space IDs, rates, notes (tab 1), and diagram (tab 2) / Reference Sheet (PDF)
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.
- 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.
- Food & Beverage Exhibitor Requirements Webinar (YouTube) – Anyone who sells and/or samples food and beverages
- Temporary Food Permit Application (Online Portal) – Required temporary Food Permit Application to sell or sample food – Due 30 days before fair. Must submit and pay according to the fee schedule.
- Email application and questions to Jeanne Galloway Town of W. Springfield Health Dept.
- Health Department Requirements (PDF) - All food vendors must comply with requirements. Town of W. Springfield Health Dept. document summarizes key points to comply with Massachusetts regulation, 105 CMR 590.011(C)(3)(a) and the 2013 food code while vending at the fair.
- Food Allergen Awareness Training and Regulation Certification - At least one staff must complete the training, and obtain certificate from a Mass. Dept. of Public Health-approved vendor.
- ServSafe Certification - At least one person must complete the manager training and exam for certificate.
- Propane Cylinder Requirements (PDF) - Permit application required by W. Springfield Fire Department
- W. Springfield Fire Department Food Service Fire Safety Inspection (PDF) – Template of sample inspection standards evaluated by W. Springfield Fire Dept
- Food Trucks Safety Documents - Provided by W. Springfield Fire Department:
- Due by June 1 - Alcoholic Beverage Temporary License Info – Provided by the W. Springfield License Commission
- Before applying: Exhibitors must have been awarded space by Building Management. Further, there is a fee/day rate for a pouring license. Each applicant completes their own application, supporting application materials.
- Application Materials: State Building Temporary Wine and Malt Application (PDF) – plus include Bar Code/TIPS certification (or equivalent) for each person serving alcohol, and insurance certificate showing general liability, liquor liability, and workers compensation. Email the completed application and materials to the licensing clerk, M Champagne and cc Building Management.
Fire Safety Requirements - All Exhibitors +
Required by W. Springfield Fire Department
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Important Dates! Annual Schedule and Deadlines
Key dates, meetings, load in/out info and checklist with suggested tasks
- Exhibitor Planning Checklist and Key Dates (PDF) - Use the suggested checklist and calendars to help track your preparation and tasks, important meeting dates and load in-out schedules.
- Big E – Photo ID Badge Schedule – To be updated when 2024 details are announced. Those who receive a voucher from Building Management will need to present the voucher and Photo ID to obtain the gate admission badge.
Month | Items Due |
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December |
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January - February |
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March |
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April |
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May |
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July |
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September |
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October - August |
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November |
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Please email Maine Building Management to receive more information!