If you did then firstly thank you so much. We were completely overwhelmed by the number of people that attended which brings me to my second point - we offer our sincerest apologies.
Although advance ticket sales were good they were in no way indicative of the number of people that actually turned up.
Being our first Stamperama in Harrogate this was a test show to see if it would work and if it was needed in the area. Had we known the volume of people that would arrive we most definitely would have been better prepared with a lot more staff, as would our exhibitors who would have known to bring more stock.
We have been organising Stamperama in Stevenage for 21 years and had one of our busiest shows in years last weekend which we had predicted and been ready for.
But Harrogate took us completely by surprise, which I know some of you could tell.
As soon as an issue was raised with the car parks 3 parking attendants were sent outside, but with 1,000 parking spaces outside the Pavilions we had not anticipated any issues as we expected this to be ample space - we were wrong and we apologise for any problems you may have encountered.
I appreciate everyone that came to thank Vicky and I personally for organising the event, your support was very gratefully received and we are so pleased that you had a wonderful day and we hope everyone else was able to enjoy the day too and buy lots of crafting goodies.
We are extremely grateful to everyone that supported this show - the visitors, the exhibitors, HOCHANDA and the Pavilions of Harrogate staff and we promise to be better prepared next time - on that note if you are able to help us next time with checking tickets, etc then please let me know as we obviously need a lot more staff (maybe if you have a partner that drives you to the show but isn't a crafter they could work while you shop!)
We are looking at different options for the next Stamperama Harrogate show:
- Ticket only
- Bigger hall
- 2 day event
Obviously some of these have big cost implications and we would have to increase ticket prices and stand prices for exhibitors if we move to a bigger hall or make it a 2 day event so all options will be carefully considered.
Again, thank you for visiting Stamperama and we hope to see you at the next show.
8 comments:
Personally I would like to see the event as ticket only, so you know in advance of numbers attending, 2 days for those who can't attend one or the other, or who want to spread their time and stay over, and a bigger hall (with more traders), although I did love the fact that the cafe could be accessed by non crafting partners without having to purchase a ticket, as they have to at most other events!
Thank you for organising the event, it was very busy so difficult to visit all the stands, but onwards and upwards for the next show. Thank you for the demos they were great, looking forward to using the sticky stuff ��
More than happy to help out in any way for next event.
I would be reluctant to make it ticket only
A bigger venue on one day would be my preference
Keep up the good work and thank you for venturing "up t North"
Liked the event but was really crowded and I thought it would have been in the other rooms where it was when craftwork cards did it as it is a much larger venue but enjoyed it anyway. We brought a group of elderly ladies and some have trouble walking around so it was a bit awkward for them. As this is the only local fair around here I think you should expect a crowd as there is nothing else like this near here, we came from leeds.
Hope this has not put you off and hope to see you again in the future but at the bigger venue x
I live in Harrogate and have always for a lot of years gone to the paper craft shows until it stopped a couple of years ago.This is the only one i can get to so i was very happy when you announced you where coming last year.I thought yes it was very busy ,but you already know that .I stayed all day and loved it.we just need one of the larger rooms or where they held the other paper craft fairs.You could just have a coffee and teas etc like you had yesterday and lots tables etc for people to bring there own pack up which i used to do most of the time ,you could try next time to just do 1 day first to test the water again .
The craft fair in Harrogate craftwork cards used to organise was over two days
I think people would be prepared to pay a little more to be able to at least see what’s on the stalls with out been squashed due to the volume of people
Very glad I attended this event yesterday. I would agree with your comments on the volume of attendees and am happy this was a successful event for you. Mainly for me, it was impossible to navigate with a buggy and didn't stay very long due to this. I also saw a few wheelchair users really struggling as well. I think perhaps a one way system would assist with flow?
A bigger hall is a definite in my opinion especially so exhibitors can run demonstrations and products can be seen easily. Personally I don't feel the price should increase as the main focus is on shopping.
If possible I feel having some workshops/make & takes would enhance the experience.
Really appreciate your taking the time to consider feedback from your attendees.
A larger area would mean that visitors could get around more easily. Seating where people can relax and have a breather means that it becomes disability friendly. It is a shame to come home having not been able to get round all the exhibits. In the past it was over 2 days and I used to book both … there were 'make and take' areas and places to eat and drink …. 2 good days out.
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