The Connecticut Building at the Big E

Apply to be a Showcase Vendor

We are no longer accepting Showcase vendor applications for the 2023 Big E. Please check back in early 2024 for next year's application.

DECD offers an opportunity for eligible Connecticut businesses and non-profit organizations to apply to be a Showcase Vendor.

  • If selected, there is no cost to participate
  • Showcase Vendors are scheduled for 1-2 days (two (2) days maximum)
  • Participation as a Showcase Vendor is limited to two (2) years

The Showcase Vendor Application

The application consists of the following questions:

  • Business/Organization Name
  • Business/Organization Address
  • Business/Organization Mailing Address (if different)
  • What is the mission/purpose of your business/organization?
  • Year of Formation
  • State Where Incorporated
  • Non-profit organization or for-profit business?
  • Enter Business ALEI # 
    Note: You must be registered with the Connecticut Secretary of the State to conduct business in the State of Connecticut. You may look up your ALEI by clicking on this link: https://service.ct.gov/business/s/onlinebusinesssearch?language=en_US
  • Indicate square footage requested
  • Preferred dates (requested preferred dates and booth location are not guaranteed)
  • Provide a list of the merchandise, products, services and/or informational materials that you plan to sell or distribute.
    Note:  Only goods produced, grown, crafted, manufactured or significantly altered in Connecticut may be sold. 
    For each item, indicate where in Connecticut it is produced, grown, crafted, manufactured or significantly and by whom.
  • For food exhibitors:  Indicate how you will sell your product(s).  (i.e. pre-packaged, sold by piece) 
    Note:  Food Vendors are required to obtain a Food Permit from the Town of West Springfield's Health Department.
  • Tell us how you plan to staff your booth.  Indicate the number of shifts per day and how many people will be working per shift.
    Note:  The Connecticut Building is open from 10 am to 9 pm.
  • How will you and your staff create an enjoyable experience for fair-goers?
  • Describe your exhibitor booth. Include information about the exhibit design and concept, fabrication materials, layout and other relevant display features.
  • List other fairs/shows/expositions in which you have participated and include the year of participation.
  • Where else is your product(s) sold? (i.e. Etsy, local shops)
  • Optional: Is there anything else you would like to share with the selection committee (max 100 words)
  • Upload photo(s) of proposed exhibitor booth.
  • Upload a letter of recommendation. 
    Note:  Ideally, the letter should be from an event organizer from another event/show/exhibition in which you participated.
  • Indicate the equipment, utilities and amenities that your exhibit will require, such as: 
    • Electricity
    • Hand Sink
    • Use of state-owned kitchen sink
    • Use of state-owned dishwasher
    • Use of state-owned walk-in refrigerator
    • Use of state-owned walk-in freezer
    • Dry storage (aka "dead" storage) to park a storage unit on the Big E grounds (Additional cost payable to the BIg E)
    • Propane (Additional cost payable to approved vendor of the Big E.  Use of propane by a vendor must be approved by the Town of West Springfield's Fire Marshall).