Vendor Feedback Form
Please fill this out AFTER the show to provide feedback on what we can do to improve your experience. Thank you in advance!
BOOTH MAP
If you would like to get acclimated with the locations of your booth(s), you can click the map below and see a blown up version. Upon arrival, there will be a large booth map to direct you around the arena. A confirmation of your booth number has been sent to you via mail (This is the same number as when you registered).
(Click to Enlarge)
Confirmation Packet
Confirmation packets have been mailed out to each vendor who have been approved for this year’s event.
Here is a digital version that you can save for your records:
CONFIRMATION PACKET
If you have any questions feel free to reach out to the Craft Festival Event Planner.
Vendor Parking
All vehicles must be moved out of the loading areas and into the North Lot or nearby parking areas. Unfortunately, this year the University is no longer allowing parking in the usual vendor parking area in the area behind the football stadium. Vendors will be able to park in the lot next to the O’Connell Center, however, there won’t be any guards monitoring the spaces. Please be considerate of the patrons for the event and park as close to University Ave. as you can. If you need accessible parking, please utilize the designated spaces in front of the building.
Vendor Load-In Note
Plan for a load in for all vendors to be 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM ON SATURDAY, December 2nd.
There is a chance that we will have a dedicated load-in day on FRIDAY, December 1st with load in times from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM but that will be determined the week of the show and we will notify you if that happens. In this scenario there would also be a load-in from 6 AM – 9 AM Saturday morning.
Vendors located on the lower level (Booths 1001-1099) are encouraged to load-in and load-out via the loading dock located below Gate 4. You can access the loading dock via the parking lot on the west side of the O’Connell Center. This lot is labeled with an “X” on the map. The entrance can be found off of Stadium Rd. between the O’Connell Center and the Baseball Stadium. Note: there is NO PARKING in this lot, as it must be kept clear to enable access to the loading dock area. It is for load-in and load-out only.
Vendors located on the entrance level (Booths 2101-2154, 2201-2231, 2301-2310, 3102-3120, and 3201-3214) may load-in and load-out by pulling their cars up to the gate indicated on their confirmation page. Please note that all cars must be removed from these areas by the time indicated on your confirmation page.
Extra Craft Festival Posters
If you would like to print out extra posters to advertise Craft Festival, you are more than welcome to do so. Below is a full 8.5″ x 11″ poster that can be printed and used:
Gainesville Area Hotels
There are numerous hotel options within a close distance from the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. For a full list of options, please check here:
HOTELS
Note Regarding Heightened Security Measures
As of August 2017, the O’Connell Center requires that all event participants and attendees must pass through a metal detector during any event. You WILL NOT be required to pass through a detector during load-in or load-out, but if at any point during the event you need to exit and re-enter the building, you will be asked to pass through a metal detector. Re-entry Sunday morning, even before show hours, will also require everyone to pass through a metal detector, you may re-enter the building Sunday morning at the Admin Gate or Gate 4. Patrons will also be entering through these gates so if you exit the building you may have to wait in line to return.
Please be prepared. Make sure you have your vendor badge (provided at check-in) or you will be asked to provide proof of being a vendor. Per university policy, NO guns (including concealed carry) or personal knives will be allowed, please make sure to leave these items at home.
COVID-19 Policies
We abide by the University of Florida’s rules and regulations, and currently the only regulation in place is that masks are recommended, but not required, to be worn at all times while inside a University of Florida building.
Driving Directions
From I-75: Take Exit 387 (SR 26, Oaks Mall, Newberry Rd). Turn onto Newberry Rd (SR 26), heading east. Stay on Newberry Rd (it will become University Ave) for approximately 5-6 miles, and turn right onto Gale Lemerand Drive. Building is the white dome on the right.
From Daytona: Take SR 40 west to Ocala. Take I-75 north and then follow the “From I-75” directions above.
From Tampa: Take 275 to I-75 north and follow the “From I-75” directions above
From Orlando: Take Turnpike north to I-75 and then follow the “From I-75” directions above
From Ocala: Take I-75 north and then follow the “From I-75” directions above
-OR-
Take 441 north (also called SW 13th Street) to West University Avenue, and make a left. Travel west to Gale Lemerand Drive. Make a left. We are on the right.
From Tallahassee: Follow the “From I-75” directions above
From Jacksonville: Take Interstate 10 to State Road 301 south to Waldo. Take State Road 24 west to East University Avenue in Gainesville (State Road 26). Make a right on East University Avenue and follow through Gainesville. East University Avenue will turn into West University Avenue at North Main Street. Follow University Avenue west until you reach Gale Lemerand Drive. Make a left. Building is the white dome on the right.
