Overview
Being a vendor during the 2014 Gay Games presented by the Cleveland Foundation is an amazing opportunity to connect your business or nonprofit with more than 9,000 athletes from around the world, as well as 30,000 guests, spectators, volunteers and members of the community.
The main vendor mart at Festival Village, as well as a pre-Gay Games vendor area during the Accreditation (registration) process, will give you access to a community that has significant buying power and influence.
The Gay Games Festival Village will be the hub for all Gay Games participants, their friends and families, spectators and members of the general public. It’s where community and connections are formed, where thousands of people gather after the day’s competition to meet up with friends, to meet new people, to celebrate their personal victories, to be entertained, to visit sponsors and vendors, to eat and drink, and to otherwise relax and enjoy Cleveland+Akron hospitality.
Entertainment, activities, food, beverage, and services are being planned to provide a comprehensive experience that entices visitors to return night after night to discover what surprises are in store. Among the highlights will be a nightly medal recognition event, performers on stage and throughout the site, participant photos with the Gay Games cauldron.
Anticipated Audience
More than 9,000 participants are expected from around the world, along with an estimated 30,000 additional friends and family, spectators, volunteers and community members. The number of participants in the Gay Games is comparable to the number of athletes in the Summer Olympics. Cleveland + Akron will host more than 35 sports and culture events during Games Week 9-16 August.
Becoming a Vendor at 2014 Gay Games
There are two related opportunities to be a vendor during Gay Games 9 - Accreditation (7-9 August) and Festival Village (10-15 August).
Festival Village - 10-15 August
The main vendor area will be at Festival Village from 10-15 August 10-15 on the outdoor Mall C in downtown Cleveland. Mall C, a newly renovated 395-foot by 508-foot park (more than 4.5 acres), is surrounded by Cleveland City Hall, the brand-new convention center and the Cuyahoga County Courthouse.
Opened in the summer 2013, the site overlooks a stunning panorama that includes FirstEnergy Stadium (home of the Cleveland Browns), the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Great Lakes Science Center and the spectacular Lake Erie.
Festival Village will be open to all participants, spectators and members of the general public. It will operate each day after most competition has ended. The hours of Festival Village are anticipated to be:
• Sunday, 10 August: 2 p.m.-midnight
• Monday through Thursday, 11-14 August: 4-11 p.m.
• Friday, 15 August: 4 p.m.-midnight
There is no cost to attendees to enter Festival Village, although donations will be encouraged.
Accreditation Fair - 7-9 August
The second opportunity to be a vendor is during Accreditation (registration) between 7-9 August in the Grand Ballroom in the Cleveland Convention Center and in the Main Rotunda at the John S. Knight Center in Akron. During Accreditation, participants will check in, receive participation packets and documentation, and enjoy the lounge and bar.
The hours of Accreditation in Cleveland at the Cleveland Convention Center are anticipated to be:
• Thursday, 7 August: 1-8 p.m.
• Friday, 8 August: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Saturday, 9 August: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
The hours of Accreditation in Akron at the John S. Knight Center are anticipated to be:
• Thursday, 7 August: 1-8 p.m.
• Friday, 8 August: 1-8 p.m.
• Saturday, 9 August: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Vendor Packages
Festival Village*
For-profit entities: $1,500
Non-profit entities selling items: $1,000
Non-profit entities distributing information only: $750
Price includes:
10’x10’ tent, 6’ table, 2 chairs, table covering, light, 110-volt power
Accreditation Fair*
For-profit entities: $1,000
Non-profit entities selling items: $750
Non-profit entities distributing information only: $500
Price includes:
10’x10’ space, 6’ table, 2 chairs, table covering. Additional fee for electricity. Ask for details.
(Pricing is valid through 1 June. Late penalties will apply after 1 June.)
*Vendors opting to purchase a booth at both the Accreditation Fair and Festival Village will receive a 10-percent discount.
Please note the following important information about vending at the 2014 Gay Games:
• Vendors may not sell or distribute alcoholic beverages.
• Vendors interested in selling food or beverages should contact festivalvillage@2014GayGames.com to be connected to Festival Village’s contracted food and beverage provider.
• Vendors may not sell any Gay Games-branded items, including anything with the Gay Games logo or the Federation of Gay Games logo.
• Vendor spaces are extremely limited. Submission of an application does not guarantee placement in Festival Village or Accreditation vendor marts
• Vendors must staff their booths during all open hours of Festival Village and/or Accreditation, as applicable.
• Vendors will be required to provide proof of insurance.
• Load-in and Load-out information will be provided at a later date.
• Interested in larger opportunities to market your business or organization to the 9,000+ participants and 30,000+ spectators of Gay Games 9? Contact Mary Zaller, director of development, at mzaller@gg9cle.com for sponsorship information.
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