Back to School Bash Vendor Information - NEW Monterey Bay Parent

Vendor Guidelines – Back to School Bash

Saturday, August 9, 2025
Del Monte Center, Monterey
Event Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Check-in Location: Monterey Bay Parent booth (in front of Macy’s)

1. Set-Up Time

Set-up is from 7:45 AM to 9:15 AM.
All vendors must be fully set up by 9:30 AM.
At 9:45 AM, any unoccupied booths will be moved to side aisles. If you arrive after that, you will be assigned one of those relocated booths. We want to avoid empty spaces as attendees begin arriving.
Unclaimed tables will be removed at 10:15 AM.
If you are running late, please call 831-582-1373 to let us know.

2. Premium Booths

Premium booths will be pre-assigned and have awnings in place upon arrival.
If you signed up for a premium booth and are bringing your own awning, you will still receive a premium location—please inform us in advance.
All premium booth vendors must check in at the Monterey Bay Parent booth to receive their location.

3. Regular Booths

Regular booths are first-come, first-served.
You must check in with MBP staff before selecting a table.
You may bring a small canopy or covering, but it must not exceed 6 feet wide.
Oversized coverings may be moved to a side aisle or will need to be removed to avoid blocking access to mall stores. This is a courtesy to retailers and other vendors.

4. Additional Items

You may bring small display items such as:
- An activity table
- An easel
- Additional chairs
Each booth includes:
- One 6-foot table
- Two chairs

5. Table Coverings

All tables will have a black floor-length cover provided.
Do not remove the provided table cover.
You may place your own branded or decorative topper over it.
Protect the cover when doing crafts or messy activities. If a cover is damaged, you will be charged a $35 replacement fee.

6. Event Duration

Do not pack up or leave before 3:00 PM.
The event remains busy throughout the day—last year’s peak was after 2:00 PM.
Many families arrive later in the afternoon due to earlier commitments or nap schedules.
Leaving early creates visible gaps and disappoints attendees. Please stay until 3:00 PM.

7. What to Offer Families at Your Booth

This is a family event with hundreds of children expected, so we encourage vendors to bring something fun and engaging for kids and parents. Booths that provide an interactive or hands-on experience are often the most popular and memorable.

Popular Giveaway Ideas

Stickers, temporary tattoos, or stamps
Pencils, crayons, or mini notepads
Balloons (air-filled only, no helium)
Branded bookmarks or coloring pages
Healthy snacks (e.g., fruit snacks, granola bars)

Inexpensive Activity Ideas

Mini ring toss or bean bag games
Spin-the-wheel for a small prize
Bubble station (bring your own solution and wands)
Coloring station with crayons and printouts
Sensory bins (water beads, rice, sand with scoops)
Craft corner: decorate a paper crown, make a friendship bracelet, etc.
Photo booth with props

We encourage creativity but also simplicity—activities don’t need to be elaborate to be fun! Keep in mind you’ll be sharing space with other vendors, so please be mindful of noise levels and space usage.