Market & Event Experiences
What I Love
— & What I Don't
A candid look at event features that make or break the experience
What's Going Right
Features That Earn
Gold Stars
Interactive Activities
Directed at organizers — but vendors, this applies to your booth too. If there are things to do, especially for kids, I will 100% stay longer.
Practical ideas that have stood out at recent markets:
- 🎯 Park & Yard Games
- 🎨 Craft Stations
- 📸 Photo Ops
- 🏆 Contests
- 🎓 Skill Demos
- 🎵 Live Music
Visitor & Information Booth
I love having somewhere to go for a question, a bandaid, or more info about the market. As someone who wants to promote small business, this resource is really helpful for getting accurate information.
It adds cohesiveness and a sense of security — knowing the event is prepared should something unexpectedly negative occur, and there's a clearly appointed head of events.
Functional Aesthetic
I love going to markets — the charm, the connection. When an organizer goes above and beyond with adequate lighting, temperature regulation, and an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere, it really impresses me.
- ✨ String Lights Over Walkways
- 🚻 Upgraded Restroom Trailers
- 🎈 Event Styling Collaborations
- 🌿 Scenic Seating Areas
Pain Points
Three Things I
Cannot Stand at Events
No Seating Provided
A really common offender. I've been to several market events where there is zero seating — so the default is standing or sitting on the ground (often a parking lot!).
There should always be seating available, even if minimal. Bonus points for shaded seating on hot days. Groups most impacted:
- Families with young children and strollers
- Elderly attendees and individuals with mobility limitations
- Pregnant guests or those recovering from injury or illness
- Disabled or neurodivergent attendees who benefit from rest breaks
- Guests at long-duration events, especially in extreme weather
Lack of seating directly impacts accessibility, dwell time, food purchases, overall spending, and whether guests feel encouraged to return.
Disorganized Parking
I've been to city and rural events that have really bombed the parking situation — it's a safety topic that cannot be overlooked. I'm happy to walk, but these issues are potentially dangerous:
- Poorly marked spaces creating dead-end situations with no room to safely maneuver or exit
- Insufficient signage causing confusion around traffic flow and event access points
- Bottlenecked entrances and exits causing significant congestion during peak attendance
The chaos of disorganized parking paired with large numbers of pedestrians is a significant risk for injury or collision.
Limited Food & Drink Options
I have a lot of grace for organizers balancing projected attendance with vendor business — I completely understand that challenge.
However, long-standing markets with a solid track record of high attendance whose food and beverage wait times are frequently in excess of 45 minutes have a problem with a simple solution: it's time to expand your options.
Excessive wait times are a big detraction — especially with children. When families wait too long for food, it results in reduced spending or causes guests to leave earlier than they otherwise would.
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