What time does the Festival begin & end?

The Festival runs from 10AM-5PM on both February 15th and 16th, 2020.

When is the earliest date & time that vendors can set up?

Setup is from 1PM-5PM on Friday, February 14th, 8AM-9:30AM on Saturday, February 15th and 8AM-9:30AM on Sunday, February 16th. If you need to arrange an alternate time, please email us.

Can product be shipped to the venue prior to Saturday February 15th?

Yes but the earliest items can arrive is Monday, February 10th and must be pre-arranged with U.S. Veg Corp or cannot be accepted. Email hello(at)azvegfoodfest.com with the delivery information (your company name, description of what is being delivered, number of boxes, tracking number and expected delivery time). All shipments must go to this address:

Scottsdale Arts Center
7380 E 2nd Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Attention: Annie Parker, AZ Vegetarian Food Festival
 

Note that it is different than the venue address!!!!!

How many people are expected to attend the festival?

Based on last year's number, we anticipate 4,000-6,000 people to attend throughout the course of the weekend. The space can accommodate 3000 people at one given time.

Will there be a refrigerated storage unit available?

At this time, we do not have refrigerated storage. Many vendors bring large coolers with dry ice.

How much product should I have on hand?

Backed by an extensive promotional campaign, thousands of people are expected to attend the AZVFF. The space can hold 3000 people at a time. Based on last year's number, we anticipate 4,000-6,000 people to attend throughout the course of the weekend. Therefore, Exhibitors should plan to have adequate amounts of product on-hand to sell. If you run out of product, you must maintain your table and greet prospective customers until the end of the show at 5:00PM each day. Under no circumstances can you close your table down during the show hours.

How much product should be brought for sampling?

Sampling is not required, but is very much recommended. Sample as much as you are comfortable with. Attendees love trying new foods at the festival.

What are the dimensions of the selling/sampling area and table?

The size of the space and table depend on the Exhibitor Package selected. See the Exhibitor Application.

Are there any food and beverage restrictions that we must adhere to?

Yes. The restrictions are outlined in the Exhibitor Guidelines Page.

What type of signage should I bring?

Each Exhibitor must have a banner indicating the name of their company. Signs can be made of any material and type, however a professional appearance is required (i.e. no handwritten signs unless done by a professional calligrapher). No signs or banners may intrude into the aisles or substantially block the view of other Exhibitor tables. The sign can be affixed to the front of your table or it may be free standing behind your table. Note that most exhibitor spaces do not have a wall or curtain behind them to which signs can be affixed.

When do I need to load out by?

Load out must be completed by 8PM on Sunday, February 16th.

How many exhibitor staff badges are we given?

See the Badge Registration Page.

When will I find out the location of my exhibitor space?

A final floorplan will be sent to you at least a week prior to the festival.

What permits are needed to participate in the festival?

All Exhibitors are required to bring copies of any necessary business permits, licenses, operating licenses (food & beverage vendors), etc., on the day of the show.

Here are some resources you may consult. (Note that this is an outdoor event.)

Food Handlers:

 

Food handlers are required to obtain a Food Handler Card within 30 days of beginning of employment and renew every 3 years. To get the card, you must first complete a food service worker training program from an ANSI-approved provider such as:
 
The course and test generally take about 2 hours to complete.
 
Sales Tax:
 
City of Scottsdale Transaction Privilege (Sales) and Use Tax License Application:
 
For more information on Sales Tax Permits, etc. call the City of Scottsdale Tax and Licensing Registration at 480-312-2400 and visit www.scottsdaleaz.gov/taxes/special-events.
 
Temporary Permit for Food Vendors:
 
In order to sell or give away any food or beverage product at an event, you are required to hold the proper permit from the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department. A completed application and fee must be submitted (7) seven days prior to the event. Any application not received at least (7) seven days before an event will be charged a late fee. Permits must be obtained prior to the start of an event. Inspectors cannot issue permits or collect permit fees onsite.
 
The PDF version of the temporary permit application is at:
  
The online temporary permit application is at:
 
Payment can be made online as well once you receive an email response approving your application. If you do not receive an email response then the form did not go through and you should contact the Maricopa County Environmental Services office at (602) 506-6978 for assistance.
 
For a full list of forms and more information, go to:
  
Commissary Requirement:
 
All vendors that are conducting any food storage or food preparation prior to the event must do so at a Food Establishment that holds a current Maricopa County Permit. A commissary log will be required to be maintained onsite at the event.
 
Permit Exemptions:
 
Vendors who are selling commercially packaged, non-potentially hazardous (TCS) food product are exempt from obtaining a Maricopa County Permit. Vendors who hold a current registration with the State of Arizona for Cottage Food are also exempt, provided they are operating within the Cottage Food regulations.
 
Food Service operations that do not require permits:
  
Promotional Sampling of Non-Time/Temperature Control for Food Safety:
 
Rules and Regulations for Tents, Wash Stations, Food Storage and Equipment:
 
 
Please note that businesses are responsible for knowing and complying with the most current laws, including any City Council amendments. U.S. Veg Corp, the AZVFF, its affiliates, officers, agents and employees are not responsible for errors or omissions in their communication. The information they relay is not legal advice.

Where can we park?

 

Convenient, free parking is available at the following locations:

 

Civic Center Library Garage – Drinkwater Boulevard at East Second Street
Civic Center Lot and Garage - Wells Fargo Avenue
Old Town Parking Corral – East Second Street and Brown Avenue
Pepperwood Lot – East First Avenue at Buckboard Trail