Vendor INFO
All vendors receive 3 free VIP tickets for their service staff.
What we provide:
Each food vendor gets two 6-foot tables with tablecloths
Each beverage vendor gets one 6-foot table with tablecloth
There will be additional prep and staging tables set up behind the public facing tables
Electric up to 20 amps (must be requested in advance)
Signage at the event (bring your own branded signs and materials for better marketing & handouts)
Volunteer help to load in
Access to water & ice
Basic paper goods — napkins, tasting cups, small paper plates, forks, spoons, and knives
Liquid dump buckets
Things you should bring:
Bite-sized food items for approximately 500 people for the general reception, or 200 people for the VIP reception
Great service staff to represent you and serve your product
Extension Cords
Chafers, hot boxes, serving utensils, butane cook tops
Any display items, decorations or handout menus
Any cleaning supplies (dishwashing facilities not included)
Coolers (ice is provided by the venue)
Copy of Vendor Permit visibly displayed at the event
Raffle or silent auction donation item
Questions & Answers
Can I promote my business at the event?
YES! We encourage everyone to bring copies of your menu and other marketing items to promote your establishment. All participants are also encouraged to bring flowers and other forms of decoration to dress up your table.
Can we partake in the event?
Join in! At 5:30pm we invite all vendor participants to join us in the VIP area for the Corporate Champagne Reception. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to mix and mingle with guests and sponsors in a relaxed setting before the main event begins at 6:30pm.
When should I arrive?
Vendor check-in is between 1-4pm on Tuesday. Please be on-site NO LATER than 4:00 pm. Volunteers will greet you at vendor check-in and escort you to your location. We encourage you to come sooner than later so that you will be ready and able to join us for the VIP reception.
When time should I be ready by?
Be fully set up and ready to serve by 5pm for the VIP reception, or 6pm for the general reception. The main event doesn’t officially start until 6:30pm, but doors do open at 6pm in order to mitigate lines upon entrance.
Where do I unload and park?
Once you arrive at the Ithaca College campus, follow the Taste of the Finger Lakes signs to the Athletic & Events Center where the event will take place. There will be volunteers available to help you unload and transfer your supplies to your table inside. After you have unloaded your vehicle, please park in the designated vendor parking area nearby.
What if I need more than 3 tickets for my service staff?
All vendors receive 3 free VIP tickets for their service staff. More tickets are available to purchase at a discounted rate in advance. Please email us at tasteofthefingerlakes@gmail.com before June 13, requesting the number of additional tickets needed.
What if I want to bring my own serviceware?
This is a ‘green’ event and Ithaca College is a very ‘green’ campus. If you bring any single service items with you, they must be compostable. It is important that all vendors help our efforts to reduce trash at the event. Recycle bins will be available for normal recyclable items. Ithaca College staff will be on hand to answer questions and to provide directions for waste disposal. We ask that you respect their policies and cooperate with them fully.
