veganfitness stall at Bristol Vegan Fayre

[Big Good Wolf]

Just a crazy idea, but how about we have a veganfitness stall at Bristol Vegan Fayre ?
There's probably all sorts of reasons why it will never happen, but it's got to be worth a mention.
The biggest problem I can see is that stalls have to be paid for. I can't find the prices on the website right now, but I think it was a couple of hundred quid. If we can't get the organisers to give us a free stall then I can't see it happening. I've got to start somewhere, though, and it's no good asking for a free stall before I know if there's any interest from here.

I don't know what we would have on the stall, it's not like we've got stuff to sell or give away.
In it's full crazyness the idea would have weights, a rowing machine and a bike on rollers for people to have a go with. I can see all sorts of problems as someone crashes off the side of the rollers in to someone overhead pressing and the bar goes flying in to the crowd so maybe that's not a good idea.

I've never been to BVF so maybe I'm not the best person to suggest or organise this.
I've been in touch with one of the organisers over a different matter and she happened to mention they may be looking for stewards for next year and I sort of mentioned I might be interested.
I'd like to see if the VF stall idea is a goer before I commit myself to being a steward.

[The Duke]

I don't know what we would have on the stall,

Cat food?

[Big Good Wolf]

Yeah, I did wonder if it might end up in a big punch up over cats, misanthropy, strip clubs, and socialism.

[JP]

army/navy recruitment flyers?



yeah i think it would be great - and in many ways good for showcasing the diversity of veganism.

Trouble is, if nothing is sold on the stall, money will be lost.

they are not cheap, but could go halves with veganbodybuilding? (.org that is) They had a stall there this year.

[Big Good Wolf]

There's nothing on the BVF site yet about next years event so I don't think we can make a decision until we know how big a stall is and how much it costs.
Even if VF was making a profit from the new adverts, I don't think it would be right to spend it on something that only a few of us would benefit from.
Maybe sharing with VBB could work. What did they have on their stall last year ?

[Big Good Wolf]

Just a couple more ideas.

I can only guess at the costs, but supposing, for example, it cost £100 for a stall which included passes for 5 people and it costs £10 for a normal entry ticket.
Would 5 people pay £20 each to get in for the whole weekend and share working on the stall with free time to look around the rest of the show ?
Of course, three passes for £200 would be a different matter.

We've got unobtrusive small adverts at the bottom of the page on VF.
What would be the normal rate for a banner advert at the top of the page on a site like this, bearing in mind the high number of views from the sort of people they are targeting ?
How about we give them a free banner ad, they give us a free stall.
This may not be so popular with those outside the UK who will have to put up with the banner while getting no benefit from it.

[JP]

good ideas man.

The google adverts are not exactly raking it in actually i think we have made 20 dollars so far

pete would know the prices - i believe they also give reduction/free stalls for groups who could volunteer to do some work at the fair, that could be one way of covering it?

Where there is a will, there is a way.

Next thing is to get some material together...

[fredrikw]

Another option is to ask members for donations for having a stall, if 10 people share the cost, which is a pretty low number considering the number of members we have, it's only £10. Then it would require some more planning and putting together some material, but this is something we have talked about for ages so perhaps it's time to organise something for real

We made a small leaflet for the Swedish veggie fair which should be quite easy to just translate to english.

[Big Good Wolf]

...reduction/free stalls for groups who could volunteer to do some work at the fair...

I'd be up for that.

As for what to put on the stall, how about a bulking demonstration ?

[buzz]

Good idea! I have some 'excess' funds from the food buying co-op i used to run. Charged an extra 20p on every case to be donated to charity, then stopped doing it, and never donated the excess. It's lying in an account somewhere (I hope) and I think is around two or three hundred bar. Just have to check with the other 'members' (Jonathan and Kathryn ), and see if i can find the account book. Would be a good way for the funds to be spent tho I think.

[Hiking Fox]

I think that stalls for non-profit making groups cost £175 last year.

I know a way VF could have a small stall for free. If you want to discuss it, please PM me, just in case one of the organisers is reading this and objects. (I think one of them has taken a dislike to me, for politely but firmly criticising their entrance fee!)

[seitan]

if someone would like to call viva on 0117 941000 and ask for anjie, she should be able to tell you how much stalls would cost, profit, and non-profit making.

[cookey]

Hiking Fox - I'm sure no one has taken a dislike to you - we are all lovely here in Bristol!
I will make some enquiries and get back to you guys.
My advice if you do have a stand is to think about what it's purpose would be - how would you know if the event had been a success for you? For bussinesses, this usually means selling enough stock. Or talking to a certain amount of people.
Maybe you are trying to get more members on to the forum? Or more people along to meet ups? Or talk to people about veganism and fitness?

[ultra_whippet]

Was chatting with StevieP about this last night - it would be good to have some interactive element to the stall rather than just a load of leaflets or whatever - maybe we could offer some type of health/fitness testing to draw people in? We could always recoup some money if we think of something suitable to sell - any ideas?

[Hiking Fox]

I was going to suggest that VF use part of my group's stall, seeing as it would be an example-setting and info stall rather than a retailing one. However, our collective has discussed it, and have decided not to go next year.