Travel Showcase

Travel Showcase Details

The Travel Showcase itself is a one-day event, taking place on Saturday, September 12, and will be held inside the Armory gymnasium.

The Armory is located just two blocks from the levee, where the main festival activities take place. It also serves as a drop-off location for the festival shuttle system, creating a steady flow of visitors throughout the day. In addition, Sternwheel Festival children’s activities will be taking place on the front lawn of the Armory during the same hours as the showcase, encouraging families to visit the building.

Because the festival draws such large crowds to the area, the potential audience for the free Travel Showcase is significant. While this is the inaugural year for the event, we are planning extensive promotion, anticipate strong attendance and expect many festival visitors to pass through the exhibits during the day.

Event hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Vendor setup: 

Friday 4pm-6pm

Saturday: 8am-9:30am

Tear-down: After 4:00 PM Saturday or beginning at 8:00 AM Sunday

Exhibitor Information

Participation is limited to 30 exhibitors in order to provide strong visibility and engagement for each destination.

The exhibitor fee is $500 per booth.

Each booth includes:
• One 8-foot table
• Pipe and drape backdrop
• Two chairs

Promotion

The Travel Showcase will be promoted jointly by the Marietta-Washington County CVB and the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival. Marketing efforts will include television and radio promotion, social media advertising, press outreach, and festival communications to help ensure strong awareness leading up to the event.

Giveaway Participation

Each exhibitor will be asked to provide a giveaway item, such as a weekend getaway package or attraction experience. These prizes will be drawn at the close of the event at 4:00 PM, encouraging visitors to engage with exhibitors throughout the day.

Insurance

Exhibitors will need to provide a certificate of insurance with a minimum of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, naming the following as additionally insured:

Marietta-Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau
City of Marietta
Ohio River Sternwheel Festival

Exhibitor Hospitality

Our CVB will host an Exhibitor Comfort Suite, providing heavy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and refreshments for participating exhibitors throughout the day.

Friday Evening Gathering

For those planning to arrive the evening before, we are currently working on plans for a casual reception or gathering on Friday evening so exhibitors can connect and enjoy the start of the Sternwheel Festival weekend together. More details will be shared as plans are finalized.

The Sternwheel Festival Experience

For anyone who has not experienced the Sternwheel Festival, it is truly a memorable event. The weekend features live music along the Ohio River levee, incredible festival food, family activities, and a fireworks show that is widely regarded as one of the best in the region. The fireworks take place Saturday evening, making it a wonderful day and evening to be in Marietta.

Next Steps

The Travel Show Application is attached. Please fill it out and return it to me as soon as possible as the spaces are filling quickly, and there are only 21 left!