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2023 One Of A Kind Winter Show

We Hope to See You There
November 23 - December 3, 2023

One Of A Kind is a platform for sales, exposure, business development and community-building for makers of all kinds. With our year-round digital platforms, and anchored by our two flagship events, we help creative small businesses chart their own path to success!

Below, we've outlined the basics to help you craft your One Of A Kind business plan for the Winter Show--including application guidelines, exhibitor resources and pricing guidelines. It is up to you what you make of the OOAK experience, so we encourage you to read through each tab below. After that, if you have any questions, we'd be happy to help!

Applications remain open until the show has sold out. We recommend submitting your application as soon as possible for the best chance of being matched with available space.

WINTER SHOW DATES +INFO

2023 One Of A Kind WINTER SHOW

NOVEMBER 23 to DECEMBER 3, 2023

ENERCARE CENTRE, EXHIBITION PLACE

5 Day Section: November 23 - November 27, 2023
6 Day Section: November 28 - December 3, 2023

HOURS*

WEEKDAYS + SATURDAYS: 10AM-8PM
SUNDAYS: 10AM-5PM
LATE NIGHT: Thursday, November 30: 10AM - 10PM

*Updated June 2023

WHAT YOU'LL GET

A booth space to show and sell your work.
Exhibitor badges for you and your staff.
Complimentary tickets, discount codes and incentives to encourage your fans and followers to shop the show.
A dedicated digital profile on the One Of A Kind website, with links to your website and social channels.
Pre-show resources including an exhibitor Facebook Group, newsletters, a digital Exhibitor Kit and more.
Exposure to our loyal, qualified shoppers and craft enthusiasts, plus opportunities for market research and customer insights.
PR opportunities, when applicable, prior to and during the event
Year-round media opportunities (featured emails, social posts, online/offline contests) to build and nurture your marketing funnels
Show your work among top-quality makers who share your belief in creativity and small-batch production
Expand your community—learn from show mentors and small business pros, connect with fellow makers to swap tips and create opportunities for collaborations, and so much more!

WHAT TO EXPECT THIS YEAR

As we continue to navigate and scale the return of our events, we always aim to maintain the signature One Of A Kind experience. We are always adding to our programming throughout the year. We are excited to announce the return of our Theme Competition and Main Stage at this year's Winter Show!

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

We would love to welcome every maker who applies to our show, but the truth is that we aren’t the right fit for everyone. We are looking for makers of all kinds--from traditional to digital and creative to commercially driven. While our criteria will differ from category to category, what remains firm is our commitment to supporting our creative community and showcasing local craft. But if you are here, it's safe to say you want to join the big show, so let's go review a few things we are looking for in each of our onsite vendors.

You are the designer AND heavily involved in the production of your work. We are looking for makers of all kinds--from traditional to technological and creative to commercially driven. Our criteria for production and scale will differ for each category, so applications are considered case-by-case. Outline your production process(es) in detail to show the jury your work aligns with our criteria.
You Reside AND Produce Your Work in Canada. We want consumers to support the local creative economy and community, so every item for sale in the show must be made in Canada. Any manufacturing help must be locally sourced, but not all raw materials must be. Designing products and having them produced internationally is NOT something we permit.
You Support our efforts to celebrate Diversity and Inclusivity. We put our hearts, minds, and resources into creating an event that is welcoming and inclusive for everyone. We believe in the power of craft to celebrate skill, identity, creativity, history, heritage, and culture. We have worked hard to provide resources to help educate our makers on the differences between misappropriation and responsible collaboration. We ask that you help us by ensuring your work does not perpetuate the harmful impacts of cultural appropriation.
You Mean Business. Listen, we like to have fun just as much as the next person, but our show is a bigger production than most, and we want you to rock it! So, we are looking for makers who are on top of all areas of their business. We will consider your:
- Branding and Marketing: Customers are looking to connect with brands that tell a story, in everything from well-lit product photos to your product packaging and booth design. Social media is also an invaluable resource in the marketing and promotion of your brand and your participation in the show, so your digital presence will be considered in the jurying process.
- Product and Packaging Quality: We want to make sure that the aesthetic and quality of the work you bring to the show matches the level our customers know us for. This also means that your work is suitable, commercially viable, and has appropriate price points in relation to the local market.
- Hustle: We are the most attended show of our kind in North America, and we're proud to have helped many artisans turn their passion into a career. But, becoming a One Of A Kind vendor doesn't mean that you can sit back and wait for customers to come by. We must each do our part to ensure success at the show. So, we are looking for artisans who are eager to do everything they can, from marketing and social media to building a great booth and being ready to seize the opportunity to grow their business with us!
You Respect our Exclusivity Philosophy. One Of A Kind was born of the need for a place for Canadian makers to show and sell their work. Before e-commerce, and even before retail was open on Sundays, One Of A Kind established itself as the flagship place to buy Canadian handmade. Now, over 40 years later, we are still the best place for modern makers to build their business. And our loyal customer base comes out each year for an exclusive shopping experience highlighting the best in the creative community. Your One Of A Kind participation would include an exclusivity clause that asks that you be judicious about your participation in other shows around the time of our event. That means for 14 days before, during, and 14 days after our event, you will not participate in any shows within 30 km of our location. This allows us to create a can't-miss shopping experience that draws out shoppers in large numbers. Find the full details of this clause on our FAQ page.
Your Work Stands Out. In addition to the above, we are looking for creative, unique, innovative, and cohesive. Work that avoids saturated trends and is respectful of copyright law and other cultures.

Sometimes you may have questions about the eligibility of your business. While we can give general answers and clarification via email, for specific questions, the best way to give feedback on your business is to apply so the jury can consider your specific situation. Some of our makers create solo; others work with family or a small team; our fashion designers often employ local production help; and exhibitors in our Responsibly Sourced category team up with local makers and manufacturers to bring their creative ideas to fruition. Take care to outline your production process(es) in detail in your application to demonstrate to the jury that your work aligns with our criteria (this information is confidential and will not be shared or distributed).

WHAT YOU'LL GET

SPECIAL SECTIONS AT WINTER

Apply to Winter

Before you submit your application, you will want to have prepared the following:

Your Participation Preferences. You are asked to submit your top 3 choices in order of preference, including booth size, and request to be included in any of our special sections.
Your Business Name. What is your company name? Is your legal name the same as how your exhibiting name? Are you consistent across platforms? Ex. If your name has an "and" in it, do you always write out a-n-d, or do you sometimes use "&" or "+"? Make it consistent and conscious for your application.
Samples. Be prepared to send in your product samples if you are required to do so.
Supporting Materials. Other materials as laid out in the Application Checklist below.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

WHAT TO SUBMIT

Once you've determined that our show is the right fit for you, it's time to start your application!

Below, we've outlined all the support materials you will be asked to submit with your application. Each one will help the jury learn about your business and how we can make the most of our partnership together, so take care to show personality and detail wherever you can.

We receive an overwhelming number of Winter applications, and our jury reviews each one to create an exciting mix of vendors and products at our events. Applications are evaluated in relation to their category, production methods, existing products in the show and geographical representation. We encourage everyone- especially those in our more popular categories, like jewellery and apparel- to take the time to let your brand and story shine!

BOOTH DESIGN
Include a photo, sketch, inspiration board or rendering of your booth display. Your design should include plans for signage, lighting, merchandising and the structure of your booth. Your plans should also consider how your booth will tell your brand story. Not Sure Where to Start? Visit our Best Booth Pinterest Boards or try the Booth Design Puzzle Teaser provided by Visual Merchandising Expert and a friend of the show, Ani Nersessian of VM ID, who can help you create your best booth design. NOTE: Using grids to hang and display your work is not permitted to maintain the show's professional look.
10 PHOTOS OF YOUR WORK
Submit ten well-lit photos representing each type of work you want to sell at the show. We cannot stress the importance of good images, as they will be the jury's introduction to your work and may be used for marketing and PR opportunities if accepted to the show.
STUDIO PHOTO
Show us where you make the magic happen--whether it's your studio, a maker space, a commercial kitchen or a dining room table! This helps give the jury a sense of the scale of your production.
BIOGRAPHY
Tells us about yourself, your brand, what inspires you, your business goals, your education/training (if applicable) and other shows you have participated in.
STEP-BY-STEP DESCRIPTION OF YOUR PRODUCTION PROCESS(ES)
This is probably the most important document in your application package. Each item you wish to sell at the show must be made by you or your company and fit within our production criteria. Take care to walk us through your production process(es)--tell us how you design, where production takes place, how you are involved and when you are getting help. This information will not be shared with anyone outside of the jury.
PRICE LIST
This will help the jury understand your pricing and how it compares in the marketplace. Pricing and photos should be present for each type of item you list under Items You Would Like to Sell in the application.

BOOTH SIZES, PRICING, & INTRODUCTORY BOOTH OPTIONS

Booth space includes 8’ high pipe and white drape and booth number signage. Due to the pipe-and-drape construction (1.5” diameter) of the booth, internal dimensions are slightly reduced (as noted below). Consider your actual booth size when making your booth display plans.

Advanced pricing for full booth prices start at $2156.00 but we have entry booths that can meet you wherever your business is at.

Review our full booth pricing here.

5-Day Section: November 23 - November 27, 2023
6-Day Section: November 28 - December 3, 2023

* Prices for all booth spaces do not include applicable tax. Correct at the time of publishing.

INTRO BOOTH OPTIONS

RISING STARS (BY THE SQFT)

$102/SQ FT

This open-concept section is for first-time exhibitors with less than 5 years of professional experience in their art or craft. We supply the carpet, and you bring a freestanding structure and lighting to showcase your work. Request space by the square foot, so you get as little or as much as you need, with a minimum order of a 3' x 3' space.

ex. 3’ x 3’ = $918 4’ x 3’ = $1,224 5’ x 2’ = $1020

To see examples of past Rising Stars booths, visit www.pinterest.com/onmywaytoooak/rising-stars.
To apply, submit a complete application with your preferred Rising Stars size(s) listed in the application.
Open to first-time Winter exhibitors, in all categories except food.

For The 2023 Winter Show

50% of our Rising Stars Section will be reserved in priority for makers, artisans, creators and designers who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or Persons Of Colour.

For the 2023 Show, up to ten BIPOC-identifying vendors will be selected for this section, and each will also receive 50% off their participation fee ($51 per square foot vs. $102 per square foot; with a minimum order of a 3' x 3' space).

ex. 3' x 3' = $459 4’ x 3’ = $612 5’ x 2’ = $510

To apply, please complete the application, then submit a BIPOC Rising Star scholarship application.

APPLY FOR RISING STAR BIPOC SCHOLARSHIP

BOOTH SHARE

STARTING AT $2,056 x 2

Share a 10’ x 10’ booth with a fellow artisan to help alleviate some of the challenges of your first shows, like costs, required stock, and booth sitting. Open to individual applicants applying with a partner.

To see examples of past Booth Shares, visit www.pinterest.com/onmywaytoooak/booth-share.
To apply, each participant must submit a complete online application, including a booth design that shows how you will share the 10’x10’ booth space.
Applicants are eligible for a Booth Share at TWO Spring and TWO Winter Shows, before graduating to a full booth space.

See Full Booth Pricing Here

OOAK SCHOLARSHIPS

We are committed to supporting makers and investing in the future of craft. Through our scholarship program, we help new artisans begin to build their businesses with One Of A Kind. Those who are just starting out, or are travelling to the show from far away, can apply for financial assistance to ease the upfront financial costs of their first show.

NEW ARTISAN SCHOLARSHIP

Open to first-time applicants who have been practicing their craft for less than 5 years, the New Artisan Scholarship reduces booth fees by $1000 in order to help new artisans manage start-up costs for participating in our event.

APPLY FOR THE NEW ARTISAN SCHOLARSHIP

TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP

Open to first-time applicants from outside of Ontario, this scholarship reduces booth fees by $500 to help new vendors manage travel expenses and costs for travelling to their first show.

APPLY FOR THE TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP

LET'S DUUO THIS SCHOLARSHIP

As the preferred insurance partner at One Of A Kind, we are proud to present the Let’s Duuo This Scholarship powered by Duuo at the upcoming 2023 One Of A Kind Winter Show. Duuo knows that prepping for an event is tough work. Making travel arrangements, setting up a booth, creating your marketing strategy - there are a lot of moving pieces to account for. The Lets's Duuo This Scholarship by Duuo aims to make your participation at little easier so you can make the most of your time at the show.

APPLY FOR THE LET'S DUUO THIS SCHOLARSHIP

SCHOLARSHIP NOTES

Applicants are welcome to apply for more than one opportunity. Still, in order to spread the love to as many new artisans as possible, you are only eligible to receive one.
Scholarships are only applicable to regular booths, ex. 5'x10, 10'x10', etc., and are limited in quantity, so the application for a scholarship does not guarantee awarded scholarship.
Those wishing to apply for a scholarship will be prompted to submit a separate form during the application process, outlining how the scholarship funds will help make the most of their first One Of A Kind Show.

Submit your Scholarship Application

ADDITIONAL COSTS

SPECIAL SECTIONS AT WINTER - Flavours, Original Art Gallery, 5/6 Days, Rising Stars

FLAVOURS

If your kitchen is your studio, then the Flavours section is for you! In this popular neighbourhood, customers find all of their favourite consumables like baked goods, jams, marinades, cocktail mixes and sweets.

Open to applicants who make food or drink products.
Please submit samples of each type of item you wish to sell for review by the jury. See instructions on how to submit samples below.
In your application, you must also provide an outline of your sampling procedure at the show, should you choose to sample your products to our audience*.
Only available for the entire 11-day duration of the show.
Please be advised food products must be packaged for take-home consumption, ie. not sold or packaged in a way that encourages immediate consumption.
Exhibitors from out of province who will be selling meat, dairy or fish will be required to submit their Safe Food for Canadians licence.

* Sampling procedures may be subject to change.

ORIGINAL ART GALLERY

This fantastic fine art space is the place to showcase your original art. Acrylics, oils, watercolours, hand-pulled prints, and sculptures attract collectors and gallery owners. If you are a visual artist, this is the place for you!

Open to those applying for the Original Art category.
Only available for the entire 11-day duration of the show.
Artists participating in this section must have Gallery-style hard walls. You may bring your own or rent them through our show decorator.
Exhibitors in this section showcase ONLY their original works. Reproductions, prints, or other merchandise are not permitted in this section.

5/6 DAYS SECTIONS

Ideal for artisans who are not ready to take on the whole 11-day show—due to production limitations, travel expenses, or first-time participation—this section allows you to participate in the first 5 or last 6 days of the show.

As this is a separate section of the floorplan, exhibitors from any category are welcome but cannot be a part of another section (i.e. Flavours, Rising Stars, etc.).
5-Day exhibitors will exhibit November 23 - 27, 2023, with all materials and move-out completed by 11:59 pm on Monday, November 27, 2023.
6-Day Exhibitors will exhibit from November 28 - December 3, 2023. 6-Day section move-in starts Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 4 am; exhibitors must be ready for the show opening at 10 am on Tuesday, November 28.

RISING STARS

This open concept section highlights new craft stars on the rise, allowing them to request space by the square foot and show their work with a freestanding booth structure.

See Booth Sizing and Pricing for more information.

See Examples of past Rising Star Booths Here.

CATEGORY CONSIDERATIONS - FLAVOURS, PAPER, PERSONAL CARE, CANDLES, PHOTOGRAPHY, ART PRINTS

SUBMIT YOUR SAMPLES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT OTHER ATTRIBUTES GIVE MY APPLICATION THE BEST CHANCE OF SUCCESS?

Your application will be reviewed by our selection committee who will jury it on a variety of criteria—including the quality, uniqueness and saleability of your products, a great booth display, and maintaining a good balance of categories and a good representation of provinces in the show.

Beyond that, we look for work that is cohesive, innovative and unique to the marketplace and is presented in clean and well-styled application photos. We also love to see your personality shine through your application, so don’t be afraid to give us the details on how you came to your current path and what makes you and your products unique.

And as a note to applicants in some of our more popular categories—like jewelry, scarves and body care—be sure to highlight the aspects that differentiate yourself and your work from others within your category. The volume of applications we receive in these categories makes it absolutely impossible for us to accept all of the qualified applications we receive, so standing out is of the utmost importance.

AS A NEW APPLICANT, DO I HAVE A CHANCE OF GETTING IN?

Yes, we’re always eager to feature the work of new artists; typically about 15-25% of the show is new artisans.

DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT 10 IMAGES WITH MY APPLICATION

You can send in as many images as you need to represent your work. If you have more or less than 10 images, that is perfectly fine. Just be sure that your application photos cover all the items you have listed in the “Items You Would Like to Sell at the Show” portion of the application.

We often use application photos in our social media promotions, so make sure to send well-presented and styled images to increase your chances of inclusion.

CAN I APPLY FOR THE NEW ARTISAN AND TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP, AND RISING STARS?

Yes, of course! But, in order to spread to the love to as many new artisans as possible, if accepted, you are only eligible to receive one.

NOTE: Scholarships are limited and application does not necessarily guarantee receipt.

WHEN TO EXPECT NEXT?

April 24: Deadline for Advanced Booth Pricing and Applications to be considered for our first round of Jurying.

June 12: Applicants should expect to hear back on the status of their application.

Applications remain open until the show has sold out. We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible to have the best chance of being matched with available space. The Jury will meet to consider the first round of applications following the April 24th deadline.
Pending on availability, the second round of Jurying will occur after June 16th. Applications submitted by this date can expect to hear back about the status of their application by Mid-July.

June - July:

Contracts and invoices will go out, including information on confirmed booth size.
Your first payment to secure your participation will be due.

NOTE:

All applicants will be contacted via email or phone call with a jurying response.
Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants who are not accepted.

Have more specific questions about the 2023 Winter Show?

We created this Winter Show FAQ for our exhibitor community that might be helpful to you!

Read the Winter Show FAQ

SOUND GOOD?

Book a Call

Book a 15-minute consultation, to ask questions about exhibiting at One Of A Kind.

Book A Call

Email the Team

Reach out to our recruitment team at:

apply@oneofakindshow.com

Email One Of A Kind

NEXT STEPS:

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application to join us at The 2023 One Of A Kind Winter Show

Apply Now

FAQ's about The Winter Show

Read The One Of A Kind Winter Show FAQ Here

Winter Show FAQs

Additional Resources

Interested in reading even more about joining One Of A Kind?

Ready to apply?

The Winter Show is sold out.

2023 One Of A Kind Winter Show

WINTER SHOW DATES +INFO

*Updated June 2023

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

WHAT YOU'LL GET

SPECIAL SECTIONS AT WINTER

FLAVOURS

5/6 DAYS SECTIONS

RISING STARS

Apply to Winter

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

BOOTH SIZES, PRICING, & INTRODUCTORY BOOTH OPTIONS

INTRO BOOTH OPTIONS

RISING STARS (BY THE SQFT)

BOOTH SHARE

OOAK SCHOLARSHIPS

ADDITIONAL COSTS

SPECIAL SECTIONS AT WINTER - Flavours, Original Art Gallery, 5/6 Days, Rising Stars

FLAVOURS

ORIGINAL ART GALLERY

5/6 DAYS SECTIONS

RISING STARS

CATEGORY CONSIDERATIONS - FLAVOURS, PAPER, PERSONAL CARE, CANDLES, PHOTOGRAPHY, ART PRINTS

SUBMIT YOUR SAMPLES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT OTHER ATTRIBUTES GIVE MY APPLICATION THE BEST CHANCE OF SUCCESS?

AS A NEW APPLICANT, DO I HAVE A CHANCE OF GETTING IN?

DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT 10 IMAGES WITH MY APPLICATION

CAN I APPLY FOR THE NEW ARTISAN AND TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP, AND RISING STARS?

WHEN TO EXPECT NEXT?

SOUND GOOD?

Book a Call

Email the Team

NEXT STEPS:

Ready to Apply?

FAQ's about The Winter Show

Additional Resources