State of Maine Building at Eastern States Expo

Visit us at the Maine Building from September 15 to October 1, 2023.
Maine Day at the Big E is Saturday, September 16, 2023.

The Big E is an annual event that begins on the second Friday after Labor Day and runs for 17 days each September.

For Big E Fairgoers

For Maine Building Participants

Big E Fair Parade Application: Parade selection is at the sole discretion of The Big E Fair's Parade Officials. For more info, email parade@thebige.com.

Applications

Interested in being a part of this great event? Exhibit with us!

Please subscribe to our newsletter and bookmark this page to receive updates.

Considering applying? Please read the following information:

Videos and Webinars

Most webinars are hosted in Microsoft Teams. The webinars are designed for watching live from a computer or mobile device with internet access or viewing on-demand later. New to Teams? Watch a video about what to expect.

Questions are welcome. Read how to submit questions – you can open the webinar links to submit advance questions or wait until the event starts.

  • New and returning applicants: Watch a step-by-step guide for completing the online application, locating important information, and Q and A with Building Management about the 2023 application.
  • Anyone who sells and/or samples food and beverages: Learn about local Health Dept. Requirements, how to apply for temporary food permits, required training, and food code updates

2023 Exhibitor Application (Please read important dates*)

2023 Maine Day Talent, Ambassador Interest form

About the Venue

DACF owns the Maine Building which is managed by the Agricultural Resources team.

  • Only items which are produced, grown, crafted, manufactured or significantly altered in Maine may be sold in the Maine building.
  • Any interested Exhibitor (including businesses, collectives, co-ops, and associations) must submit a completed application for consideration.
  • If awarded space, applicants join a team of exhibitors working to showcase products, brands and services, and the best of Maine to building visitors and shoppers from across New England, parts of New York and elsewhere.
  • Maine businesses and organizations have an opportunity to rent space to sell products, or market brands and services in the State of Maine Building during the Big E!. The Maine Building attracts thousands of daily visitors during the 17-day event.

Other exhibition opportunities during the fair:

Exhibitor Roster

  • We are excited to provide opportunities to showcase the best of Maine to Big E fairgoers.
  • Letter to Applicants Announcing 2023 Awardees - To be announced.

Exhibitor Resources Library

Click the plus sign next to the section to expand the full list of resources. Applicants and Exhibitors should read these items.

FAQs, Checklists, Timelines, Directions, Maps - All Exhibitors +

Key dates, meetings, load in/out info
Maps and getting to the fair
  • Grounds Map (PDF) - For Maine Building Exhibitor reference
  • Directions - Note: traffic patterns may change due to the fair. Follow local, real-time instructions.
  • General Info - Ticketing, activity schedules and fair FAQs.
  • Employee Satellite Parking Maps (PDF) – Shuttle runs daily, 6AM to midnight, between satellite lots and Big E transportation center. Employees must display current year ID badge to board shuttle.
FAQs, booth design, packing
Exhibitor agreement and online profile

Forms - Amenities and Services - All Exhibitors +

  • Temporary Storage and Delivery Request Form (PDF) - Print and complete to request temporary storage space and/or delivery driver access. Form and payment due August 1to: ESE C/O Derryl (Storage/Delivery Request) 1305 Memorial Ave. West Springfield, MA 01089
  • Internet at the Big E! - Place your order online.
  • Telephone at The Big E (PDF) - Place your phone/DSL line order
  • Accommodations: This is a popular event; select and reserve early. Accommodation payment is the Exhibitor's responsibility.
    • There are many lodging options in Western Mass.
    • Military retirees or Active Guard and Reserve members can get inexpensive lodging at The Flyers Inn on Westover Air Reserve Base in nearby Chicopee. The telephone number is (413) 593-5421.
    • On-site camping is limited; and not available to Exhibitors.
    • If you are awarded space in the Maine Building, email Maine Building Management to request room block info. Rooms are available first-come, first-served.

Forms and Requirements - Food and Beverage Exhibitors +

Fire Safety Requirements - All Exhibitors +

Required by W. Springfield Fire Department

Important Dates! Annual Schedule and Deadlines

Month Items Due
January - March
  • Applications due for any Exhibit space
  • Applications reviewed. Scoring Rubric (PDF)*
  • Exhibitors awardees selected Awardees announced, notice sent to applicants

*Applicants who apply by deadline earn bonus points. Those who are not initially selected, or apply after deadline, may be eligible for a waitlist if they meet selection criteria.

April - June
  • Exhibitors read all documents and resources, including Exhibitor FAQs and “At this point in time” checklist.
  • Initial booth assignments made
  • Exhibitor invoices sent
June
  • Exhibitor meeting. Eastern States Exposition Staff provide updates
July
  • Initial payment due by Exhibitor
  • Any advance booth alterations and structural setup must be complete (available to those paid in full)
  • Important forms and documents should be completed, ready to submit - including city departments and fair.
September
  • Exhibition at the State of Maine Building during, The Big E!, 17 days
  • Building Management distributes credentials on-site, at fair
  • Maine Day—first Saturday of the Fair
  • ESE Photo ID Kiosks open to obtain Exhibitor Badge
  • Fair begins the first Friday after Labor Day
October-August
  • Building is closed for off-season
November
  • Application available online for upcoming year

Please email Maine Building Management to receive more information!