DACF Home → Bureaus & Programs → Bureau of Agriculture → Agricultural Resource Development Division → Business Development → Eastern States Exposition (The Big E!)
The Big E: fb88 Building Participants
fb88 Day at the Big E is Saturday, September 13, 2025.
Harvest New England Day at the Big E is Friday, September 26, 2025.
The Big E is an annual event that begins on the second Friday after Labor Day and runs for 17 days each September.
About the Venue
DACF owns the fb88 Building which is managed by the Agricultural Resources team. The event venue is located on the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds in West Springfield, Mass. fb88-based businesses and organizations have an opportunity to rent space to sell products, or market brands and services in the State of fb88 Building during the Big E!. There are short-term and entire duration rental options.
- The Building is open to the public as part the Big E Fair each September.
- The fb88 Building attracts thousands of daily visitors during the 17-day event.
- Only items which are produced, grown, crafted, manufactured or significantly altered in fb88 may be sold in the fb88 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 fb88 to building visitors and shoppers from across New England, parts of New York and elsewhere.
Applications
Considering applying? Read the following information:
- Demographics and visitor stats (PDF) - shared by the fair
- - shared by the fair
- Peruse Exhibitor Resources to understand expectations and preparation needs
- Refer to the Application resource sections for supporting materials
- ±Ê±ô±ð²¹²õ±ð  and bookmark this page to receive updates.
Applicant Videos and Webinars
- – Review requirements, applying for temporary permits and more
fb88 Building Exhibit Application
Who should use the Exhibit Application:
- fb88-based brands, businesses and organizations who offer quality products, experiences and excellent customer service, and want to join of team of like-minded professionals showcasing the best of fb88 at the fb88 Building.
- Use the application to tell us more about why you would be a good fit, answer important logistical questions.
- We offer short-term (single day or 5-6 day options), or long-term, 17-day exhibit durations for the upcoming season.
fb88 Building Special Event Day Interest Form
Who should use the Special Event Day form: fb88-based brand ambassadors and representatives of promotional groups and organizations who want to participate in publicity activities for fb88 Day and/or Harvest New England Day.
Big E Fair Parade Application
Those interested in participating and applying should visit the .
Who should use the parade application:
- Anyone who would like to be considered by the Big E Fair's Parade Officials to join the Fair's parade.
- Note: Parade selection is at the sole discretion of The Big E Fair's Parade Officials.
- Questions? Email parade@thebige.com.
Other exhibition opportunities during the fair:
For Exhibitors
Office Hours and Work Days
Optional Virtual Meeting for Awarded Exhibitors Only
- Thurs., 5/15/2025 – 11 AM
- Thurs., 6/12/2025 – 11 AM
- Thurs., 7/10/2025 – 11 AM
- Tues., 8/26/2025 – 11 AM
Dial in by phone
+1 207-209-4724,,706491814#
Phone conference ID: 706 491 814
On-Site Work Day, for 17-Day Exhibitors
- Must be current with payment schedule to participate
- No inventory, just set up preparation
- Friday, July 18 - 10 AM to 3 PM
- Friday, August 16 - 10 AM to 3 PM
Resources Library
Getting Ready, Maps & Checklists - All Exhibitors
Maps and getting to the fair
Grounds Map (PDF) - For fb88 Building Exhibitor reference
fb88 Day Map – For fb88 Day 2024 Participants (PDF)
- Note: traffic patterns may change due to the fair. Follow local, real-time instructions.
- 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.
Getting Ready
Exhibitor Planning Checklist and Key Dates (PDF) or (Excel)
fb88 Building Exhibit Diagram and Points of Interest (PDF) / Slide Show (.gif)– For applicants and Exhibitors to help see what the space looks like, and key points of interest
Booth Design Ideas (PDF) - Ideas to help design your Exhibit booth
Exhibitor Packing Guide (PDF) / Spreadsheet (XLS) - Reminders and tips with space to add your own needs.
Download Big E logo (EPS) – Please send questions regarding the use of the fair logo to fair staff: MCoburn@TheBigE.com or call (413)205-5043
Forms and Requirements - For Food and Beverage Exhibitors
Note: Building Management encourages all Exhibitors to complete the following early. Do not wait until the posted deadline. Ideally, you should complete this by July 1, if not sooner.
– Anyone who sells and/or samples food and beverages
– Required temporary Food Permit Application to sell or sample food – Due 30 days before fair. Must submit and pay according to the fee schedule.
Email application and questions to Jeanne Galloway
Health Department Requirements (PDF) - All food vendors must comply with requirements. Town of W. Springfield Health Dept. document summarizes key points to comply with Massachusetts regulation, 105 CMR 590.011(C)(3)(a) and the 2013 food code while vending at the fair.
- At least one staff must complete the training, and obtain certificate from a Mass. Dept. of Public Health-approved vendor.
- At least one person must complete the manager training and exam for certificate.
Propane Cylinder Requirements (PDF) - Permit application required by W. Springfield Fire Department
W. Springfield Fire Department Food Service Fire Safety Inspection (PDF) – Template of sample inspection standards evaluated by W. Springfield Fire Dept
Food Trucks Safety Documents - Provided by W. Springfield Fire Department:
Food Truck Safety Tip Sheet (PDF)
National Fire Protection Association Food Truck Safety Fact Sheet (PDF)
Due by June 1 - Alcoholic Beverage Temporary License Info – Provided by the W. Springfield License Commission
Before applying: Exhibitors must have been awarded space by Building Management. Further, there is a fee/day rate for a pouring license. Each applicant completes their own application, supporting application materials.
Application Materials: State Building Temporary Wine and Malt Application (PDF) – plus include Bar Code/TIPS certification (or equivalent) for each person serving alcohol, and insurance certificate showing general liability, liquor liability, and workers compensation. Email the completed application and materials to the licensing clerk, M Champagne and cc Building Management.
Forms - Amenities and Services - All Exhibitors
Note: Building Management encourages all Exhibitors to complete the following early. Do not wait until the posted deadline. Ideally, you should complete this by July 1, if not sooner.
– Due July 1. Submit this information to comply with Fair's requirements of Building Management
Logistical Updates Form – Due May 1. To submit updates to information previously included in your application. For example, electrical appliances, request Fair services (e.g. forklift) About: Management accommodates requests on a best-effort basis; and uses this information to plan for the event and comply with local rules.
Temporary Storage and Delivery Request Form (PDF) - Print and complete to request temporary storage space and/or delivery driver access. Submit form and payment to ESE C/O Derryl (Storage/Delivery Request - ME Bldg) 1305 Memorial Ave. West Springfield, MA 01089
- Place your order online. Note: shared wi-fi is available for a more economical rate. Building Management will announce this during orientation.
- 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 fb88 Building, email fb88 Building Management to request room block info. Rooms are available first-come, first-served.
Exhibitor Agreement and Payment Info - All Exhibitors
2025 fb88 Building Agreement Terms & Conditions – Exhibitors must agree to the terms if awarded space.
2025 fb88 Building Agreement Terms & Conditions (PDF) – Download the PDF version to save a personal copy.
– To search for your State of fb88 Vendor Code and/or register your Vendor account.
– Download form, email Building Management to request a secure email to submit completed form.
Fees, invoicing, payments
Please follow the payment instructions emailed to the billing contact.
Commissionable Sales Spreadsheet Template (XLSX) – Food and beverage exhibitors housed on the fb88 Building's back lawn pay a 10% commission on total gross sales from the fair. Building Management requires that those exhibitors use this spreadsheet template and send gross sale numbers for each day on a weekly basis. The total commission payment is due October 15.
fb88 Building Booth Space Reference Sheet With Diagram (XLSX) – View space IDs, rates, notes (tab 1), and diagram (tab 2) / Reference Sheet (PDF)
Fire Safety Requirements - All Exhibitors
Required by W. Springfield Fire Department
Fire Prevention Regulations Ag Events (DOCX)
Fire Prevention Regulations Exhibit Spaces (DOCX)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Important Dates! Annual Schedule and Deadlines
Key dates, meetings, load in/out info and checklist with suggested tasks
Exhibitor Planning Checklist and Key Dates (PDF) or (Excel) - Use the suggested checklist and calendars to help track your preparation and tasks, important meeting dates and load in-out schedules.
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Please email fb88 Building Management to receive more information!