Winter Show Applications Now Open

2024 One Of A Kind WINTER SHOW

NOVEMBER 21 to DECEMBER 1, 2024

ENERCARE CENTRE, EXHIBITION PLACE

5 Day Section: November 21 - November 25, 2024
6 Day Section: November 26 - December 1, 2024

HOURS*

WEEKDAYS + SATURDAYS: 10AM-8PM
SUNDAYS: 10AM-5PM
LATE NIGHT: Thursday, November 28: 10AM - 10PM

*Updated March 1 2024

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).

• A booth space to create your own mini storefront to market, show and sell your work to tens of thousands of OOAK customers under one roof.
• A platform to showcase your work among a community of top-quality makers who share your belief in craftsmanship and small-batch production.
• Exposure to enthusiastic shoppers—including wholesalers, bloggers, media and galleries—who have bought a ticket to come out, support small businesses, and make a day of the One Of A Kind experience.
• A marketing profile on the One Of A Kind website, including links to your website and social channels so you can connect with our customers before, during and after the show
• Opportunities to expand your brand's profile onsite and in advance of the show, including via competition and themed product displays, fashion shows and product showcases, design competitions, and more.
• 6 exhibitor badges for you and your team to use throughout the show.
• 10 complimentary tickets and access to discount codes and exhibitor rate tickets to invite friends, family and loyal customers to shop from you and to use in your marketing and promotions.
• Access to onsite exhibitor services like a lounge with complimentary tea and coffee throughout the show.

PLUS, we are so much more than a great place to show and sell your work.

• Build your customer base with our marketing initiatives and PR opportunities.
• Access to resources to help strengthen your business and prepare for the show, including Facebook Groups, small business experts, workshops, newsletters and a digital Exhibitor Kit.
• Expand your community—learn from show mentors and small business pros, connect with fellow makers to swap tips and create opportunities for collabs and so much more.
• Gain valuable market research and face-to-face feedback on your current work and opportunities for development.
• And more!

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,
• Only available for the full 11-day duration of the show.
• Food 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.

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 full 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.

5/6 DAYS SECTIONS

Ideal for artisans who are not ready to take on the full 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 (ie. Flavours, Rising Stars).

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.

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 applications.

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.

Full booth pricing coming soon.

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

INTRO BOOTH OPTIONS

RISING STARS (BY THE SQFT)

$108/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’ = $972 4’ x 3’ = $1,296 5’ x 2’ = $1080

• 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 2024 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 2024 Show, up to ten BIPOC-identifying vendors will be selected for this section, and each will also receive 50% off their participation fee ($54 per square foot vs. $108 per square foot; with a minimum order of a 3' x 3' space).

To apply, please complete your Winter Show application, then submit a BIPOC Rising Star scholarship application via the scholarships section of the application form.

BOOTH SHARE

STARTING AT $2,179.50 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.

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

BIPOC SCHOLARSHIP

For the upcoming shows, half of our Rising Stars Section will be awarded in priority for makers and artisans who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or Persons of Colour. Up to 10 BIPOC-identifying vendors will be selected for this scholarship and each will also receive up to 50% off their Rising Stars Space (with a minimum order of a 3' x 3' space). Applicants must also be Rising Stars eligible as first-time exhibitors with less than 5 years in their art or craft.

APPLY FOR THE BIPOC 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.

Exhibitors must provide lighting, furnishings, signage, POS equipment and more, and should budget for these expenses accordingly.

EXCLUSIVE SUPPLIERS

Electrical, a required service for each booth, can be ordered through the venue.

• Regular Booths: Starting at ~$260
• Rising Stars Section: Starting at ~$170

* Prices shown are based on advance order rates and do not include HST. The advance order deadline is approximately 21 days before the exhibitor move-in.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIERS

Hard walls, lighting and other booth furnishings are available for rent, but you are also welcome to bring your own. Estimated costs for rentals include:

• Hard Walls: Starting at ~$694 (prices will vary by booth size)
• Lighting: Starting at ~$300 for ceiling-mounted lights

* Prices shown are based on advance order rates and do not include HST. The advance order deadline is approximately 21 days before the exhibitor move-in.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Parking Passes can be purchased for the venue at a discounted exhibitor rate, for specific days or the duration of the event.
• Insurance is required to participate in the event, and can be purchased through our official supplier or through your own plan.
• Additional onsite storage can be purchased for the duration of your participation in the show. Storage spaces are limited, many exhibitors find ways to build storage considerations into their own booths.
• Those who will be shipping materials to the show should account for a forklifting fee to have their product delivered to their booth space.

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 21 - 25, 2024, with all materials and move-out completed by 11:59 pm on Monday, November 25, 2024.
• 6-Day Exhibitors will exhibit from November 25 - December 1, 2024. 6-Day section move-in starts Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 4 am; exhibitors must be ready for the show opening at 10 am on Tuesday, November 26.

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.

FLAVOURS/FOOD + DRINK

• Please submit samples of each type of item you wish to sell for review by the jury.
• Samples must be submitted in the form they will be sold to the consumer.
• Samples will not be returned. Exhibitors from out of province who will be selling meat, dairy or fish will be required to submit their Safe Food for Canadians licence.

PAPER, PERSONAL CARE + CANDLES

• All paper/stationery and scented products (soap, candles, etc) must be submitted for review in their finished form.
• Samples should include at least one of each type of product that will be sold, but do not need to include all variations (ie scents, colours) that will be available.
• Samples will not be returned.
• Personal care makers should have, but do not need to provide, health compliance certificates appropriate to your chosen industry.

PHOTOGRAPHY

• Photographers must submit a statement telling us how and where your work is printed.
• Prints should be signed and dated.
• Open editions are acceptable.

ARTS

• Artists wishing to sell reproductions must submit images of their prints/reproductions, in their finished and packaged forms, within their application photos.
• Prints should also be listed in the "What You Would Like to Sell at the Show" portion of the application form.

Samples are required for the following product categories:

• Food/Flavours. Please submit samples of each type of item you wish to sell for review by the jury. Samples must be submitted in the form they will be sold to the consumer. Exhibitors from out of province who will be selling meat, dairy, or fish are required to submit their Safe Food for Canadians Licence.
• Paper, Personal Care, Candles. All paper (stationery) and scented products (soap, candles, etc.) must be submitted for review in their finished form. Submissions should include at least one of each type of product that will be sold but does not need to include all variations that will be available. Samples will not be returned.

Please send samples of each type of item you intend to sell at the show to the following:

One Of A Kind Show
20 Eglinton Ave West, Suite 1200
Toronto, ON
M4R 1K8

ATTN: Application Samples

NOTE: Samples sent for review will not be returned. Samples should be received within one week of your application submission. If you drop your samples off in person, please do so only during business hours. If your samples require special handling (such as refrigeration), please get in touch with us at apply@oneofakindshow.com for delivery arrangements.

Questions about what to submit in your application package or what samples need to be included? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at apply@oneofakindshow.com.

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 30: 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!