Family Expo Sponsor Application

Browse through our application and let us know if you have any questions. This is an electronic agreement and by selecting a space, you are validating and approving this agreement electronically.    Overview of Event Hosted at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center on Sunday, June 1, 2025 from 10:00-4:00 pm, the Family Expo is a free community event showcasing the best family-friendly products, services, and resources available in Richland & Lexington Counties. The event focuses on sharing information about pregnancy, safety, health & wellness, childcare, special needs, and other important topics with expecting parents and families with children. Our goal is to help parents and caregivers make informed decisions by providing easy access to the information, products, and services they need to raise a happy, healthy family. The Expo offers unmatched face-to-face interaction between family product and service providers and hundreds of expectant parents, new parents, blended families, and caregivers. Free activities include airbrush face painting, balloon animals, soft play zone, crafts and more fun plus informative workshops and demos. This event is an outstanding opportunity for sponsor branding, marketing, cross-promotion, product or service showcase, and a powerful vehicle for positive community influence. Advertising, Publicity & Promotion  The Family Expo is heavily promoted using a combination of radio, print, and grassroots advertising. Our grassroots campaigns are multi-faceted, utilizing street teams, Facebook and other social media and local networks.  What Makes Our Events Different? Our events are different because we do not charge an admission fee or for the many activities onsite whereas other expos charge $10 or more per person just to get in. We want our attendees to focus on our sponsors and vendors and have a great time at the event.  Attractions That Draw a Crowd! These events are big draws. Our attendees love participating in and watching them, and they provide a great opportunity for media exposure prior to and during the event. You can sponsor the photo booth, temporary tattoos, soft play zone, balloon animals and more. Anticipated Attendance Based on average attendance for the Family Expo, we anticipate 1,500-1,750 families to attend in 2025. 

1. EXHIBITS - Display material must be confined to the exhibitor space. No placard, stickers, or other signs relating to nonpaid businesses will be allowed. Only one business per space; tables cannot be shared by two businesses. 2. NO REFUNDS – There are no refunds for any reason if exhibitor cancels. 3. PLACEMENT - Space will be assigned at the discretion of Show Management.  4. SALE OF MERCHANDISE - Must comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations.  5. CLEAN UP – Exhibitor is responsible for removal of their boxes, pallets, trash, etc. Exhibitors who do not remove their trash will be subject to a $30 fine.  6. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY - Exhibitor agrees to hold the City of Columbia, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, and Touch of Magic Events LLC harmless and blameless and will make no claim for any reason whatsoever, including negligence, against Show Management, its officers, agents, employees, or the lessors or owners of the Facility for loss, theft, damage or destruction of property, nor for any injury to it or its employees, agents, or invitees while in the Facility.  7. CARE AND STAFFING OF EXHIBITS - All coverings of exhibits must be removed, and exhibitor must be on duty no later than 10 minutes prior to the opening of the show. The table must be manned until the event ends. No more than three representatives may occupy a single exhibitor space at a time. 8. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS - Exhibitor shall not engage in any display, publication, performance, or other activity which conflicts with any applicable law, regulation, rule or ordinance, nor shall exhibitor, or its representatives or employees, engage in any lewd display, publication or performance. Exhibitor will be responsible for obtaining all necessary governmental permits and licenses.  9. NO GUARANTEE OF ATTENDANCE - Show Management does not guarantee specific volumes or levels of attendance at the Event. Exhibitor shall not be entitled to any refund, in full or in part, of any amounts paid based on actual attendance level. 10. FIRE AND SAFETY LAWS - Exhibitor is responsible for complying with all Federal, State and City laws. Wiring must comply with fire department and underwriter's rules. Smoking in exhibits is forbidden. Crowding will be restricted. No vendor/sponsor shall bring into the facility any combustibles. All decorations must be flame proof. 11. TEAR DOWN - Early breakdown is strictly prohibited. Exhibitors who are found to break down early will not be invited back for future shows. 12. RESCHEDULING OF EVENT POLICY - Certain events can pre-empt a show, such as COVID-19. As a result, show management may have to reschedule an event. If an event is rescheduled, all contracts and payments are binding to the rescheduled date. If unable to attend the new date, you will receive a credit for a future show. 13. VENDOR/SPONSOR TRADE - If the agreed upon activities or items are not provided, exhibitor cancels, or exhibitor breaks activities down before the event is over, the full value of the trade will be due immediately. 14. HELIUM BALLOONS PROHIBITED - The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center prohibits helium balloons. If balloons are brought in, the venue charges a $150 fee for each balloon they must remove from the high ceiling. If an exhibitor brings helium balloons, they are solely responsible for this charge. 15. NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINK ALLOWED -  The venue prohibits any food or drink to be brought into the venue such as walking in with McDonald’s or ordering a pizza. Food will be available for purchase in the lobby.