There are many reasons that people come to our show. Among those reasons is our vendors, all of whom help make our show one that enjoys a national reputation among boat shows. Centered around Antique & Classic Boats, our show features vendors representing many things from the expertise required in the restoration of fine old boats to the high fine arts. Each year we receive a lot of comments about how beautiful and enjoyable our show is. We take tremendous pride in our community of vendors each representing quality and professionalism in their respective product, service or art.
We are very proud of our veteran vendors, but we are also looking for new and interesting things. This is a juried show. New vendors are accepted, based upon the judgment of our Vendor Advisory Panel, which is a group of people, each of whom has had significant experience with our show. We require descriptions of and a website containing the types of items or services you plan to offer at our show. Because this is foremost a Boat Show, the first criterion is: What you make, sell, or do, must have something to do with Boats, the Water, Water Wildlife, or Life Around the Water. We base new vendor acceptance on appropriateness, quality, professionalism and other factors. Occasionally, when we receive an extraordinary number of applicants of a given class, it may be necessary to place an otherwise acceptable applicant on a wait list in an effort to maintain a healthy balance. If so, we will let you know.
In keeping with our goals of high quality and professionalism, it is expected that all exhibitors will display what they describe, that exhibits be kept attractive and that vendors wear appropriate attire throughout the show. Vendors must exhibit and man their booth during all of the show hours, unless other arrangements have been made in advance with the Vendor Chairs. Vehicles are not allowed on Museum grounds during show hours. Certain health and safety measures have been put in place by the Museum. Please review these at https://welcome.cbmm.org prior to arriving at the show.
Registration is online only. We have made improvements to our website to speed the registration process. If you have question concerning vendor spaces, registration or are unable to register online, please contact Deb Fass at debra.fass@gmail.com.
During the registration, a summary of your form will be displayed prior to payment. Please review this summary to make sure it is correct. You will be able to go back and make changes if necessary. After confirming that your registration information is correct, proceed to the payment page. Payment is by credit card. The Chesapeake Bay chapter does not keep any credit card information you enter.
After reviewing the important information below, click here to register as a Vendor.
- An Exhibitor Affidavit is required by the State of Maryland. Companies licensed to do business in the State of Maryland may submit a copy of the Maryland Traders License.
- You will be asked to provide your Maryland Sales and Use Tax ID number. If you do not have one, you must obtain a Temporary Sales and Use License and collect sales tax for sales. To obtain a license, call 410-767-1543.
- We have three locations for vendors: In the big tent, in the Small Boat Shed and outside. Please indicate your order of preference. We will do our best to accommodate your first choice but if we run out of spaces in a particular location, spaces will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Each 10 x10 space is $100 and it includes up to 2 tables as well as badges for 2 people. The badges are good for entrance to the show for all three days, Every person working at your space must have a badge. Extra badges can be purchased for $20 each. Names are required for all badges.
- Tickets for the Friday evening Captains Party must be purchased at the time you register. At the party, which begins at 6PM under the tent on Navy Point, you will be able to spend the evening enjoying heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and a DJ while mingling with those making this show a success.Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for those 16 and under. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the show.
- There is a complimentary Vendor Breakfast on Sunday morning at 8AM. We appreciate you reserving your spot so that we are sure to have enough breakfast for all. Come enjoy breakfast and spend time with your fellow vendors.
- You can purchase T-shirts for 20% off the show price while registering. ($20 in advance vs. $25 at the show).
- You can register a boat to exhibit if you are an ACBS member.
The show is held at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and the site address is 213 North Talbot Street, St. Michaels, Maryland 21663.
We encourage you to arrive on Thursday afternoon between 1:00 and 5:00 or Friday morning from 7:00AM to 9:00AM. All vendors must be in place when the show opens at 10:00AM on Friday and remain in place until the show closes at 3:00PM on Sunday. No one shall depart prior to 3:00 PM on Sunday!
When arriving to set up, use Mill Street to access the Museum grounds (it is a right turn off Talbot when you come from Easton). An attendant will meet you at the gate and direct you to your display location. You may then check in at the Registration Tent. Do not use the Crab Claw parking lot. You will not be able to change your display location.
The construction at the Museum has been completed! A map showing vendor locations and parking instructions will be distributed in early June. Parking information will also be posted on this website.
If you forgot something when you registered, you can make additions by clicking here.
For Vendors bringing a boat:
Our dock crew is available all weekend to help with boat launching, slip assignments, trailer storage and shuttle service to and from the boat ramp, located minutes from the show grounds. We are also happy to help with local boat transport to the show if needed.
If you are trailering your boat to the show, please review the arrival, launching and parking information on the Lodging, Directions and Parking page.
If you are cruising to the show, the Museum marina is well protected with deep water at fixed docks, most with fresh water and electric service. We encourage you to arrive on Thursday. If you arrive on Friday morning, you must be in before 9AM. If you plan to arrive before Wednesday or depart after Monday, you must make dockage reservations with the dockmaster at the Museum. Additionally, if you stay Sunday night, please note that you may be asked to change your slip for Sunday night.