Be a Vendor or Exhibitor at the Illinois State Fair…
Thank you for your interest in the upcoming 2024 Illinois State Fair!
Application Process for New Vendors / Exhibitors
To participate as a new vendor during the upcoming 2024 Fair, download an application by clicking on the link below. It is a requirement to submit a color photo of your trailer(s), stand or booth with your application. An application submitted without a picture will not be considered for placement. If you were referred to the Illinois State Fair by another participating vendor, please note that on your application at the bottom of the second page.
Vendors should not submit samples, payment or a Certificate of Insurance at this time. This is only an application and submittal of this application does not guarantee space. All submitted material becomes the property of the Illinois State Fair.
The Vendor/Exhibitor Information Booklet is a part of participating in our event. Please review this information prior to applying. The information doesn’t change drastically from year to year but updates are made prior to each Fair. The information in this booklet is a part of the contract and vendors/exhibitors are responsible for knowing this information.
Please be aware that vendors are expected to be in place, set up and ready for business by the morning of Thursday, August 08, 2024 by 9:00 am at the latest. They are also expected to man their location each day of the Fair from opening time onward.
Selection Process
Exhibitors and vendors from the previous year are offered the opportunity to return providing they met expectations and are in good standing with the Illinois State Fair, the Illinois Department of Revenue, and any other entities associated with the Fair. Return Invitations are sent out mid-December, due back to the Space Rental Office by February 1st. New vendors can expect to be offered spaces after returning vendors have confirmed their decision regarding participating in the upcoming Fair.
Generally, the Illinois State Fair receives more new vendor applications than available space. Our Management reviews all applications taking into consideration size, electrical needs, type of product/services, attractiveness of booth/trailer, sanitation requirements, as well as revenue potential to the Department. Vendors with unique products have a greater chance of being selected and placed in prime locations.
Contract and Payment
Contracted vendors/exhibitors are expected to submit a signed contract, Certificate of Insurance, and payment by July 1st. Payment can be made by check, cashier’s check, money order or credit card. If a location offer is made after July 1st, payment and paperwork will be due after the location offer is accepted.
Further information can be found at the below links:
- Vendor/Exhibitor Information Booklet (2022 Fair edition)
- Supply Lots
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Vendor Information
Return the application and photo to:
Illinois State Fair
Attn: Space Rental Office
P. O. Box 19427
Springfield, IL 62794 - 9427
Fax: 217.782.8362
- OR -
If you should have any additional questions, please contact Kimberley Wilcox at 217.785.1980 or Kimberley.Wilcox2@Illinois.gov.