Want to sponsor your very own first class insulator show? It is not easy and does involve much work. Below is a list of topics which should be answered to host a first class show such as a national. Some of these are only common sense, while others are most important. If your show is to run smoothly and you want to think of everything to keep everyone happy, these suggestions could help. Also refer to the suggested rules by the National Insulator Association.

1. Assuming an auditorium is available, find when it is available.
2. Secure cost for auditorium rental.
3. Secure contract for rental of building well in advance.
4. Pay deposit for rental of building if possible.
5. Determine show hours and dates.
6. Will the show run for two or three days?
7. Is show to be free, or will you charge admission?
8. Know the maximum number of tables available.
9. Will there be a maximum number of tables per person?
10. How many tables and chairs are available, or how many should be rented?
11. Set cost per table. (Fixed price for all tables, or base price for the first table and reduced fee for each additional table?)
12. How much advertising can the show budget afford?
13. Print up material, advertisements, and contracts.
14. Start ads as soon as possible.
15. How many flyers or invitations to be sent to whom?
16. Arrange for local advertising and publicity (radio, television, newspaper, etc.).
17. Will personal invitations be sent out?
18. Publish show rules.
19. Are there any county or city fire restrictions?
20. Is insurance required?
21. Any county permits, ordinances, or restrictions?
22. Contracts for sale tables -- require deposits?
23. Set a deadline for applications?
24. Select categories for exhibits.
25. Choose ribbons and awards and order well in advance.
26. Select judges and notify well in advance.
27. Provide list of near-by attractions and have brochures available.
28. Can campers be accommodated on site?
29. Provide list of near-by campgrounds.
30. Provide list of motels in area.
31. Decide floor arrangement and table layout well in advance. It is best to over-estimate to avoid crowding.
32. Check to see if wiring and outlets are adequate.
33. Will relics and antiques be allowed?
34. Are county licenses (sales) required? (Individual or group?)
35. Collect sales tax?
36. Is auditorium personnel available for emergencies such as power or air-conditioning failures?
37. Is auditorium personnel available for telephone calls?
38. Is auditorium personnel available for other emergencies (medical)?
39. Choose hours to set-up on Friday or before show opens.
40. Form a set-up crew.
41. Hospitality table?
42. Will there be a hospitality or welcoming committee?
43. Will show hosts provide table covers?
44. Will a meeting room be required near-by?
45. Will there be a vote for the best sale table or display?
46. Special name tags for judges and show committee.
47. Name tags for all dealers and exhibitors.
48. Will there be gifts for judges and other service awards?
49. Are hand carts or dollies available?
50. Will there be a door prize or raffle?
51. Make road signs and banners.
52. Provide name tags and category signs for tables and displays.
53. Will there be a free buffet meal (provided by show or club members or catered)?
54. If there is to be a banquet, will it be at show or restaurant?
55. Have food available, preferably in the building and throughout the show hours.
56. Will the food service be catered, brought in by friends, or clubs (such as 4-H Club)?
57. Provide security during set-up hours.
58. Security is a must! During day or just at night? Are there any city or county ordinances requiring guards or a fireman to be on duty during the show?
59. Don't forget plenty of extra chairs, trash cans, and ash trays.
60. Set take-down restrictions.
61. Form a clean-up crew.

Quite a list? Sure, not all of these items will pertain to your show, but they can be of help for planning your big event. Next time you refuse to help or just skip going to a show, it is someone else who has gone to this much trouble. A bottle or insulator show is not an easy production. It requires time, money, and great energy. It is not a one person job. Support your local show.