Frequently Asked Questions
You've got questions,
we've got answers.
(apologies to
RadioShack)
General Questions
(Vendor-Exhibitor
Questions follow...NEW info!)
Q. What kinds of operating layouts
will you have? What do your vendors sell?
A. We generally
try to get good representatives of each scale in model railroading, from Z to G
(think 3-inch to 3-foot-long locomotives). Depending upon applications, we
usually get local layouts as well as some from Milwaukee, Madison, and “up
north”. We try to keep the mix fresh so there’s always something new to see.
As for vendors, they sell everything related to trains and model railroading, at
all price levels. Not only will you find model locomotives, cars, structures,
and kits, but also art, magazines, books, videos, clothing, memorabilia,
antiques, memberships and subscriptions, etc.
Q. Why do we have to fill out a name
and address for door prizes?
A. After you
purchase a ticket to get into the show, you will have an opportunity to enter
our hourly door prize drawing by filling out entry slips in the lobby. We ask
for your address and phone number in case you have won the grand prize at the
end of the show. The “survey” information we use to help make TTS a better show
for you.
The hourly door prizes are donated by our vendors, and we pull about four or
five names each hour; you must be present to win and we will make an
announcement over the public address system.
The grand prize is typically a high-value product drawn at the end of the show
Sunday; you need not be present to win as we will contact you with the
information on the door prize slip. All hourly winners are still eligible for
the grand prize.
Q. What is the raffle, and what
would I win?
A.
Unfortunately due to mitigating circumstances, the 2010 show will once again not feature a
raffle. However, the
Winnebagoland Division of the
National Model Railroad Association plans
fund-raising raffles in the future.
More information can be found at the NMRA booth at the show.
Q. How do I vote for my favorite
layout?
A. On your
way into the show, you will be given a program with a vendor and
exhibitor listing and map. Also included is a ballot form where you can vote
for your favorite layout, as well as the “World’s Greatest Ambassador”
(friendliest and most educational vendor or exhibitor). If you don’t have one,
or need another, there will be extras by the ballot box.
Just pencil in your vote, tear off the corner, and drop in into our ballot box
by the show office on your way out! Winners are recognized and given an award
plaque.
Please take the time to vote; our exhibitors always appreciate public
recognition of their hard work!
Q. My family is coming with me; what
else is there to do in the area?
A.
The NFL draft is usually the same weekend as TTS; you can go across the street
to Lambeau Field and join the Packers at their annual Draft Party, or just visit
their Hall of Fame and Pro Shop.
Titletown Brewing Company
is a restaurant and microbrewery located inside a historic Chicago &
Northwestern depot downtown by the river, right across from the Neville Public
Museum.
Just fifteen minutes north of Green Bay is the NEW Zoo, and across the river
next to Hwy 172 is Heritage Hill State Park.
Bay Park Square is a large regional mall and shopping district located about a
mile south of our show down Oneida Street.
For more information about what to see and do in Green Bay, please visit
www.greenbay.com.
Q. What’s the easiest way to get
into town and to the show?
A. From
the north and south, come in on US 41 and take the Lombardi Avenue exit. Turn east and go about a mile,
just past Lambeau Field. The expo complex is on the right (you can’t miss it!).
Starting in 2011, a major reconstruction project on US 41 in Green Bay (and
Oshkosh) may make travel annoying at best.
You can also take Interstate 43, exiting at Hwy 172
west; take 172 across the river to US 41 north – stay in the right lane and exit
at Lombardi as above. Please note major road construction on the 172
bridge in 2010; traffic may be congested.
From the west, all major roads eventually intersect with US 41, so see the above
directions!
If you’re really motivated and coming in by plane or helicopter, the airport is about two
miles west of US 41 on Hwy 172.
Sorry, we don’t have any local train service (unless you're a hobo)! Nearest station is the Amtrak
depot in downtown Milwaukee, although groups like NEWRails are advocating
service through the Fox Valley into Green Bay sometime in the future.
Here’s a
MAP for those who can't read directions!
Q. What kind of accommodations
are there in Green Bay?
A. Green Bay
has over 4,000 hotel rooms due to the Packers. Therefore, because this show is
intentionally held during the football off-season, we are confident there will be
no problems finding accommodations.
Hotels include Best Western Midway immediately next door, a Days Inn across the
street, and a Hilton Garden Inn and a Cambria Suites, both a short walk away.
In addition, there are many other chain hotels a short drive south down Oneida
Street, as well as every conceivable restaurant imaginable (but of course, the
ideal place to eat would be at
Titletown Brewing Company!).
Q. What about parking?
A. Regular day-of-show parking
will be $3.00; all parking will be across the street in the Lambeau Field lot.
Handicap parking ONLY is available in the front of the facility (off Armed
Forces Drive) for the same fee.
Q. Do you accept credit cards
or checks?
A. Our ticket booth
does not accept checks or credit cards at this time; however there is usually an
ATM in the facility and we can make arrangements for you to use it. Many
vendors in the show will accept cards for purchases made at their booths,
however.
Q. How do I become a show sponsor,
vendor, or exhibitor?
A. We’d be happy
to talk to you about becoming involved with TTS. Please feel free to
call or
email, or visit us in the show office!
Q. Why do you guys like trains so
much?
A. Because
they’re cool and go “choo-choo”!
Seriously, trains are a part of what built America, a romantic connection to our
past. While railroading is still a big part of our shipping economy, the
“golden age” of railroading is long gone. Model railroading helps us to
maintain that connection, while allowing us to express ourselves in various ways
through the myriad aspects that make up the hobby.
Plus it keeps us at home in our basements, attics, or garages!
Vendor - Exhibitor Questions
Q. I sent in our layout
application the day after we received it from you, but now I've been told we
didn't make it into the show! What gives???
A.
Unfortunately this has become a very contentious issue among modular layouts
interested in attending TTS. We sympathize with you, as many of you are
good friends; however we refuse to "play favorites" and have to make things fair
for everyone.
The reality is we get many more applications than we can fit in the exhibit
hall; therefore we have to turn down some layouts. Somebody has to be
told the bad news, but how do we decide? To deal with this, we send out all layout
applications at the same time, then accept layouts on a first-received basis by
scale, according to postmark.
That means "first Z, first N, first HO, first S, first O, first G, second Z,
second N, etc...." until we have filled up. Sometimes we contact one or
two clubs that might be placed on "standby" in case we need to fill space at the
last minute due to cancellations and such.
Note that we usually accept everyone that applies in every scale except HO,
because we typically don't get all that many applications in Z, S, or G; inevitably it's three or four HO layouts that must be turned away.
Regrettably, this policy has favored applicants not affected by irregularities
in the US Postal Service; sometimes a club sends out an application and we don't
receive it for ten days due to routing through a distant post office, for
example.
AS A RESULT,
layouts that are turned down one year are guaranteed a spot at the following
year's show. The remaining spots will be filled by our regular policy
above. This is a change
that will be in effect for TTS 2010; in other words, layouts turned down for TTS
2009 will be offered a guaranteed spot at TTS 2010.
Q. I noticed in the contract that
“proof of insurance” might be required. What’s that about? I can’t
afford insurance!
A. The facility
covers liability insurance unless you have extraordinary circumstances. It is
assumed that all sellers cover their personal property under business or
homeowner’s insurance.
The insurance terms in your contract are almost identical to those used for the
NMRA’s national shows. Because this is largely a “standard” contract for the
facility, it covers issues that do not necessarily pertain to model railroading;
therefore you will not normally be asked for proof of insurance.
Q. When is setup?
A. Setup is
usually scheduled for Noon to 9pm on the Friday before the show, and 7am to 9am
on the Saturday of the show. Once all the contracts are received and the floor
plan has been blocked out, we will send out your confirmations. Included will be
an information packet with confirmed setup and takedown dates, times and
procedures.
Actually, it would be helpful for us to know ahead of time approximately when
each vendor and exhibitor was thinking of coming for setup. This way we
can plan traffic and loading/unloading movements and staging the latecomers
nearer the rear of the facility.
Q. What about parking?
A. Vendors and exhibitors will be given a limited
number of free parking passes to be handed out at the show; overnight truck and
trailer parking will be available also. Regular day-of-show parking will be
$3.00; all parking will be ACROSS THE STREET in the Lambeau Field lot.
[RV's are not allowed to park overnight in the Lambeau lot and will be ticketed;
you may be able to make arrangements with PMI to park overnight in the north
Shopko Hall lot for a fee (shore power extra)... contact us if you're
interested.]
Handicap
parking ONLY is available in the front of the facility; however we ask that you
do NOT bring your inventory or materials in through the front doors unless it is
HAND CARRIED (this is a facility policy).
Parking in the rear (north) lot of Shopko Hall is RESERVED FOR VOLUNTEERS AND
SHOW PERSONNEL ONLY! Please do NOT park in the north lot, as it gets crowded
quickly, especially during setup and takedown.
Q. How do move-in and move-out
work? Can we drive in?
A. With your
confirmation packet will be instructions for loading and unloading, etc. Under
normal conditions, you may drive in to load and unload through the two north
overhead doors, providing the show floor is not too crowded – our volunteers
will be directing traffic in the most expedient way possible. In the event of
very wet or snowy weather, unfortunately facility management usually will not allow drive-in
loading or unloading.
For takedown ONLY, we will allow you to use the side exits where possible,
however please do not drive on the grass. Again, no material through the
front doors, in or out, unless it is HAND CARRIED... NO EXCEPTIONS.
Please understand and heed these loading, unloading, and parking requirements,
as they are primarily dictated by the facility management. We know the issues
getting in and out – believe us, we’ve been there – but there are reasons for
the restrictions.
Q. I have relatives/friends that
will like to come along; can I get complimentary tickets?
A. Admission
for vendors and exhibitors will be no charge for only those people who will be
getting name badges. Please make sure you fill out and send in your name badge
list when you receive it with your contract or confirmation packet! We ask that
vendors and exhibitors limit their lists to fifteen (15) persons max; we can
offer discounted tickets (at the advance rate) for those on your list exceeding
15. Advance tickets can be purchased prior to the show for $1 off normal price
(currently $6). Please call or email for details.
Q. The contract for non-selling
exhibitors requests a space size OR number of tables. What if I need tables
inside my space?
A. For those
exhibitors setting up a modular layout, you automatically get two tables; if you
need more we ask that you chip in a nominal fee (see your exhibitor contract
form). The request for number of tables on the form is for those exhibitors who
have a display that sits on top of a table.
Q. I am requesting a “prime” space
with pipe & drape. Does that include skirting on the tables? What about
carpeting?
A. Yes,
skirting is included for the
one table included with each prime spot. For extra tables, you must still
supply your own skirting or rent it from the facility as indicated on the
application. All tables in the facility (except for
those inside layouts) will be required to have skirting; tablecloths
that drape down at least 12” will suffice.
Carpet is available for an extra cost, though you may bring your own.
Q. I like to have my tables
arranged in a specific way that suits my display. How can I make sure I can
have it that way?
A. We can make
no guarantees as to your exact location in the facility or how we can arrange
your space. However, if you send us a sketch or description, we will make every
effort to accommodate you. Our bottom line is to maximize the number of vendors
and exhibitors we can comfortably fit inside this facility, so if your space
needs are unnecessarily wasteful, we will ask you to modify your requirements.
We also understand the requests to “please put me in the same spot I had last
year”, which we will also attempt to accommodate if possible.
Q. We have a large/irregularly
sized modular layout; can we fit it in at your show?
A. If you can
arrange your layout into a variety of sizes or configurations, we would
appreciate the options. Please send a sketch or two of how it is arranged.
Remember, your size must include whatever standoffs you use, as we do not supply
them.
Longer, narrower layouts are usually easier to place than big squares; L-shapes
are discouraged. We have limited space on the floor so please understand if we
cannot accommodate your larger setups; we cannot be like Trainfest.
Q. Do exhibitors have to pay for
electricity? Can we have more than one plug?
A. Non-selling
exhibitors, including layouts, will not have to pay for electricity. However,
we will limit each exhibitor to one electrical connection; you may plug a power
strip into it if you have more than one cord. Each receptacle should be
adequate for most needs and will be provided in the floor or from the wall
nearby. Please be patient during setup as we rely on facility personnel to
provide the hookups.
Q. What about phone or
internet service?
A. Phone and
internet service (including wi-fi) is available from the facility; however in
our opinion the cost is so high we suggest making other arrangements if
possible. There is no public phone available.
Q. What is Shopko Hall?
A. The show
will be in Shopko Hall, a 42,000 square foot expo hall built in 1986; it is
sandwiched between the Brown County Arena and the Resch Center arena across
from Lambeau Field. The facility is rectangular, column-free, with floor
receptacles on a 30-foot grid. There are two ground-level loading doors on the
north side (rear), accessible from Lombardi Avenue. The main (public) entrance,
box office, and show office are located on the south side, accessible from Armed
Forces Way (off Oneida St.). For more information, click
HERE.
Q. What about the “connector”?
A. Immediately
attached to Shopko Hall are two smaller areas. On the west is a small connector
that leads to the Brown County Arena; part of it is sloped, so we use it
generally as a staging area for the train ride, as well as some ancillary
functions.
On the east side is a connection to the Resch Center (arena) which is about
5,000 square feet with a rubber floor and its own exterior doors. We are able
to use it when it’s available, however if there is a concert or other function
at the Resch Center the same date as TTS, the facility has first rights to it
(generally as prefunction space or private area for visiting musicians). It is
useful space, but the lighting is ill-suited to a train show and may be somewhat
dim compared to the rest of the hall. There also is no PA connected to the
main hall, so you may miss announcements in there.
Because of the nature of the “Resch Connector”, we cannot guarantee its
availability to any vendors or exhibitors.
Q. Will there be a modeling contest
during the show?
A. Yes, we will
have a contest with various categories showcasing the many talents of the area
model railroading community. Categories and Rules can be found on our website
HERE, and it is open to vendors, exhibitors, and visitors alike. The local Winnebagoland Division of the NMRA is represented at our show, however they
generally do not hold an NMRA-style model contest.
Q. Is the Titletown Train Show
affiliated with the NMRA?
A. In a
way, yes. The show is managed by an independent local organization, TTS of
Green Bay LLC, though its directors are NMRA members and upstanding citizens of
the larger local model railroading community. Also, local NMRA members do
volunteer for the show and usually hold a fund-raising raffle for the Division.
It just seemed to work better to put on the show independently of any other
modeling organization for the time being.
Q. Can we bring food into the
facility? Concession food is always so expensive!
A. Due to
the nature of our contract with the facility, no outside food can be allowed
in. On Friday during setup you may come and go all day if you wish to eat at
any fine local establishment; however due to the low volume in the past,
concessions will not be open on Friday. During the show we will provide you
with pre-order forms that you may fill out and present to the concessionaires
with your money upfront, so that you may pick up your food at whatever time you
wish without having to wait in line. Also the food provided this way is
generally a better value.
Please note that the concessions are run by the facility management and as such
we have no control over menu choices or prices.
As usual, TTS will be providing coffee free of charge to our vendors Saturday
and Sunday mornings at the office before the show opens.
Any other questions?
Too bad! You'll just have to come to the show and ask!
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