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!