Great job on the 2023 First Taste of Oregon. This event was far better than in the past. The new building made a difference as did the advertising.

This was my third time at the First Taste. The second year was about 190% better than the first and this year was over 440% more than the first. My wines are far better but so was the effort put in by your team.

That is a great event for us.

Samuel H. Graves, Flourishing Palm Cellars

We had a fabulous time this year! Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to put this event on. We will definitely be back next year.

Rhonda Barricklow, First Taste Attendee

Great event, very organized and great people. Thank you for having us.

Urban Blendz, First Taste Exhibitor

It was a great turn out and the band was amazing. We wanted to keep dancing; hope you bring them back next year!

Cyndie Morrison, First Taste Attendee

Thank you for a wonderful 2023 show! We had a fabulous time and solid sales and would love to return in 2024.

Catharine & Matt, HYCH Heat You Can Handle

My group that attended had a phenomenal time! Enjoyed this more than SIP, loved the Swank Lounge and just the entertainment Sat night was worth admission! Nice to find a great wine and enjoy it listening to fantastic music. THANKS!

Jo Di, First Taste Attendee

Great job guys. It was the best ever!

Adam’s Rib Smoke House, First Taste Concessionaire

We attend this event every year. This year was in our opinion the best one yet.

Jacki Jarmin, First Taste Attendee

Awesome event! Thank you for having us! Hope to come back next year.

Maui Melts, First Taste Exhibitor

Such a great weekend! Looking forward to next year!

Lindsay Huitt, First Taste Attendee

Exhibitor FAQ’s

First Taste Oregon and its management staff has developed a comprehensive marketing strategy utilizing the latest tools and social media strategies to promote event attendance. As a vendor we value your marketing strategies and influence. If you would like to include First Taste marketing materials in your marketing efforts or collaborate efforts, please contact us.

Thank you for your interest in First Taste Oregon. Please submit an online application HERE.  Or download our exhibitor application when it becomes available and follow the instructions. We review each application and a representative will contact you to to complete the process.

First Taste Oregon is an all ages event. First Taste staff will check identification for anyone that appears to be under the age of 26. Staff will provide wristbands to anyone over the age of 21. While wristbands are not required for anyone over 21, they are strongly encouraged. WRISTBANDS DO NOT PRECLUDE VENDORS FROM VERIFYING AGE PRIOR TO SERVING.

First Taste wants all exhibitors to sell lots of products and we don’t want sales to suffer because people don’t want to carry their items. Therefore customers have the option to bring items to the info/concierge desk and we will check it for them so they may continue shopping. If a customer purchases a case lot or other large items, volunteer staff will be available to pick up items directly from the exhibitor booth. Additionally First Taste volunteers can provide assistance to customer vehicles, tips are always welcomed and encouraged, of course.

Exhibitors, at the time of check in, will receive First Taste staff’s direct contact information and be provided full access during the event. If you should need to contact us before the event or after the event, please us contact information provided here:
Office: 866-904-6165
Email: info@firsttasteoregon.com
Fax: 866-509-3212

Set Up:
Thursday from NOON to 6 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  All booths and displays must be in place and ready to open one hour prior to public access.  Food / Concessions can make arrangements for earlier access.  Vehicles are not allowed in the building on Friday – please contact us for special arrangements.

Festival Hours:
Friday, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. & Saturday from NOON to 9 p.m.

Clean Up:
Saturday, at closing – 9:15 p.m. to Midnight; (Security not provided after closing) & Sunday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Clean up is not permitted prior to advertised closing.

For exact times see your exhibitor agreement.

Exhibitor booths are provided with one 8’ table with white top & black nylon skirt plus 2 chairs and a booth sign.  Please alert us if you do not want any of the furnishings provided.

First Taste Oregon provides live music and entertainment during the event.  During the daytime hours of the event music noise level is kept at a level low; enough to promote communication while adding ambiance to event goers. During the evening hours, noise level is allowed to be a little bit higher to promote the spirit of the event.

All First Taste exhibitors will receive passes and credentials at the time of check in. Credentials will be required for any and all individuals staffing or providing support for exhibitor booths. Passes and Credentials are interchangeable between staff prior to their event entry. Additional passes are available to purchase for $8 each and can be purchased at check in.

DO NOT LEAVE PASSES IN YOUR BOOTH FOR THE NEXT SHIFT.  Please leave them at WILL CALL and instruct all personnel to do the same. WILL CALL is at the cashiers area at the main entry to the event.

Booths at First Taste are draped with an 8’ back wall and 3’ side walls. In an effort to enhance all exhibitors’ experience at the event, exceeding wall heights is not allowed without permission from First Taste management.

Fine Art/ Small Commercial

  • 10×10 Basic** $325
  • 10×10 Corner $500
  • 10×20 Line $550
  • 10×20 End-cap $950

**10×10 Basic does not have booth selection choice

Lg Commercial/ Culinary/Prepackaged

  • 10×10 Line $575
  • 10×10 Corner $675
  • 10×20 Line $1,000
  • 10×20 End-cap $1,200

Wine/ Beer/ Spirits

  • 10×10 Line $450
  • 10×10 Corner $550
  • 10×20 Line $850
  • 10×20 End-cap $1,050

Electricity available at an additional cost.

First Taste exhibits and exhibitors must comply with appropriate local and state fire regulations. More information can be found on the Salem Fire Department Website or by contacting them directly at 503-588-6245.

First Taste Oregon has an active occupancy permit on file with the Fire Department.  NOTE: Pop up tents and canopies may not be allowed and must be cleared with the Fire Marshall prior to set up.  No lighter than air (helium) balloons are allowed.

Extension cords MUST be commercially rate 3 wire approved, and may not be “daisy chained” or linked.  All cords must plug directly to a power source or approved power strip.

The Best Western Premier Keizer / Salem Hotel is once again our host hotel. The hotel s just 10 minutes from the festival.  Free Shuttle provided by the festival plus a park and ride too!  Rooms are discounted and start at just $99+ tax for vendors only – book early!

Call now for reservations at 503-390-4733 and ask for the First Taste discount.  Discounts good until 1/4/2024 so book early.

First Taste provides 2 complimentary bags of ice each day to brewery, cider, culinary, wine and spirit exhibitors. First Taste volunteers and will be onsite to assist you with ice provisions. Please remember to tip them! Exhibitors who require additional ice, ice will be available at an additional cost.

First Taste staff will check identification for anyone that appears to be under the age of 26. Staff will provide wristbands to anyone over the age of 21. While wristbands are not required for anyone over 21, they are strongly encouraged.  WRISTBANDS DO NOT PRECLUDE VENDORS FROM VERIFYING AGE PRIOR TO SERVING.

Designated Drivers will also have either DD Wristbands or name badges to identify them as DD

All First Taste exhibitors are required to have a certificate of liability insurance. Requested minimum coverage for liability insurance is $1,000,000 with the certificate holder named Ingalls & Associates as well as First Taste Oregon. Exhibitor’s insurance certificates must be received prior to or at move in. Please contact us with any questions. Certificate of Liability insurance can be uploaded HERE.

First Taste Oregon provides 2 complimentary parking passes to exhibitors per 10×10 booth. Additional passes may be purchased for $5 each.

In order to provide the best experience for all, exhibitors must park in the designated vendor lot and be as far away from the building as possible. Exhibitors may temporarily park close to access points for set-up, but then must be parked in the East lot prior to event opening.

Liquor Liability and OLCC Permit:
First Taste Oregon must receive an Oregon Liquor Control Commission special event permit application and fee payable to OLCC from any alcohol related exhibitors. Pre filled forms include required information and are provided for you to use. PLEASE USE OUR FORMS! (Forms Available Here) First Taste Oregon is responsible to the OLCC for the master alcohol plan which includes the individual exhibitors. This plan will be printed and handed out to all exhibitors at the event.

Restaurant Health Permits:
All restaurants, culinary, and caterers are required to have a temporary restaurant license through the Marion County Health Department. Contact Andrew Duncan at 503-588-5346, by email at environmentalhealth@co.marion.or.us or online HERE. Permits are to be filed at least 5 days prior to the event to avoid late fees.

Electricity orders are made as part of the First Taste Oregon main exhibitor application. Event facilities will charge for EVERY outlet used –wall or otherwise. Exhibitors are encouraged to order in advance to avoid late fees. Any changes to a current order, questions about amp load, or other electrical questions, please contact First Taste management for assistance.

First Taste is dedicated to creating a value packed experience. Part of creating an incredible experience is through prize giveaways for event attendees. Exhibitors are encouraged to participate by offering prizes, gifts, certificates and other goodies. Providing these resources gives exhibitors more exposure and additional booth promotion during the giveaways. If you would like to offer a give away please contact us.

We’re thrilled you’ll be joining us at First Taste; help us spread the word. Let your customers know where they can find you by downloading and sharing the promotional materials.

Digital Materials

Printable Materials

And be sure and tag us on Facebook and Instagram (@FirstTasteOregon).

Alcohol Sales:
Exhibitor sales at First Taste are encouraged by the taste, glass, or where permitted, by the bottle or case. Complying with OLCC rules, never open any bottle for consumption at the event. Onsite consumption is permitted only by the taste or by the glass. Growlers may be filled by those exhibitors with proper license, but must not be consumed at the event. Exhibitors should tape or secure growler tops for transport. First Taste door monitors will not allow unsecured or partially filled growlers to leave the event.

Merchandise Sales:
All exhibitors are encouraged to sell merchandise to event attendees! Wine glasses, shirts, hats and other merchandise are all great ways to ensure your time at First Taste is not only successful but profitable. Please note, First Taste Oregon merchandise area will also be selling wine glasses and beer glasses and event branded merchandise.

First Taste provides DPSST certified security during public hours only. The building is cleared and locked by Facility staff at closing of set up and event dates.

Alcohol Monitors in addition to security patrol the event at all times during public hours.

Alcohol Sample Glasses:
Exhibitors offering samples and tastes will need to provide plastic glasses for sampling. All samples must comply with OLCC guidelines. The First Taste info booth will be selling a limited number of full size event glasses, but sample sized glasses will not be sold or provided.

Sample and Taste Pricing:
First Taste Oregon does not set prices, however reasonable per sample costs are encouraged. The event promotes fees ranging from $1 and up.

Taste Coupons:
First Taste does not sell taste coupons, tickets, or tokens. However, First Taste does have VIP packages that may include complimentary tastings as provided by some exhibitors. Exhibitors wishing to donate tastes to the VIP packages are encouraged to do so. Complimentary tastings are another way exhibitors can receive promotion at the event. Please contact First Taste management to donate.

First Taste provides a limited number of VIP Packages include admission for one day, an event glass, complimentary tastes, and access to the VIP Lounge area with catered hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.

The First Taste Oregon Wine Competition is open to exhibitors only and takes place in early January. Learn more HERE.

Application & Forms

Please fill out forms entirely and email directly to:
info@firsttasteoregon.com
2024 Exhibitor Application / Waitlist
2024 Concessions Vendor Application
FLOOR PLAN
OLCC Special Permits
Insurance/OLCC Permit Form Info
Wine Competition Rules & Application