Information

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 visit our Media page or contact us.

Thank you for your interest in First Taste Oregon. We accept applications for Exhibitors and Vendors through Eventeny.

To apply:

1. Register with Eventeny and set-up your profile
2. Apply to First Taste through our event home page. 
3. Check your inbox for confirmation from us!

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 2 to 6 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 1 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:
General Admission is Friday, from 3 to 8 p.m. & Saturday from NOON to 8 p.m.
VIP Ticket Holder Admission is Friday, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. & Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Clean Up:
Saturday, at closing – 8:15 to 11 p.m.; (Security not provided after closing) & Sunday, 8 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.  Additional tables and chairs available for a fee. 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 will be posted soon.

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.

Hotel and camping info coming soon

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 through Eventeny or emailed to ashley@ingallsagency.com.

Exhibitor parking is available behind the Willamette Expo Center and can be accessed using the entrance on Price Rd.

Parking for vendors and attendees is free.

Liquor Liability and OLCC Permit:
All alcohol-related exhibitors must complete an OLCC Special Event Permit. Alcohol vendors will apply for the permit through the OLCC portal. (Link above). We will provide more info as soon as we have it. Thank you!

Linn County Health Permit Instructions:
Food vendors MUST apply and pay for a Temporary Restaurant license prior to operating. For permit info contact: Linn County Environmental Health at 541-967-3821 or linneh@linncountyhealth.org .

For more information on Temporary Restaurants – https://www.linncountyhealth.org/eh . 

Temporary Restaurant license application and fee must be submitted 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. Visit our Media page for all promotional 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 Swank Lounge area with appetizer samples and refreshments.

The First Taste Oregon Wine Competition is open to exhibitors only. Learn more HERE.