Betty,

If I were you I'd think long and hard about the ramifications of this
proposal, perhaps as much for the precedent it sets than the actual
show, which doesn't sound huge.

How will it affect how the public sees the museum?  Will it begin to
confuse in their minds your non-profit status and the need for donated
financial support?  The walk-in visitor understands the institution by
what they see when they come, and if it's blatantly commercial that can
create a detrimental perception.  They have no idea how what they see is
divided between one or another non-profit group or commercial
enterprise, unless you carefully provide them with that information and
even then only a few will get it.  They are likely to think that you are
putting it on, and may think you are receiving all profits.

I did consult for a museum who did this sort of thing, and it was clear
that at least one commercial enterprise took extreme advantage of the
museum.  The museum did make big bucks on gate, but the business netted
tens of thousands of dollars.  Some of it they donated back to the
museum (this was the enticement to get the museum to do it), and some
was donated to a couple of other nonprofit, but all the wear and tear
was on the museum facility (and they got the same as the other
beneficiaries). Additionally, the enterprise was very marginal in having
anything to do with the purpose of the museum, so it reflected poorly on
the museum in that way too.  When a new, more professional director
came, the relationship with this business enterprise was terminated, I
think.

What you are talking about is not on such a large scale, and thus would
probably be way less intrusive, but IF you do it, I'd suggest working
out the details very carefully with the entrepreneur, being sure you get
a fair share of profits, and not just the gate. How much will you gain
from additional gate?  Seems to me the gate thing is sort of a wash
--you bring her some; she brings you some.  Remember, too, that in
almost any other venue she would have to pay a substantial rental fee.

 Be sure that the public is informed, through advertising, etc. about
exactly what this is all about, and that it is a fund-raiser for the
museum.  Remember that the show will be benefiting from your name, your
reputation, your normal visitation, and more. Don't give it away.

I think, at minimum, your division with other nonprofit is a start in
arriving at what would be fair. Also, her first proposal to you is
almost certainly an 'opening bid' in negotiation, and is beyond what she
really expects to get.

Lucy Sperlin
Chico, CA




Betty Brewer wrote:
>
> Cross-posted to MMCNet and Museum-L
>
> Does anyone have experience working with small trade shows (i.e.,
> for-profits) who wish to use your site for their show? Specifically, I'm
> going to be talking to a woman who does a "Doll and Bear Show" and is looking
> for a venue in my area. She's a one-woman operation and this would be a
> one-day show. She seems to think that whatever we make off admissions should
> do us. I disagree but I'm not sure what to charge her and how to structure a
> rate scale for future possibilities.
>
> We partner with other non-profits to host day-long or weekend long
> programs/workshops where the museum splits registration fees with the other
> partner, picks up some of the expenses, and then the museum gets the gate.
>
> This is the first time I've had to consider working with a for-profit show.
> Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
> Betty Brewer
> Exec. Director
> DE Agricultural Museum & Village
> www.agriculturalmuseum.org
> 302-734-1618 ph
> 302-734-0457 fax

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