A Guide to Our 2014 Exhibitor Application

Please review this guide for the CAKE 2014 application. A lot of this information is on the application, but we're OK with repeating ourselves, if it means you're better informed.CLICK HERE FOR THE 2014 EXHIBITOR APPLICATIONIf you have any questions, feel free to contact exhibitors@cakechicago.com.PLEASE NOTE: This application is open until December 15th! CAKE is a curated show, not first-come, first-served. There is no benefit to applying early. All applications received between October 15 & December 15 will be treated the same and reviewed by the CAKE 2014 jury.Contact InformationNameAddressCity, State & ZipcodeEmail AddressThis information will only be used for CAKE's internal use, and will not be shared with anyone. (We do disclose your City & State to our jury).Are You Applying as an Individual or Group?108 tables may seem like a lot of space, but it's not. In order to give as many people a chance to exhibit at CAKE, we have set a half table (3' wide by 2.5' deep) as the standard size for exhibitors. Most applicants should apply as "Individuals."The "Group" application is designed for small press publishers, distros, or collectives, when a large group of people are represented by a single entity.If you are a group of friends who always table together, you should each apply as individuals, and request to be placed next to each other. We try our hardest to accommodate those requests. Feel free to ask us if you're not sure how you should apply. Table prices are $65/half table space.Exhibitor InformationThis is information that will help our jury get to know who you are, and what to expect if you were to exhibit at CAKE. You should include any information you feel is relevant to your application. If you are applying as a group, be sure to explain why you feel you need additional space, and the people you're representing and/or will have behind the table with you.Promotional InformationNameShort BioURLSocial Media InformationThis is information that will be used on our website and in our program if you are invited to exhibit. You can list information for up to 2 individuals. Any social media information will be used to connect with you, and to promote you as an exhibitor.Tabling Preferences & RequestsYou may list up to two individuals you'd like to sit next to, as well as any important information we need to know in order to make your exhibiting experience a positive one.Submitting WorkTHIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF YOUR APPLICATION!We strongly encourage you to submit links to specific work that our jurors will review to best understand the type of comics you make. If you link to a general website, or to your Tumblr, our jurors may not make the effort to follow links, or scroll past all of your Golden Girls gifs. Please use URLS of specific web pages. If you cannot link to specific work, you may upload up to five PDFs or JPGs of your comics. If you cannot link to pages or upload files, you may mail us hard copies to:CAKEc/o Quimby's Bookstore1854 W North AveChicago, IL 60622Additional NotesIf you still have something to say to us, speak now! This is the space to include it.Chicago Alternative Comics Expo Terms & ConditionsThe Application ProcessFilling out this application does not guarantee you a table space at CAKE. All applications will be reviewed by the CAKE advisory committee, which is an open body consisting of members of the Chicago alternative comics community. All applications submitted on or before December 15, 2013 will be reviewed within the month of January and applicants will be informed via email by January 20, 2013 as to whether they will be offered table space at the expo, or if they are on the waiting list. While reviewing applications, CAKE and its advisory committee strive to put together a show that includes a wide variety of talent and experience behind our tables - we are looking more for an indication of a passion for alternative comics rather than an established reputation. In our exhibitors, we also hope to present a strong representation from the greater Chicago area and are eager to host and promote first-time exhibitors. Exhibitors should have for sale at least one title that they feel strongly represents their talent and personal voice as a comics creator. CAKE reserves the right to request more information about your table merchandise. No table space is reserved until you receive confirmation from CAKE.The Jury ProcessAll applications submitted on time will be reviewed by at least 4 jurors, who will rate the work of the applicant from 5 to 1. The jurors' primary concern is selecting exhibitors that reflect rich and varied styles of alternative comics. Each applicants’ ratings will be averaged together, and all applicants will be ranked based on their averaged score. CAKE organizers will then have an opportunity to advocate for applicants who may have received a lower ranking due to inexperience, or a unique style. Your score is only seen by CAKE organizers. We will not share your score or your placement on the waitlist.Exhibitor InformationAn exhibitor fee of $65 for each half table (3’ x 2'5') granted is due within three weeks of being invited to exhibit at CAKE. If you are invited to exhibit, you will receive instructions on payment.PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT ANY PAYMENT WITH THIS APPLICATION!CAKE loves crafts and baked goods, but we ask exhibitors focus their tables towards comics. No animals, except service animals, are allowed at the Chicago Alternative Comics Expo.Refund PolicyIn the event of table cancellation, CAKE will refund table fees as long as we can fill the table space from our waiting list. Refunds will be issued within 30 days. NO REFUNDS FOR CANCELLED TABLES WILL BE GRANTED AFTER MAY 1, 2014.PrivacyExhibitor’s contact information will be kept private. CAKE will not sell, trade, rent or give away submitted contact information to a third party.Safer Spaces PolicyCAKE does not discriminate against any person with respect to race, color, sex, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, or source of income. CAKE is a safe space: actions or merchandise that is considered hateful or that makes any attendee, staff member or exhibitor feel unsafe will not be tolerated. Offended parties are encouraged to approach CAKE organizers to mediate and resolve the situation. CAKE reserves the right to remove any party from our events. Exhibitor agrees to not hold CAKE, its staff, or Center on Halsted responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged merchandise.