Peoria Bookfest Author/Vendor Spaces Nov 14, 2026

Peoria Bookfest will take place on Saturday, November 14. We have room for 150 local authors, artists, bookish vendors, and sauce/spice makers, candy/popcorn vendors & others like this. 

The event runs from 10 am to 4 pm. Vendors can start arriving as early as 7 am to set up; Friday set up is also available; times to be announced as we get closer to the event. Spaces must be set up no later than 9:45 am. You must be in the building no later than 9:30 am, or the doors will be shut. This is due to VIP customers lining up as early as 9:30 am. We are strict on enforcing this so please be in the building no later than 9:30 am. Thank you :)

Here are the space sizes:

8 foot shared AUTHOR ONLY table space: This includes an 8 ft table and a chair; you WILL share this table with another author that we pair you up with based on your genre. You must bring your own half of the table dressings/displays, etc. 

8x5 hallway wall space: This does not include anything except a chair. You must bring your own tables, displays, etc. This space is 8 feet across and the table must be completely against the wall as this is in a tighter space. It is perfect for a 6 ft table. Your chair will sit comfortable on the side of the table. 

8x5 booth: This does not include anything except a chair. You must bring your own tables, displays, etc. This space is 8 feet across and goes back 5 feet. It is perfect for a 6 ft table. Be sure to leave room to enter your space without imposing on your neighbor. 

6x5 booth: This does not include anything except a chair. You must bring your own tables, displays, etc. This space is 6 feet across and goes back 5 feet. It is perfect for a 4 ft table. Be sure to leave room to enter your space without imposing on your neighbor.

6 foot wall space (includes table): Central Room location: very good space. Includes 6 ft table and 1 chair. Table will be against the wall and your chair will be to the side of it. 

8x6 Corner Booth: Located in the Great Hall, this is a corner space. This space is 8 feet across and 6 feet back. You can sell across the front and down the right side. This does not include anything except a chair. You must bring your own tables, displays, etc. 

10x5 AUTHOR ONLY BOOTH: Perfect for authors who have a lot of books and merch! Also, if you have a giant sign, this booth space is for you. This does not include anything except a chair. You must bring your own tables, displays, etc. This space is 10 feet across and goes back 5 feet. It is perfect for up to an 8 foot table. Be sure to leave room to enter your space without imposing on your neighbor.

10X8 BOOTH (Great Hall only): Perfect for larger set ups for vendors with a lot of merch! You must bring your own tables, displays, etc. This space is 10 feet across and goes back 8 feet. Be sure to leave room to enter your space without imposing on your neighbor.

10x8 CORNER BOOTH (Great Hall only): This space is on the corner so you have more selling room. It is 10 feet wide and goes back 8 feet. You can sell on both the 10 foot across space and along the 8 ft side. Be sure to leave room to enter your space without imposing on your neighbor.

PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE NO BAD TABLE/BOOTH LOCATIONS.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS (By applying and paying the fee, you are agreeing to the following terms & conditions):

*There are no refunds.

*Vendor is responsible for their own security with regard to payments/displays/products.

*We are not responsible for any damage, accidents, injuries that may happen to the vendor or its agents, employees, representatives and any and all other participants and/or their property from any cause whatsoever arising out of this Agreement, the Vendor’s lease of space at the Event, or resulting from the Event.

INDEMNIFICATION:

Vendor will indemnify and hold harmless Peoria Book Rack, the City of Peoria, First Federated Church Life Together Center, First Federated Church, and the directors, officers, agents, employees, volunteers, and affiliates of each of the foregoing persons (collectively, the “Indemnified Persons”) against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses incurred (including reasonable legal fees), joint or several (including actions or proceedings in respect thereof) (“Losses”) arising out of or in any way relating to bodily injury or death of any person or damage to real and/or tangible personal property, libel, or slander incurred that is caused by the Vendor, its agents, employees, or representatives.

Vendor further agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnified Persons from and against all Losses arising out of or in any way relating to this Agreement or the Vendor’s lease of space at the Event. 

INSURANCE:

1.     Vendor shall maintain the following insurance OR complete and sign a Waiver Form due on or by the day of the event :

General Liability Insurance, including but not limited to coverage for all premises and non-premises operations, independent contractors, broad form property damage coverage, personal injury liability protection including coverage relating to employment of persons, contractual liability protection, and products and completed operations coverage. This insurance shall provide bodily injury limits of not less than $1,000,000 for each occurrence and with property damage limits of not less than $1,000,000 for each occurrence.

If applicable, Worker’s Compensation Insurance in accordance with statutory requirements and Employer’s Liability Insurance with limits of not less than $100,000 for each occurrence. In case any service is subcontracted, Vendor shall require the Contractor similarly to provide Worker’s Compensation OR Employer’s Liability Insurance, as appropriate, for all the Contractor’s employees to be engaged in such work. This Agreement shall be void and of no effect unless Vendor shall secure and keep the same in effect on the day of the event, and vender shall also maintain compliance with the provisions of the Worker’s Compensation laws of the State of Illinois.

Vendor shall furnish Peoria Book Rack certificates of insurance for all the insurance coverage described herein no later than Oct 31, 2026, and certified copies of any amendments and/or renewals to the policies which occur thereafter. At least thirty (30) days written notice shall be given to Peoria Book Rack prior to any cancellation, modification or non-renewal of any insurance required under this Agreement.

If Vendor does not have General Liability Insurance in the amount specified above Vendor must complete and sign an Insurance Waiver due the day of the event or on the day of the event. Note – the Insurance Waiver should only be completed if Vendor does not have General Liability Insurance in the amount specified above.

Peoria Book Rack reserves the right to rescind and cancel this Agreement and remove any Vendor or Vendor representative who performs an act, that, in the sole discretion of Peoria Book Rack, detracts from the dignity of the Event, is objectionable, unethical, or inappropriate for the purpose of the Event, conflicts with the policies, procedures, mission, programs, or activities of Peoria Book Rack, or that may inflict damage to Peoria Book Rack’s reputation. Should this occur, all monies paid by Vendor shall be retained by Peoria Book Rack.

Vendor locations are assigned by Peoria Book Rack and will be given to each vendor at check in the morning of Nov 14, 2026. Vendors may begin setting up as early as 7 am to be ready for the 10 am start time. 

This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. By signing up and paying for this event, Vendor acknowledges having read, understood and agreed to the Terms & Conditions appearing above and as continued the reverse. This Agreement is not valid and enforceable until all applicable fees and requested documentation has been received by Peoria Book Rack, insurance forms (or waiver) have been processed by Peoria Book Rack.