Business Details
44 Years
experience
Trusted Event Planning for Craft Shows in Virginia
Events Management Group has been producing high-quality, juried events in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia since 1982. Through decades of dedicated service, we have grown into one of the country's premier show production companies, with many of our events recognized as Sunshine Artists Best 200 Shows in the United States. Our team of professional show managers and coordinators brings decades of combined experience to every project. We specialize in creating immersive craft show experiences that connect exhibitors with thousands of shoppers annually. Our operations include the Virginia Beach Spring Craft Market, Northern Virginia Christmas Market, and Virginia Beach Christmas Market. Our leadership team combines generational expertise with innovative approaches to event management.We maintain strong relationships with artists and craftspeople while fostering community engagement through unique shopping experiences. Our office environment reflects our commitment to creativity and flexibility, with team members often working alongside their pets. Our founder's legacy of adaptability and resourcefulness continues to shape our approach to event production. We prioritize exhibitor success through strategic marketing, efficient logistics coordination, and thoughtful event design. Our track record of overcoming challenges, including post-hurricane event recovery, demonstrates our operational resilience and dedication to the arts community.
Services
Craft Show Organization
Event Planning
Exhibitor Coordination
Venue Management
Marketing Services
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience producing award-winning craft shows
- Our team includes three professional show managers with decades of expertise
- We organize three major annual events recognized in Sunshine Artists Best 200 Shows
- Our leadership maintains strong relationships with regional artists and exhibitors
- We successfully managed post-disaster event recovery in 2003 hurricane aftermath
Services
Craft Show Organization
We specialize in organizing premier juried craft shows that connect artisans with thousands of shoppers annually. Our events feature carefully curated exhibitors showcasing handmade treasures across multiple venues. With decades of experience managing complex show logistics, we ensure seamless operations from initial planning to post-event follow-up, maintaining our reputation as one of the country's leading show production companies.
Exhibitor Coordination
Our comprehensive exhibitor services include application processing, booth placement, and on-site support during event setup and breakdown. We provide detailed exhibitor guides and maintain open communication channels to ensure smooth participation for both new and veteran vendors. Our team's deep understanding of artists' needs helps create optimal selling environments that benefit both exhibitors and attendees.
Venue Management
We manage event logistics across multiple prestigious venues including the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Dulles Expo Center. Our venue management includes space planning, traffic flow optimization, and coordination with facility staff to ensure optimal layouts. We maintain detailed floor plans and provide clear directional guidance to maximize exhibitor visibility and attendee experience across all event locations.
Marketing Services
Our marketing strategies combine traditional outreach with digital engagement to attract large audiences to each event. We implement targeted advertising campaigns, maintain email subscriber lists for promotional offers, and leverage our industry reputation to draw consistent crowds. Our promotional materials highlight featured exhibitors while emphasizing the unique value proposition of each market's handmade offerings.
Event Planning
We develop comprehensive event plans covering all aspects from initial concept to execution. Our planning process incorporates lessons learned from over four decades of experience, including post-disaster recovery strategies implemented after Hurricane Isabel. We focus on creating sustainable events that balance commercial success with community impact, maintaining our position as a trusted partner for both artists and venue operators.
People
Steve Jahnke
President, Director of Operations
Steve has managed all aspects of EMG since joining full-time in 1995. He oversees marketing, accounting, operations, and technology systems while coordinating exhibitor logistics during event setup and breakdown.
Denise Wynn
Craft Show Director
Denise brings 10 years of craft show direction experience and over 20 years in event planning. She previously directed major art festivals and now manages EMG's show production with expertise in exhibitor relations and event logistics.
Linda Shell
Retired President/Founder, Consultant
Linda founded EMG after organizing her first craft show in 1982. She transitioned to a consulting role in 2006 but continues to provide strategic guidance based on her decades of experience in the craft show industry.
Questions
What craft shows does EMG organize annually?
We produce three major annual events: Virginia Beach Spring Craft Market (April), Northern Virginia Christmas Market (November), and Virginia Beach Christmas Market (November/December).
How can artisans apply to participate in EMG events?
Applications for all our events can be found on our website. We maintain a juried selection process to ensure high-quality, handmade offerings at each market.
What makes EMG's craft shows unique?
Our events combine curated artisan selections with strategic marketing, creating successful selling opportunities. Many of our shows rank among Sunshine Artists Best 200 Shows in the United States.
Are there special admission offers for EMG events?
Yes, we offer discounted admission coupons through our email subscription list. We also provide online ticket purchasing options for select events.
What support do exhibitors receive at EMG events?
We provide detailed exhibitor guides, floor plans, and logistical support. Our experienced team assists with booth setup, traffic coordination, and event-specific requirements at all our markets.
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