Q: How many people are you expecting?
A: We cannot give a firm number because ticket sales are still open. We are budgeting for 100 and the number could go either way. Most of our attendees are flying in from out of state, so we are still collecting those confirmations. This is our first commencement, so we are expecting the best and we are grateful for whoever walks through the door.
Q: Who is your audience?
A: We are a faith-based organization with a strong business side, so the room is marketplace ministry. Ministry leaders, business owners, entrepreneurs, authors and professionals, along with our honorees and their families.
Q: Is this a vendor event, and how much time will attendees have to shop?
A: This is an event that has vendors, not a vendor event, and we want to be upfront about that because we know it is a determining factor for some. Vendors are set up in the same room as the attendees, so people are free to walk over to a table at any point. Our vendor-facing windows are Friday 7:00 to 10:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Saturday 7:00 to 10:00 PM, and Sunday 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
Q: What has vendor traffic and engagement been like at past events?
A: This is our first event of this kind, so we have nothing honest to report there. We would rather say that than give a number we made up.
Q: How many vendors will there be, and will there be limits on similar products?
A: We are looking for 10 to 15 vendors and registration is still open, so we do not have a final count yet. This is our first one. We do not place any limitation on vendors offering similar products.
Q: Which session is the best environment for selling?
A: Friday night is the gala and our networking night, so that is the strongest one. Saturday morning is the commencement, which draws well the way any graduation does and carries a conference feel with it. Saturday night is a book launch with speakers. Sunday is our fun day and the room is much looser, and I will also be purchasing items from our vendors to use as prizes for a game that day.
Q: How much does it cost to vend?
A: $50 for the whole weekend, and payment is collected on this form. Vendors do not need to purchase a ticket for Friday night.
Q: What days can vendors come?
A: This is our commencement weekend, Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8. Vendors are welcome for all three days and can come in up to an hour early each day to set up. If they can only make some of the sessions, that is fine.
Q: What kind of table will I have?
A: Tables run 4 ft to 6 ft and are first come, first serve. Some are large enough to hold two vendors. Tables we provide come with a black table covering and a chair. If tables run out, vendors are still welcome and can bring their own.
Q: Do vendors eat?
A: Yes. Food is served throughout the event and vendors are welcome to eat along with the other guests.
Q: Is there any other exposure for vendors?
A: Yes. Vendors can advertise on the screen during the weekend for an additional fee. Submit your graphics as a PowerPoint slide to publications@enochascension.com and we will display them, 1 to 5 minutes per slot.
Q: Where is it?
A: 500 Gooch Lane, Madison, AL 35758.
Q: Are there restrictions on what I can sell? What about crystals, beads, incense and similar items?
A: We do not exclude vendors for selling items such as crystals, stones, beads or incense. EACU is working to be the change in loving those who are different from us. We do not want to discriminate or be hypocrites. We want to love people and not place God in a box that fits our limited framework.
Our position is that an object does not carry power in itself. It becomes a conduit when a person assigns it that purpose, and Scripture shows this pattern repeatedly:
The rod: Moses’ ordinary shepherd’s staff became the instrument for the signs in Egypt and the parting of the sea (Exodus 4:2-4, 4:17, 14:16).
The cup: Joseph’s silver cup is described as the one he used for divining (Genesis 44:5).
Stones: The high priest’s breastplate held twelve precious stones along with the Urim and Thummim, used to seek God’s judgment (Exodus 28:17-21, 28:30). The foundations of the New Jerusalem are garnished with precious stones (Revelation 21:19-20).
Incense: God gave Moses the recipe for the holy incense and commanded that it be burned before Him morning and evening (Exodus 30:7-8, 30:34-36). Prayer itself is compared to incense (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 8:3-4).
Oil: The sick were anointed with oil for healing (Mark 6:13, James 5:14).
Cloth and garments: Tassels were commanded on garments as a reminder of the commandments (Numbers 15:38-39), a woman was healed by touching the hem of Jesus’ garment (Matthew 9:20-22), and handkerchiefs and aprons taken from Paul carried healing (Acts 19:11-12).
Water: Naaman was cleansed in the Jordan (2 Kings 5:10-14), and the blind man was healed after washing in the pool of Siloam (John 9:6-7).
Since many of the faith community still uses oil, prayer shawls and water today, it would be hypocritical for us to turn away vendors over crystals, beads or incense. Scripture also shows that the use is what matters: the bronze serpent God told Moses to make for healing (Numbers 21:8-9) was later destroyed when the people began burning incense to it (2 Kings 18:4).
What we do not allow is anything made or used in an effort to do harm to another person, such as voodoo dolls. We also will not allow selling of idols that are used to replace the Most High God. We believe that it is one Source, every deity, being, and all of creation within the universe and the universe itself do not function void of that Source.
Q: Can I invite my own customers to come out and shop?
A: Yes, you are welcome to invite people. Friday night is a paid event, so guests will need a ticket. The other days are free to the public, but we ask that everyone register because we will be serving food. They can register at https://www.enochascension.com/commencement.