12 Sep West Palm Beach Antique Festival Important News for Fall Winter 25/26

Dear West Palm Beach Vendor,

I hope this letter finds you well—and hopefully cooler than we were in the East Expo this summer. As the season changes (though in Florida that just means “slightly less sweaty”), we’re gearing up for fall and winter at the West Palm Beach Antiques Festival. Time for an update.

For those who haven’t joined us since late winter or spring, you may not recognize the place—it’s gotten bigger, busier, and frankly, better looking. We moved into the East Expo in June, and we’ll stay there through November. The numbers tell the story:

And no, those aren’t Florida lottery numbers—though I’d buy a ticket if they were. These don’t even include the growth since 2023 when we first took over. With projections like this, the show will be full—not just in February. Many dealers are treating this as a year-round gig, which means space will be tighter than skinny jeans at a square dance.

Here’s the reality: communication and early reservations are your best friends. The “pick-any-spot-like-it’s-musical-chairs” days are gone. We’ll work hard to honor your requests, but with a full floorplan, there’s less wiggle room. On the bright side, being part of a crowded, buzzing, better-attended show is a great problem to have.

We’ll remain in the East Expo for October and November, and may also open Buildings 6–10. Last year we put serious effort into driving customers through those buildings, and it worked: ticket sales at that gate were up 400% between November and March. And the single biggest sale I know of happened in Building 6—proof that treasure isn’t just in the main hall.

Pro tip: Book for October now if you want to lock in your space through the winter. Waiting until January is like showing up to an estate sale at noon—you’ll get what’s left, but don’t expect the Tiffany lamp. And to be clear: we’re not bumping current dealers out of the show in favor of seasonal returns. Loyalty matters, and if you’ve been showing up, you’re first in line.

I’ll be busy next week running our Springfield, Ohio show, but my phone and inbox are open: jonjindpls@gmail.com or  text 317-431-0118. Don’t be shy—texting is quicker, and I promise to answer before I finish my third corn dog at the fairgrounds.

Growth has its pains, but it’s the good kind—like outgrowing a starter home or finding out your “little” puppy is now 110 pounds of Labrador. We’re building something exciting, and I’d love for you to be part of it.

Thanks,
Jon & the West Palm Beach Show Team