If you have past vendor contracts of vendors who have attended your show in the past, you have the start of a good vendor database. Go through the last couple of years' worth of contracts and record the names and addresses. If you have a database program on your computer, you can even create a computerized database, which can help when you are customizing letters or mailing labels. If you do not have past contracts or a list of vendors to contact, you may need to begin collecting this data several months in advance. Attend shows in your area and collect business cards and addresses of vendors working at shows within a few hours of your location.
Most vendors tend to work in a particular geographic region.
Take the opportunity to talk about your show and get their interest. You can also get vendor support through your local Yellow Pages. Some local pet supply stores may be interested in becoming vendors. There are several types of vendors, and some general rules of thumb about inviting them. While they appeal to the spectator, they are primarily there as a service to the exhibitors, to give them a place to buy that emergency bottle of waterless shampoo, or the litter pan to replace the one left at home, or a new comb.