How to organise an interior market from start to finish

An interior market needs more than a row of stalls and a few signs. Start by setting the date and opening hours, then recruit and confirm participants before planning the layout, access and facilities. Work backwards from opening time so deliveries, volunteers, payments, refreshments and signage are ready before visitors arrive. This approach also gives exhibitors enough notice to prepare their displays, prices and transport.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Publish the date and opening hours
2
Send participant terms and conditions
3
Send invitations
2 people
4
Promote the market on social media
5
Process registrations
2 people
6
Create booth layout
2 people
7
Confirm participants
8
Collect dietary requirements
9
Book catering suppliers
10
Arrange waste collection
11
Send map to participants
12
Publish parking information
13
Assign volunteers
14
Confirm deliveries and times
15
Prepare name badges
16
Print price tags and signs
2 people
17
Make route and safety signs
2 people
18
Test the cash register and card payment equipment
2 people
19
Check stock and groceries
2 people
20
Do the shopping
2 people
21
Bring materials to the venue
3 people
22
Chill drinks
2 people
23
Prepare snacks
3 people
24
Call participants with updates
25
Open venue
2 people
26
Check toilets
2 people
27
Check power outlets and cable routes
2 people
28
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
29
Set up booths and display furniture
4 people
30
Hang lighting
3 people
31
Tape down power cables securely
2 people
32
Set up the information desk
2 people
33
Set up catering point
3 people
34
Set up the cash register and card payment desk
2 people
35
Prepare name and prize tags
2 people
36
Receive participants
3 people
37
Check participants' stalls
3 people
38
Test the background music
2 people
39
Set up entrance and wayfinding signs
2 people
40
Carry out opening check
3 people

Event

41
Welcome visitors
3 people
42
Hand out the program and map
2 people
43
Staff the information desk
2 people
44
Guide the stalls
2 people
45
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
46
Serve snacks
2 people
47
Refill drinks
2 people
48
Empty trash bins
2 people
49
Check tables and walking routes
2 people
50
Clean the toilets in between
2 people
51
Adjust lighting
52
Inform last visitors
2 people
53
Close sales and entrance
2 people
54
Have participants unload
3 people
55
Securely store the cash takings
2 people

Aftercare

56
Close catering stock
2 people
57
Remove decorations
3 people
58
Dismantle lighting
3 people
59
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
60
Collect and sort waste
3 people
61
Wash dishes and glasses
3 people
62
Clean the venue
4 people
63
Return materials
3 people
64
Return borrowed materials
2 people
65
Store leftover stock
2 people
66
Register lost and found items

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Market stallsqty 20
Foldable tablesqty 12
Bistro tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 60
Lounge armchairsqty 8
Lounge sofasqty 4
Side tablesqty 10
Clothes racksqty 6
Display standsqty 10
Storage boxesqty 12
Party tentsqty 4
Tableclothsqty 20

Equipment

Cash machinesqty 2
Cash boxesqty 2
Cash boxesqty 2
Portable speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Cable reelsqty 4
Cable matsqty 12
Laddersqty 2
Tool casesqty 2

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 10
LED spotlightsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Welcome signsqty 2
Route signsqty 8
Directional signsqty 12
Notice boardsqty 6
Chalkboardsqty 8
Chalk markersqty 12
Plantsqty 20
Vasesqty 10
Artificial flowersqty 10
Clipboardsqty 20
Name card holdersqty 30

Tableware

Reusable coffee cupsqty 100
Reusable drinking glassesqty 120
Reusable platesqty 100
Reusable cutleryqty 120
Serving traysqty 12
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 8
Coolersqty 6
Food warmersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving bowlsqty 12
Kitchen tongsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Broom setsqty 3
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 20

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Publish the date, opening hours and parking information before sending invitations. Give participants a clear deadline for registration, then send the terms and conditions and confirm each accepted seller.
Create the booth layout only after registrations close. Leave enough space for visitors to move between market stalls, clothes racks, display stands and seating, and send the final map to participants at least one week before the market.
Treat power and payment equipment as a separate check. Test cash registers, card payment equipment, extension cords, power strips and cable reels at the venue before setup, and cover any cables crossing walkways with cable mats.
Book catering and waste collection as soon as participant numbers are known. Collect dietary requirements during registration, then confirm delivery times and keep drinks chilled before doors open.
Plan the final setup in timed blocks, not as one large task. Bring furniture and materials to the venue first, install route and safety signs, prepare name badges and price tags, then check stock, snacks and the welcome area before opening.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise an interior market?: Start at least 8 to 12 weeks before the market. Use the first two weeks to fix the date, opening hours and participant terms, then allow several weeks for registrations, promotion, layout planning and supplier bookings.
When should I confirm interior market participants?: Set a registration deadline about 4 to 6 weeks before opening day. Confirm participants soon afterwards, because you need final numbers for the booth layout, map, badges, catering and waste collection.
How much space should I leave between market stalls?: Allow at least 1.2 metres for the main visitor routes, with wider areas where queues or seating are expected. Check the finished layout with tables, racks, display stands and chairs in place rather than measuring empty floor space only.
When should I set up an interior market?: Begin venue setup at least 3 to 4 hours before opening, or earlier if deliveries arrive in stages. Put furniture and signs in position first, then test payments and sound, chill drinks, prepare snacks and complete a safety walk-through before visitors enter.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.