The Taste Tickets system allows vendors to be compensated for the chocolate samples they provide. Rather than giving away valuable samples, vendors are paid for each sample by redeeming taste tickets through our free digital app. This eliminates the need to take paper tickets, store them safely and count them at the end of the night.

Guests purchase tickets and redeem them for samples at vendor booths using a QR code, ensuring vendors are paid for every sample they give out.

For more details see https://chocofest.ca/chocofest-taste-tickets.

Vendors set the number of tickets required per sample, with the goal of one or two tickets per item, gourmet items can have a higher ticket redemption. ChocoFest will provide each vendor with a sign indicating the number of tickets required for each sample for continuity.

Taste Tickets are sold digitally before and during the festival in bundles of 10, 25, and 50. Guests will show their QR code, either on their phone or printed, and vendors will scan it using the ChocoFest mobile app to redeem the tickets.

Vendors receive 50% of the total value of the tickets redeemed at their booth. The average payout per ticket is between $0.50 and $0.62, depending on the overall ticket sales between the different price point bundles.

Yes, after the event, you will receive a report showing the total number of tickets redeemed at your booth. Payouts will be processed within one week after ChocoFest ends.

Each food vendor is required to supply a minimum of 500 samples per day (1,000 total for both days). Home-based vendors need to provide at least 250 samples per day (500 total).

As most tickets and taste tickets will be pre-sold online, we’ll be able to provide you with accurate numbers to help you plan for the event in the event there is greater demand.

Samples should include chocolate in the recipe and be a "taste" of your product, larger than a standard give-away sample but smaller than a full serving. Suitable examples include bon bons, chocolate squares, cookies, mini cupcakes, cake pops, chocolate candies and brownies.

No, samples do not need to be pre-packaged. They should be served in a way that encourages on-site consumption, such as handing them to guests or placing them on a paper plate. Vendors handling food must wear disposable gloves.

The ChocoFest app (through our ticket management company) will be available to vendors closer to the event. You will receive an email with detailed instructions on how to download the app, along with your unique login credentials. The app is free and can be downloaded from both the Apple App Store and Google Play. Once installed, you can use it to redeem taste tickets.

If any tickets remain unredeemed, their value will be donated to the Strathcona County Food Bank.

Yes, all vendors are required to have $2 million in liability insurance to participate in ChocoFest. This coverage is essential to protect both vendors and the event from potential risks. If you don’t already have insurance, you can conveniently purchase it through ChocoFest's insurance plan to meet this requirement.

Yes, if you are a food vendor at ChocoFest, you will need to complete the Alberta Health Services (AHS) Food Vendor Notification Form. This form is required to ensure that all food handling and preparation comply with provincial health and safety regulations. You must submit the form at least two weeks before the event to avoid any delays or issues with your participation.

Yes! We welcome vendors who sell chocolate-inspired novelties such as candles, socks, signs, décor, and more. These items make great gifts for chocolate lovers and are a perfect addition to the festival experience.

Yes, you are welcome to sell your non-chocolate products at ChocoFest, as long as the samples you provide for tasting include chocolate in some form. This ensures that the primary focus of the event remains chocolate-related, while still allowing you to showcase your other offerings for sale.

The cost for booths at ChocoFest is as follows:

$150 for a 10' x 5' home-based vendor booth

$500 for a 10' x 10' booth

$550 for a corner booth

$950 for 10' x 20' booth

Yes, there is a $25 non refundable application fee, due upon application.

Move-in: Vendors can begin setting up their booths on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. All booths must be fully set up and ready by 4:00 PM for the opening of ChocoFest.

Move-out: Tear-down will take place on Sunday, April 26, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM after the event closes. All booths must be cleared by 9:00 PM.

No early booth tear down or packing up.

Yes, the following products are not permitted at ChocoFest:

- Alcohol, tobacco, recreational drugs

- Products with occult or sexual innuendo

- Items inappropriate for a family festival (e.g., religious slurs, homophobia)

- Vintage goods or antiques

- Multi-level marketing companies (e.g., Epicure, Mary Kay)

- Products promoting violence (e.g. guns, weapons, etc.)

All products must align with ChocoFest's family-friendly environment. If you're unsure about a specific product, please contact the Vendor Manager for clarification.

ChocoFest invites a diverse range of vendors to apply, including:

Food Vendors: Chocolatiers, bakers, and other food artisans who offer chocolate-based products or samples. All food vendors must participate in the chocolate tasting program and provide a minimum number of chocolate samples.

Non-Food Vendors: Those selling chocolate-themed novelties, gifts, and decor, such as candles, signs, socks, stickers, and other related items suitable for gifting.

Restaurants: Establishments that want to showcase their chocolate offerings.

Independent Storefronts: Businesses that sell chocolate or chocolate-related products.

Home-based Businesses: Small businesses operating from home that specialize in chocolate or related items.

Distributors: Companies that distribute chocolate products or related goods.

Suppliers: Vendors providing ingredients or materials related to chocolate production.

Caterers: Catering services that incorporate chocolate into their menus.

We encourage all vendors who share a passion for chocolate and aim to enhance the ChocoFest experience to apply!

Yes, all vendor applications for ChocoFest will be reviewed for approval by the ChocoFest Organizer. Please note that the organizer reserves the right to refuse any application or product that does not meet ChocoFest standards.

Yes. You will receive the password with your vendor badge.

Yes, name badges will be provided for all vendors participating in ChocoFest. These badges must be worn at all times during the event to ensure proper identification and access.

Vendor badges are available at check-in on Friday. Check in is at Loading Bay A on the east side of Millennium Place.

If you need more than two badges, please indicate on your application form.

Electricity is available at an extra cost and can be ordered on your application form. Please indicate the type of electrical appliances you will be using to help us balance the electrical load effectively. In particular, be sure to specify any refrigeration units you plan to use.

Vendors who wish to cancel their participation must notify the ChocoFest Organizer in writing by email.

Full refund (less deposit): Cancellations made 90 days or more before April 25, 2025.

50% refund (less deposit): Cancellations made between 30 and 89 days before April 25, 2025.

No refund: Cancellations made 29 days or fewer before April 25, 2025.

If the ChocoFest Organizer must cancel the event for any reason, all fees will be fully refunded to vendors.

No, vendors are not permitted to transfer, sell, or share their booth with another individual or business. Each vendor must personally operate their designated booth throughout the event to maintain compliance with ChocoFest standards and regulations.

Cooking food on-site at ChocoFest is not permitted. Open flames, smoke, or steam-producing equipment that could activate the venue’s sprinklers are also not allowed.

All food must be pre-prepared before the festival.

Approved re-heating methods include microwaves, electric kettles, and coffee or hot chocolate pots.

The following equipment is prohibited: induction cooktops, propane stoves, flat tops, deep fryers, Sterno, air fryers, and roller grills.

Vendors have the opportunity to earn a 10% commission for each ChocoFest admission ticket sold through their unique affiliate link. This program allows vendors to boost their revenue while promoting the event to their customers and networks.

Yes! Vendors can apply to include products in exclusive VIP swag bags for extra exposure. These bags are given to VIP attendees, providing a unique promotional opportunity. Products should be special samples that will leave a lasting impression

Yes! Vendors are invited to donate products for door prizes or online contests. Donations will be acknowledged during the event and in promotional channels, offering vendors additional exposure.

Yes! ChocoFest will recognize outstanding vendors with prizes in categories such as "Best Decorated Booth." Winning vendors will be featured in promotional materials and on social media, increasing visibility and drawing attention to their booths.

Yes, vendors are required to operate their booths on both days of the festival, April 25 and 26, 2025. This ensures that attendees have a consistent experience and can enjoy your offerings throughout the event.

No. Parking is free. Vendors are encouraged to park near loading bay A on the southeast side. After set up the bay will be locked during the festival.

Yes, vendors can store booth materials under their tables when possible. Additionally, locked storage will be available in locker rooms next to the arena, assigned by booth number. To access storage during the event, vendors must request a key at the festival office.

While the venue will be locked overnight and there are security guards, vendors are responsible for securing their own materials and products. It is recommended that valuable items be removed from the booth or stored in a secure location. ChocoFest organizers cannot guarantee the safety of individual booths or items left overnight.

Yes! A vendor lounge will be available next to the festival office, offering complimentary beverages and a space to rest. You will need your name badge to enter.

Yes, vendors are required to use a tablecloth to cover their booth tables, it should reach the floor on the front and two sides. This not only enhances the appearance of your display but also helps maintain a professional look throughout the festival.

Yes. As long as it fits into your assigned booth space.

Yes, there is a vendor handbook available for ChocoFest. It contains important information about vendor guidelines, booth setup, product requirements, and policies to ensure a successful event. Vendors are encouraged to review the handbook thoroughly to familiarize themselves with all aspects of participation.

The vendor handbook will be emailed to you upon approval of your application.

Booth location is somewhat on a first come first serve basis, however, electrical needs will dictate where some booths go depending on their electrical load. For example booths with refrigeration units will be grouped as specified by our electrical supplier.

You can request your top three booth choices on your application.