bison bash market

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Engage with students as they return to campus! We are looking for vendors and businesses to kick off the Fall Semester with us!

Please read all the FAQ’s below to learn more about the market before applying!

When and where is the market?

Wednesday, September 9, 10am to 5pm

The Quad, University of Manitoba, 65 Chancellor Circle

The market is held during Bison Bash, our annual Fall Orientation celebration. This year, the one‑day market will be fully integrated into the main event area, offering maximum visibility and foot traffic. Bison Bash planning is still in progress, but expect live music, performances, food and thousands of students on campus.

Rain Date

We will move the market inside the UMSU University Centre, 2nd floor multi-purpose floor. Communication would go out the morning of.

How do I apply?
Who can apply?

We welcome a variety of vendors and businesses to our markets. To see our categories and descriptions visit: UMSU Tabling Categories

All applicants go through an approval process.

Booth sizes and fees

All booths will be 10ft x 10ft except for the scramble section. Scramble section* is a 6ft x 2ft table with chairs.  

All booths will be provided 1 table and 2 chairs. You may bring your own additional booth needs.

Market Vendor: $150

Local Business: $250

Non-local Business or Corporation: $500

Non-Profit / Registered Charity: $150

University of Manitoba Department: $50

UMSU Student Businesses: $20**

Electrical Access: $25

Fees do not include GST

*Scramble Section is designed for vendors who can’t attend for the full day and for UMSU student businesses. This area offers shorter, flexible time slots so vendors can rotate throughout the day while still connecting with students.

** To help ensure a full and engaging market experience, a small fee will be introduced for student vendors participating in the Bison Bash Market this year. In previous years, free tables combined with last‑minute no‑shows or limited communication resulted in empty spaces that took away from the overall event. This update helps support accountability and allows us to continue creating a vibrant, well‑filled market for students and vendors alike.

Please note: tabling for UMSU student businesses remains free for regular day table bookings.

What are the booth requirements?

All participants are responsible for their full booth setup and display. Get creative!

We highly recommend bringing a tent (10ft x 10ft) to provide sun coverage.

The Quad is grass.

Is there WIFI?

NO, we cannot guarantee the guest UM WIFI will extend out to the event location.  Please be prepared to work offline or using other means like a personal hotspot.

When is load IN/OUT?

Load IN is the morning of the market starting at 7am. All vendors MUST be setup by 10am.

Campus will be busy for the 1st day of classes, please be prepared for traffic.

Loud OUT happens right after the market, 5pm.

Parking

All parking at the UM campus requires payment. Parking is available in several lots across campus.

Nearest location is ‘N’ lot, which is right next to the event location.

‘H’, ‘ACW’ and the Parkade would be the next closest.

For parking locations, rates and details, please refer to: Parking Information and Rates

Payment and Cancellation Dates

All invoices will be sent online via Square. If you require alternative payment options, reach out to marketing@umsu.ca and we will do our best to accomodate.

Cancellations may be made up to August 12 @ 4pm. 

After August 12 @ 4pm and until August 20 @ 12pm, you can receive a refund less a $50 admin fee.

After August 20 at 12pm, no refunds will be provided.

Tips for Success

We want markets to feel fun, welcoming and engaging for students. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

  • Be welcoming & approachable. Friendly faces go a long way! We often see tablers on phones or laptops, which can feel uninviting. We encourage your team to put devices away and focus on connecting with students instead.
  • Freebies are a hit! Students love free stuff. You’re welcome to bring branded items or individually packaged, store‑bought food or drinks. (Please note: Red Bull is not permitted). Spin-to-win wheels are a great option for pulling students in!
  • Make it easy for students to understand who you are and why they should stop. Logos are great, but signage that highlights a clear benefit or call‑to‑action works best (think: discounts, opportunities, prizes, or services). Tablecloths are encouraged, they help define your space and give your table a clean, professional look.
  • All tablecloths and signage must remain within the table area provided. Backdrops, large banners, or additional furniture must be approved by UMSU in advance.

For full details and requirements, please review the complete list of tabling rules and regulations included in the application.