Event planning students, United Talent to host vendor fair

“United We Shop,” will take place 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at 101 Kaden Lane, in Georgetown, Kentucky.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 23, 2024) — University of Kentucky students enrolled this semester in the College of Communication and Information Department of Integrated Strategic Communication (ISC) event planning class, in partnership with United Talent and United Events, are planning their second annual vendor fair. 

The event titled “United We Shop,” will take place 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at 101 Kaden Lane, in Georgetown, Kentucky. Nearly 45 local businesses will have the opportunity to showcase their Kentucky-made products and/or services at the event. “United We Shop” will provide small businesses in the area the chance to reach the community through this in-person event and frequent promotion. 

“Last year's vendor fair organized by the university students was a huge hit in our community, and we're looking forward to an even bigger and better event this year, with an expanded roster of Kentucky area vendors,” said Brian Harris, owner of United Events. 

Along with featuring several local businesses, the event will highlight unique items for sale, food trucks and activities for families of all ages. Vendors will set up their booths around the indoor concourse for guests to shop and enjoy a beautiful spring day. 

“The purpose behind this partnership and growing annual event is to invest in our future leaders by providing them with hands-on experience while also establishing a valuable platform for area businesses to showcase their products. Our aim is to raise awareness about these Kentucky vendors, boost their success and drive economic growth for both these businesses and our community,” Harris said. 

“United We Shop: Kentucky Vendors in Support of Small Business” is free and open to the public. Vendors interested in attending United We Shop may contact unitedweshopuky@gmail.com. Registration cost is $45 for a standard 6 ½ x 7 Space and $75 for a double space. Each space comes with two chairs. Vendors will be responsible for their own six-foot table per space. 

About United Talent

Founded in 1998 by Brian Harris, United Talent initially focused on youth recreational and competitive programs encompassing dance, tumbling, cheerleading and the performing arts. With the completion of a recent renovation to their facility in 2023, their latest endeavor, United Events, will cater to a wide array of gatherings in the newly refreshed space. This versatile venue suits weddings, receptions, reunions, corporate meetings, charity fundraisers, formals, vendor fairs, live performances, concerts and numerous other occasions. 

For more information about the ISC major, visit the program's website.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.