Merchandising Guidelines

(Non-convention events only)

The Houston First Corporation retains the right to any and all merchandise sold within the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Merchandise Products are classified in two categories:
  1. Event, concert, or featured attraction merchandise items which bear the name or logo of this event or featured performers or speakers.
  2. Merchandise products which include, but are not limited to, T-shirts, hats, books, records, tapes, programs, jewelry, household or automotive items, sporting goods, apparel items, and etc., which are not related to the theme of the show or event.
Merchandise Policy:
  1. The established merchandise rate for the George R. Brown Convention Center shall be 25% of the gross sales (excluding applicable state sales tax) for profit and non-profit vendors.
  2. The facility manager has the flexibility to establish a flat fee or per capita rate. These fees/rates should be based on the merchandising history of the event or event type as established in the facility or through act checks in other comparable facilities/markets.
  3. When a percentage is used, merchandise will be inventoried by the Event Manager or other designated Houston First employee prior to any sales. No additional merchandise shall be brought in and added to the pre-sale inventory without being counted by the event coordinator. A final inventory will be conducted after merchandising sales close to determine gross sales and the percentage to be collected.
  4. Flat fees will be collected prior to the event or listed on the client’s Event Service Billing.
  5. Per capita fees will be collected immediately following the closing of the box office so a box office statement may be obtained and exact attendance can be determined. Note: Per capita fees will be assessed on total attendance, not just paid attendance.
  6. Sales tax will not be collected by the Houston First Corporation. This remains the responsibility of the vendor.
  7. Vendors must supply their own sellers.
  8. All merchandise fees are payable by the close of the event and guaranteed by the lessee who has the ultimate responsibility. The fees should be paid directly to the Houston First Corporation.
  9. The president of the Houston First Corporation reserves the final right to determine which items are considered merchandise under the guidelines of the contract.