MOBFEST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Interested in participating in MOBFEST™?

Complete the form to be considered. A member of our team will follow up with selected brands.

PARTICIPATION DEADLINES

Early Bird Application Deadline: July 19, 2026
General Application Deadline: August 29, 2026

Once approved, you have seven (7) days to submit payment. Please note that your spot at MOBFEST™ is not reserved until payment has been received.

PARTICIPATION INVESTMENT

Early Bird Investment
$150 – Authors/Nonprofit Organizations (501(c)(3) only)
$250 – General Brands (Product/Service)
$300 – Food Trucks

Standard Investment (After Early Bird)
$200 – Authors/Nonprofit Organizations (501(c)(3) only)
$300 – General Brands (Product/Service)
$350 – Food Trucks

Optional Add-On
+$250 – Sponsorship Opportunity (for enhanced visibility and brand positioning). Enhance your visibility and expand your reach with a MOBFEST™ sponsorship. Sponsoring brands receive additional recognition and promotional opportunities before and during the event, including placement on select marketing materials, event signage, and digital platforms.

+$50 - Mobfest™ Swag Bag

Selection & Participation Process

Complete the MOBFEST™ Participation Form on this page.
The MOBFEST™ team will review all submissions and notify selected participating brands.
Approved brands will receive a participation agreement for review and signature.
Once the agreement is fully executed, an invoice will be issued for payment.
After payment is confirmed, a MOBFEST™ representative will follow up with next steps regarding event details, planning, and setup.

PARTICIPATION EXPECTATION

By submitting this form, participating brands acknowledge that MOBFEST™ is designed as an immersive experience centered on Black ownership, entrepreneurship, and community.

Brands are encouraged to engage with attendees beyond transactions—sharing experiences, insights, and encouragement when appropriate—to help create an environment where attendees leave inspired, informed, and empowered.

Examples may include demonstrations, tastings, consultations, customizations, hands-on activities, workshops, live recordings, content creation stations, creative installations, and interactive experiences related to beauty, wellness, food and beverage, fashion, art, and professional services.

We're NOT asking you to become a coach or consultant—simply to contribute to an environment where people leave informed, encouraged, and empowered. This expectation reflects the spirit of MOBFEST™ and applies to all approved participating brands.

EVENT DATE

September 12, 2026

Bowie, Maryland

GENERAL INFORMATION

MOBFEST™ is a one day cultural and economic experience designed to strengthen the ecosystem that helps businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals, students, creators, and communities thrive.

Hosted by Mob the Block, MOBFEST™ combines education, shopping, networking, entertainment, entrepreneurship, and community engagement into one immersive experience where ownership is visible, accessible, and celebrated.
MOBFEST™ is powered by Mob the Block, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing visibility, opportunity, and economic growth for small businesses.

Over the past year, Mob the Block has:

Generated more than 2 million digital impressions

Supported more than 30 businesses

Raised over $18,000 in six days to help save a local business

Mobilized hundreds of community members across the DMV
MOBFEST™ will take place on:

Saturday, September 12, 2026

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Hosted at Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland
MOBFEST™ isn't just a vendor market or conference.

It brings together entrepreneurs, small businesses, corporations, nonprofit organizations, students, investors, professionals, and consumers in one place to create real opportunities for visibility, collaboration, education, and economic growth.

It's where business meets culture.
MOBFEST™ is for:

Authors

Entrepreneurs

Small business owners

Creators

Artists

Professionals

Students

Aspiring business owners

Families

Community leaders

Consumers who love supporting local businesses

Whether you're launching a business or looking to discover new brands, MOBFEST™ has something for you.
Yes.

MOBFEST™ welcomes families and attendees of all ages.
There is no formal dress code.

Come comfortable attire, along with comfortable shoes since you'll be exploring the marketplace and participating in activities throughout the day.
Yes. Students are encouraged to attend MOBFEST™ to gain exposure to entrepreneurship, ownership, career pathways, and real-world business experiences.
Yes. Nonprofit organizations can participate as vendors, partners, or sponsors depending on their level of involvement. MOBFEST™ welcomes mission-driven organizations that support community development and economic empowerment.
Yes. If you're interested in becoming a MobFest Brand Ambassador, please complete the Brand Ambassador application. Brand Ambassadors will assist with event operations, guest experience, and programming. If your application is approved, you'll be notified with next steps and additional information.
MOBFEST™ curates speakers based on alignment with entrepreneurship, ownership, innovation, and economic empowerment. Individuals interested in speaking can submit their information through our official Speaker/Press form for consideration.
Mob the Block offers ongoing opportunities for collaboration through visibility campaigns, community activations, business support initiatives, and strategic partnerships. Interested organizations and individuals can connect with our team through our website.

TICKETS

Yes.

All attendees must register in advance.
General Admission includes access to:

Marketplace

Main Stage programming

Networking opportunities

Entertainment

Food vendors

Author experiences

(Some experiences may require an upgraded pass.)
Take your MOBFEST™ experience to the next level.

The Ownership Pass unlocks access to premium educational experiences inside the Future Owner Lounge, along with entry to the MOBFEST™ Marketplace and priority seating at the Main Stage.

Designed for entrepreneurs, creators, students, professionals, and future founders, the Ownership Pass goes beyond the festival experience—offering deeper conversations, meaningful connections, and tools that move you closer to ownership, opportunity, and execution.
No.

All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.

VENDORS

Complete the vendor application.

Applications will be reviewed by the MOBFEST™ team and follow up with selected businesses.
Early Bird Application Deadline: July 19, 2026
General Application Deadline: August 29, 2026

Once approved, you have seven (7) days to submit payment. Please note that your spot at MOBFEST™ is not reserved until payment has been received.
Once approved, you have seven (7) days to submit payment. Please note that your spot at MOBFEST™ is not reserved until payment has been received.
Each standard vendor space includes:

One 6-foot table

Two chairs
No.

Each booth is reserved for one approved business to ensure a diverse marketplace and provide equal opportunities for all participants.
No.

Vendor fees are non-refundable.
Yes.

All vendors must provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before the event.

Certificate of Insurance (Required for All Vendors) – Due by August 15, 2026

Food vendors must also comply with all Prince George's County Health Department requirements.

If you are a food/beverage vendor you must obtain a one day Temporary Food Service Facility Permit for any single-day event. You must apply at least 14 business days before the event per Prince George's County Health Department.
Only approved food vendors may sell food or beverages. No outside is permitted.

Food vendors must also comply with all Prince George's County Health Department requirements.

If you are a food/beverage vendor you must obtain a one day Temporary Food Service Facility Permit for any single-day event. You must apply at least 14 business days before the event per Prince George's County Health Department.
The following items may not be sold:

Alcohol

Tobacco products

Illegal substances

Firearms or weapons

Counterfeit merchandise

Any item prohibited by Bowie State University or local regulations
Approved vendors will receive instructions, arrival times, parking information, and event logistics approximately two weeks before MOBFEST™.

PROGRAMMING, EXPERIENCES & COMMUNITY

The Future Owner Lounge is a premium experience designed for aspiring entrepreneurs, students, and early-stage founders. It offers elevated programming, priority seating, and curated experiences focused on ownership, business education, and access to opportunity. Access to the Future Owner Lounge is only available with the Ownership Pass ticket.
Writers Block is a curated literary experience within MOBFEST™ that highlights authors, publishers, and storytellers. It provides a dedicated space for book showcasing, storytelling, and connection between writers and readers.
Yes. MOBFEST™ includes intentional programming focused on entrepreneurship. Sessions are designed to be practical and community-driven and will take place in the Future Owners Lounge. Access to the Future Owners Lounge is only available with the Ownership Pass ticket.

Hotel & Travel

We are currently working with nearby hotels to secure discounted room blocks for attendees and guests.

Please check back soon for updates.
Yes.

Event Policies

No Outside food and beverages is permitted.
Yes.

By attending MOBFEST™, you consent to photography and video recording that may be used for promotional purposes.
Only service animals are permitted.
MOBFEST™ will take place rain or shine unless conditions create a safety concern.
Our team is happy to help.

Please contact us at info@mobtheblock.org, and we'll respond as soon as possible.