I have a question:
Would it be possible to consider a "vendor" area with tables, to sell your stuff?
No. We limit vendor tables to companies/people that are specifically in the business of selling relevant items. For example, our usual three* vendors are Herb Johnson, Jeff Galinat, and Bob Applegate. Herb sells vintage computer items full-time (http://www.retrotechnology.com), Jeff is semi-retired with VCF East being a significant sales venue for him; and Bob runs a business making replica kits (https://www.corshamtech.com). Individuals selling spare items use the consignment room. The exhibit hall(s) are the heart of the show. That's what attracts families/kids and grows the hobby. If we operated a flea/swap (a la the ham radio folks and other events), then some collectors would decide to be vendors instead of exhibitors, and that would cannibalize the exhibit hall. IMO, that's a crucial mistake which people make at hamfests and other venues: they produce events catering only to people who are * already in * their field. This is how you kill a hobby. Our mission is to grow the hobby, so we do everything possible to make the shows fun/exciting ... not just a bunch of old guys selling random stuff to each other while their spouses/kids are miserable on the sidelines. * Jeff can't make it this year; Bob/Herb already reserved their spots; and we have a few newcomers this year too.