Henna in the Red Tent

I have an 'opportunity" to join a Red Tent event at a casino...its a special woman's health expo with workshops and some famous speakers. It is sponsored by a huge medical complex and they are charging $45 per ticket. The Red Tent part is a relaxation/spa area for pampering activities with chair massage, lip tints, parafin wax for hands, etc...I contacted them about including henna and they replied right away. BUT here's the clinker, "The tent is for relaxing, no charging, no tip jar but you can hand out cards etc. I am trying to figure out if they is a super promotional opportunity for my henna business or am I just going to go in the hole by doing/giving away free mehndi?? I make my own paste and feel sort of stingie about it right now. The organizers said 700 people came last year and the red tent area was busy....I bet with free pampering...
Just not sure if its worth giving up a face paint gig or not. I dont know if just a little dab of a henna yingyang or peace sign or swirl or flower will temp them to contact me. Am I missing out on huge opportunity here or just spending too much on promo and marketing??

I wouldn't give up paid work for it...but it's fun practice if you don't have anything you'd rather do, and it is advertsing. I'd have lots of pictures of your "real" work & keeping it small & dainty for the day.

The conflicting face paint gig is at a festival, I have a FREE vendor spot and if the weather is nice should be able to make some ppf $$, I'll be happy with $100 to pay for my gas and our dinner, etc! The festival is the biggest hiker festival on the AT (Appalachian Trail) and my boyfriend and I enjoy the event anyway.
I am not sure how local the RED TENT ladies will be...I like your suggestion to have photos of henna work handy and hopeful new customers

Do hikers carry cash/cards? Just wondering?

Well, hikers usually pack a credit card for restocking at trail Towns along the big hike. Basically half of them are really short on cash (the young bucks) and the other half are mostly recently retired and have$$. The town has LOTS of music, craft vendors, food, etc and outdoor equipment sales tents so LOADS of community and tourist people come by. There is a morning 5K and 10 K trail run that brings in a different bunch too.
Lots to do, see. I am offering free WHITE BLAZES to all through hikers...but happy to give them any fp design really! They are taking on a huge challenge to hike 1280 miles in one year!!!

correct that, the AT is 2180 miles!!

can i ask, what does your partner do while you are working? mine was pretty bored.

My partner has only assisted me a few times....it depends upon the gig location and options for doing things he is interested in. If trails are nearby he is fine....
Its nice to have the company and some one to help haul, set up, pack up etc....If I make enough $$ I 'treat' us to dinner!

thank you!