Help, should I do this event?!?

So, I got an email about an event on Saturday. I can do the job but they are wanting me to do it for free. It is a children and family expo (huge event!) and they want either free or extremely discounted rates for 6 hours of belly painting. They offered their largest package to me at no cost - $500.00 along with additional exposure, signage and a few other perks. I really wanted to do this event - they have another face painter so only bellies but they will only be free. I am thinking about asking for $40.00 per hour for my supplies and saying yes. That way my day isn't blown for paying my mortgage but I also don't want to lose the opportunity. I really want to start doing bellies all the time and I can get a lot of business from this but I also have to pay my bills, get a babysitter and my husband has to cover my other job.

Any input or advice? I am really leaning toward doing it but don't want to ask too much money. I usually charge $115.00 per hour so it is pretty discounted at that rate. Anyway, she is calling this afternoon so I can discuss it with her.

Thanks guys!

I think $40 per hour is extremely reasonable for that, could you also put out a tip jar or something? Be sure to put up LOTS of signs and have cards out everywhere too.

At a public event, how many moms do you think you'll be getting that will be willing to get their bellies painted for everyone to watch.. I'd be thinking about that. But, if you can get a decent hourly rate, it might be worth it.

Most mom's will laugh at the idea of having their belly exposed in public. It would be better if you could offer a walk around model w/ a really great high end design. Maybe paint the model in a demo format as an attraction. If people show an interest, offer them a number to be next. Maybe see if you can charge for the bellies. Things like this usually do not get you the exposure you hope for... especially since you can't face paint the kids at the event...

I would have a large sign with nice bellies on it, face painting photos and all my info. I don't think there will be much interest but she approached me as a service to provide for the customers to provide belly painting. About 10,000 people are expected and if I do it they will provide a flyer in the hand out bags each customer gets for the convention. I think overall it would be good exposure, especially if they pay me a small amount. Then the day wouldn't be a bust completely.

I'll let you guys know how it goes. Hopefully it will be awesome!

Do they have people booked to be painted or are you there to paint anyone who wants it on the spot?

My experience with this sort of event is that people are looking for free stuff, and aren't interested in hanging around. Although, if you're painting someone they might linger to watch.

I'd only do this sort of gig at an hourly rate, regardless of their offer of a free booth. If they want the painting to be free someone has to pay.

As to the promotional opportunities... they may or may not produce much. But it could jump start the belly painting for you as long as you have models who can walk around to promote it... maybe bring a couple of your own to make sure that they walk around handing out cards?

Wow, very insightful Shannon and probably dead on. Really makes me wonder - thanks so much!

I just wanted to update everyone on how the event went. I did the event for $50.00 an hour and tried to book another event after so we only did 2.5 hours (other event fell through of course!). We offered completely free belly painting to any mums who were interested. Once we finally found a mom willing, I did a very nice seed painting and she walked around with her shirt above it. After that they trickled in and I did about 10 or so, some pretty fast and nice and others super fast. I learned I can do the ribbon with Its a boy in about 3 minutes and others in under 10. You can check them out at my facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.342209722467786.78195.200475933307833&type=3, any of the ones where the mom isn't wearing black is from the show. I told each mom that she could get the photo on my FB page and email me for a nice copy. So far I had one book another date and a lot of new fans. I don't know how much it helped my business but the organizer said she would absolutely have me there for the entire time next time and may have me for some other shows locally.
I wouldn't recommend having your own booth if you are considering this, not enough attention (unless just prego moms at the event). So thanks for all the advice!

I love love love the penguins!

Wow, those are some really nice designs.