FAQ for Exhibitors
I need Wi-Fi and/or electricity for my career station. How do I arrange that?
The Kerr Scott Building provides Wi-Fi access to all exhibitors. If you need electricity for your career station, please indicate this on your registration form.
When should I set up my booth?
Exhibitors can set up their career stations from 3-5 pm on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 OR from 6:30 - 8:30 am on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. There will be a check in table at the main entrance. All exhibitors will be given a floor plan at check in. For info about large vehicles and equipment, see below.
I will be bringing a large vehicle and/or equipment and may need additional set-up time. When can I arrive?
If your company is interested in bringing a vehicle as part of your career station, please reach out to Kathryn Myers at kathryn@jaoenc.org for more details.
What are the student arrival and departure schedules?
Buses will begin to arrive at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds at 8:45 am and thereafter in 25 minute intervals, until approximately 12:05 pm. The final group of students will depart at 1:45 pm.
What time should I arrive at the JA Inspire Career Exploration Fair?
Exhibitor check-in begins at 6:30 am on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Please arrive and have your career station ready for students no later than 8:30 am. If your company chooses to have representatives staff your career station in shifts, we ask that your employees check in with JA staff upon arrival and then proceed directly to their booth. Floor maps will be available at the check-in area.
When can I break down my booth?
To ensure all students experience the career exploration fair to the fullest, please do not break down any earlier than 1:45 pm when ALL students have left the Kerr Scott Building on Wednesday, February 19. An announcement by JA Staff will be made as to when breakdown can begin.
What is JA providing for refreshments?
JA will provide breakfast items such as muffins, bagels, pastries, fruit, coffee, and water for all Exhibitors and Volunteers.
Lunch will be available for Exhibitors and Volunteers during an assigned 30-minute break.
Refreshments will be located upstairs in the Kerr Scott Building.
The registration packet states that my organization needs a hands-on activity for students. Can you give me an example?
Activities are specific to the exhibitor but should provide young people with the opportunity to look, touch, and feel what it means to work for your company or study at your school. You can bring equipment or tools for students to try out, have students make something they can take home with them, put together a game to play, or have a demonstration with your staff.
If you need ideas for activities, please join us for one of our virtual exhibitor information sessions or reach out to Patience Wells, Programs Coordinator, at patience@jaoenc.org or 919-821-2100 ext. 1003. When our staff contacts you regarding your hands-on activity, please free to ask them any questions or offer suggestions of what you have in mind.
Can I bring giveaways for the students?
Yes! It is always great for students to have something to take away with them. We ask that you do not bring stickers, sunglasses, or anything sharp for safety and cleanup of the floors.
There will be close to 500 students during this event. Not every student will visit your booth, but please be aware that you will need a large amount of items. Additionally, giveaways should only be for students who participated in your activity or asked questions.
As an exhibitor, what should I know as I engage the students?
Upon arriving at the Kerr Scott Building, students will be welcomed, given their first passport stamp, and escorted into the JA Inspire Career Fair. Students will have 20 minutes to interact with exhibitors in each of the four event zones.
Students have been prepped to make eye contact, shake hands, and introduce themselves. Students are encouraged to engage with Exhibitors by asking questions, taking notes, and participating in hands-on activities.
What are some of the questions students might ask me?
Some questions may include:
• What kind of skills do I need to work at your business?
- soft skills -- teamwork, responsibility, initiative, leadership
- technical skills -- math, information technology, etc.
• Are there any educational requirements for the job? (diploma, degree, certifications/trainings, etc.)
• How much money do you make?
- Offer a salary or hourly range for someone starting out.
Is there anything else I need to do with the students who participate at my exhibit?
Each Exhibitor career station will be given a craft hole puncher, which will be used to mark the corresponding industry on the each student’s passport. Students need to be engaged in order to have their passport marked.
Where do I park?
Exhibitors will park in a designated lot next to the Kerr Scott Building at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds.
Who do I contact with additional questions?
For questions regarding exhibiting, please contact Patience Wells, Programs Coordinator, at patience@jaoenc.org or 919-821-2100 ext. 1003.