HANDS-ON DEMONSTRATION IDEAS
EXHIBITOR FAQ
WHERE DO I REGISTER?
You can find registration at tradesday.org. Scroll down to the bottom of the webpage to find the location you would like to attend. Once you click on the location page, you will find a button on the top that says, “School Registration.” This will take you to a Google form for you to fill out.
CAN I ADD OTHER COLLEAGUES TO ATTEND TRADES DAY?
Yes, on the exhibitor needs form, you can identify how many additional participants will be at your booth and their names. On the registration form, please include the primary contact who CIEF should be in contact with for the day of logistics.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT THE TRADES DAY EVENT?
Instructors sign their classes up to attend for a two-hour block of time within the event time. Upon arrival, students will go through a safety talk provided by CIEF staff and presenting sponsors. Following the safety talk, students will enter the exhibit halls. Students are given a digital program link with an exhibitor layout and a “timecard” for you to hole punch as they engage in your booth. Students who visit 60% of the exhibits can enter their timecards into a drawing to win a prize.
IS BEING AN EXHIBITOR INCLUDED IN MY SPONSORSHIP?
Yes, your sponsorship includes being an exhibitor at the event and the sponsorship benefits listed on the event flyer.
ARE TABLES AND CHAIRS PROVIDED?
Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email with an exhibitor needs form link. Please fill out this form and identify how many tables and chairs you request.
IS ELECTRICITY PROVIDED?
Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email with an exhibitor needs form link. Please fill this form out and identify if you need electricity at your booth.
WILL LUNCH BE PROVIDED?
Yes, we provide lunch for exhibitors. Please identify on the exhibitor needs form if you are requesting a boxed lunch for you and your colleagues working the booth. In addition to lunch, we provide coffee and water for exhibitors.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN EXHIBITOR AND A HANDS-ON EXHIBITOR?
We encourage exhibitors to provide a hands-on demonstration for students to engage with. If a company offers a hand on demonstration, we waive the $250 exhibitor fee, which is free to participate.
WHEN CAN I SET MY EXHIBIT UP?
Each trades day location is different, but typically you can set up the day before the event from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. or the morning of the event. CIEF staff will send out an email to let you know the exact times you are available to set up.
MAY I REQUEST OUR COMPANY BOOTH TO BE NEXT TO ANOTHER COMPANY?
Yes, you may indicate this request on your exhibitor needs form. CIEF staff will do what we can to meet your request; however, part of individual sponsorships is premium booth locations, so please keep that in mind if your request is not granted.
DO I NEED TO PROVIDE PPE FOR STUDENTS AT OUR BOOTH?
Please provide the proper PPE to keep the students safe while participating in your exhibit. Students are not asked to bring any PPE.
WHAT ARE THE SOCIAL MEDIA/ADVERTISING BENEFITS INCLUDED WITH MY SPONSORSHIP?
| trades_day_sponsorship_guidelines.pdf |
WHAT DOES THE SIGNAGE LOOK LIKE THAT'S INCLUDED IN MY SPONSORSHIP?
Sponsor Banner will be hung at the venue- dimensions are 216 x 60
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Sponsor Signs- dimensions are 24 x 36
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Digital Student Program
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CAN I REGISTER MORE THAN ONE ATTENDEE TO WORK AT OUR BOOTH?
Yes, on your registration form, please provide the main day of contact information. Upon registration you will receive a link to an exhibitor needs from where you can add additional attendees.
IS THERE A SOCIAL MEDIA TOOL KIT?
Yes! Share you participation by downloading one of our ready-to-post graphics access here.
WHAT IS THE "TOP EXHIBITOR" COMPETITION AT CIEF TRADES DAY AND HOW ARE WINNERS ANNOUNCED?
The Top Exhibitor competition is a new feature at CIEF Trades Day that celebrates exhibitors who create exceptional, student-focused booths. Judges evaluate each booth using a standardized rubric that scores five key areas: student engagement, hands-on activity, educational value, creativity, and professionalism.
Winners are selected based on total scores and judge nominations for top booths. The top exhibitors will be recognized with an award and will also be featured in post-event communications and promotional materials. Participation is optional, and exhibitors can opt out on the exhibitor needs form.
Winners are selected based on total scores and judge nominations for top booths. The top exhibitors will be recognized with an award and will also be featured in post-event communications and promotional materials. Participation is optional, and exhibitors can opt out on the exhibitor needs form.
SCHOOL FAQ
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT THE TRADES DAY EVENT
Instructors sign their classes up to attend for a two-hour block of time within event time. Upon arrival, students will go through a safety talk provided by CIEF staff and presenting sponsors. Following the safety talk, students will enter the exhibit halls. Students are given a “timecard” to get a hole punched as they visit each exhibitor’s booth. Students who see 60% of the exhibits can enter their timecards into a drawing to win a prize
WHERE DO I REGISTER
You can find registration at tradesday.org. Scroll down to the bottom of the webpage to find the location you would like to attend. Once you click on the location page, you will find a button on the top that says, “School Registration.” This will take you to a Google form for you to fill out.
WHAT CONTACT INFORMATION SHOULD I INCLUDE ON THE REGISTRATION
Please include the instructor or individual attending the trades day event with the students. This is important because the day of information email will go out to the email listed on the registration form.
WHY IS IT ASKING ME TO REGISTER FOR A BLOCK OF TIME
Schools register for a two-hour block of time within the event time; this assists with the flow of students coming and going and allows optimal student engagement at each booth.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I REGISTER
About three weeks before the event, you will receive an email from CIEF staff or local partners with a link to a pre-assignment. Please share this pre-assignment with your students. They can win a prize for completing the pre-assignment. The assignment engages students with the company’s websites that will be present at the event.
WILL LUNCH OR SNACKS BE PROVIDED FOR MY STUDENTS
No, we do not provide lunch or snacks for students. You are welcome to have students bring their lunch and find a location at the facility to eat following the event.
WHAT SHOULD MY STUDENTS BRING THE DAY OF THE EVENT
We encourage your students to bring a copy of their resume and visit the Resume Review Exhibit. Here they will have the opportunity to receive feedback on their resumes. A pencil or pen may be helpful for students to bring to fill out student timecards and/or other necessary items at the exhibits. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are mandatory attire.
WHERE SHOULD MY BUS OR VAN PARK?
You will receive an email with parking information and maps a few days before the event. Please share this information with your transportation department.
Starting Your Own Trades Day Event FAQ
WHAT IS A TRADES DAY EVENT?
Trades Day is a hands-on, career-connected learning event designed to introduce students—often high school or community college level—to careers in construction, engineering, architecture, and other skilled trades. The goal is to spark interest, build awareness, and bridge the gap between education and the workforce.
WHO CAN ORGANIZE A TRADES DAY EVENT?
Any organization, nonprofit, educational institution, industry association, or company passionate about workforce development, career exploration, or community engagement can host a Trades Day event.
WHAT ARE THE FIRST STEPS TO PLANNING A TRADES DAY?
1. Form a planning committee with educators, industry professionals, and community leaders.
2. Secure a venue large enough to host exhibitors and accommodate students. This can be a parking lot (about 15,000+ square feet), Expo Room with an adjacent parking lot for outdoor exhibitors. We can be creative with the venue!
3. Begin recruiting industry partners, sponsors, and students. For first year Trades Day a goal could be 300 students to 10-15 hands on exhibitors.
2. Secure a venue large enough to host exhibitors and accommodate students. This can be a parking lot (about 15,000+ square feet), Expo Room with an adjacent parking lot for outdoor exhibitors. We can be creative with the venue!
3. Begin recruiting industry partners, sponsors, and students. For first year Trades Day a goal could be 300 students to 10-15 hands on exhibitors.
HOW MANY EXHIBITORS OR INDUSTRY PARTNERS DO I NEED?
This varies based on your event size and venue. A good rule of thumb is for every 25 students we would want 1 hand on exhibitor. Focus on variety so students can explore a range of careers
WHAT MAKES A TRADES DAY DIFFERENT FROM A TRADITIONAL CAREER FAIR?
Trades Day focuses on interactive, hands-on learning rather than just informational booths. Exhibitors are encouraged to bring tools, equipment, and small projects that allow students to experience what working in their trade is like. Students are required to attend a safety talk before entering the venue to ensure a safe experience.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PLAN A TRADES DAY?
Planning typically starts 6–12 months in advance, depending on the event scale. Early planning helps secure funding, confirm exhibitors, and coordinate with schools and transportation.
HOW DO WE GET STUDENTS TO ATTEND?
Partner directly with local school districts, high schools, career technical education (CTE) programs, and community colleges. Teachers and counselors can help identify interested students and coordinate group attendance. Schools are scheduled to arrive in two-hour time increments. Bags are provided for students to collect swag.
IS THERE A COST TO HOST A TRADES DAY?
Costs vary based on venue, materials, marketing, and staffing needs. Many organizers offset expenses by securing sponsorships, in-kind donations, and exhibitor fees.
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE OR GET GUIDANCE TO START?
We’re here to help! Contact Brittany Albaugh at [email protected] or (214) 241-1090 for resources, planning templates, and to connect with others who have successfully hosted Trades Day events