Event Logistics Guide
EXHIBITORS
The goal of a community–wide
VERB Activity Zone is to expose
tweens to fun and "cool" physical
activities that are available in
their communities. When considering
exhibitors, look for those
that offer physical activities specifically
for tweens or that include
in their program or curriculum,
physical activities in which tweens
could become involved.
Activity Categories
Invite a broad range of organizations
to exhibit. Include activities
that are relevant for ages ranging
from 9 to 13 or slightly above, for
girls and boys, and for various
skill levels. The types of organizations
that you might contact
include:
- team sports — national
organizations such as National
Little League, U.S. Tennis
Association, and the American
Youth Soccer Association;
church and community center
leagues, junior varsity school
teams
- studio–based classes — dance,
martial arts, gymnastics, etc.
- activity clubs — golf, jump
rope, hiking, bicycling,
skateboarding, etc.
- summer camps — National
Recreation and Park
Association, YMCA, YWCA, etc.
- local businesses — bowling
alleys, ice skating rinks, etc.
Any type of youth–serving organization
that may be able to set up
some type of demonstration or
provide an opportunity for youth
to participate, can be contacted.
Many parents perceive barriers to
registering their children in organized
activities. They may only
think of the school sports teams
and may not know about other
options. They may think that
classes and clubs are far away
from home, making transportation
a burden. They may have
concerns about the costs of clubs
or classes. Therefore, it is important
that the community–wide
VERB Activity Zone event feature
clubs, classes, and programs that
are near the neighborhood from
which the attendees will come
and that offer a variety of price
ranges. This may ease concerns
about transportation and cost.
Cost to Exhibitors
There are some costs involved in
producing a community–wide
event: renting the facility; security
and insurance; renting tents,
tables and chairs as needed;
electrical generator rental, etc.
Before inviting organizations to
exhibit, estimate the cost. Solicit
a sponsor to cover the costs or
establish an exhibitor fee which
would cover the costs.
Inviting Exhibitors
When inviting organizations to
exhibit at the community–wide
VERB Activity Zone event, include
the following "talking points" in
your discussion:
- Physical activity can improve
the health of tweens and
potentially decrease risky
behaviors.
- The community–wide event is
an opportunity to expose
tweens — and their parents — to
fun and cool activity ideas in
the community.
- Participating in the VERB
Activity Zone event is an
opportunity for you to increase
your visibility, membership,
enrollment, or attendance.
- You have a chance to create an
active environment that
showcases your tweenoriented
physical activity
services and programs.
Provide the following directions
and guidance to your exhibitors:
- Provide a physical activity
demonstration and/or
opportunity for kids to do the
activity.
- Offer small prizes to reward
tweens' trial of physical activity
at their booth. (See Prizes)
- Contribute a larger prize to an
overall drawing at the event.
- Distribute materials about the
organization, club, team, or
program.
- Provide a sign–up sheet for
parents to request additional
information.
- Schedule three to five staff or
volunteers to supervise the
activity station and answer
questions.
Page last reviewed: August 1, 2007
Page last modified: August 1, 2007
Content source: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention
and Health Promotion, Division of Adolescent and School Health |
