Exhibitor Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What is the purpose of the event?

Career Expo 2009 is for young people to explore careers by speaking with professionals currently working in business and industry. Young people may read about a career or have some first hand knowledge (for instance when they go to a doctor’s office) but it is only from one point of view. This event hopes to provide students with a more comprehensive view of what specific careers involve so they can make informed career choices.

Who will be attending the event?

Attendees will be high school students, some of whom will attend with their parents from High School Districts 211, 214 and 220 and Harper College. These school districts are located in northwest suburban Chicago. In the past approximately 1500 people have attended the event although students will only visit tables for which they have an interest.

What is the format of the event?

There will be approximately 100 participants representing a wide variety of career fields. Each participant has been assigned to one of the following career clusters:

·      Arts and Communications

·      Business, Management and Computer Technology

·      Engineering and Industrial Technology

·      Health Services

·      Human Services

·      Natural Resources

Each participant will have a six-foot table to display any materials brought to the event. The exhibitors are asked to stay behind the table when they speak with the students so as to avoid congestion in the aisles.

What time do I need to arrive?

You are asked to arrive at 6:00 p.m. or shortly thereafter. You will need time to check in and set up your table. We will also provide a light dinner as we know many exhibitors will be coming directly from work and may not have time for dinner on their own. You  are asked to have your table set up and be ready to talk with attendees by 6:50 p.m.

Where is the event being held?

Career Expo 2009 is being held in the Activity Center of Willow Creek Community Church. The address is 67 E. Algonquin Road, South Barrington, which is at the corner of Barrington and Algonquin Roads. This is a very large complex of buildings and the Activity Center, which is indicated, as Entrance F is located in the building furthest west on the campus. There are entrances to the complex from both Algonquin Road and Barrington Road. Signage and parking attendants will be in the parking lots throughout the campus to direct participants to the correct location. Click on the links to the maps and directions on the Career Expo web site for more information.

What type of questions might students ask me?

Students will have a wide variety of questions about your career field. In the Event Book given to them when they arrive at the event, there are examples of questions to ask exhibitors. The following questions are the ones provided:

• What are the educational requirements for this job?
• What personal characteristics are required for someone to be successful in your career?
• Describe how you spend your time during a typical workday or workweek.
• What do you find most rewarding about your job?  The most frustrating?
• Have any recent changes affected your job? What changes can you foresee in the future?
• What kind of education, training or other preparation do you need to get into your career?
• How does the company measure the performance and productivity of employees?
• In what way does the company encourage employees to continue their education and training related to their jobs?
• What role do “teams” have in your company or profession’s operation and structure?  Is it sometimes difficult to be part of the “team”?  If so, what can you do about it?
• What advice do you have for someone who wants to get into this career?
• How did you get into this career?

May I bring a computer or other audiovisual technology?

Yes, you are encouraged to bring whatever you like to provide students with a visual image of a career field. However, there will not be any electrical outlets available so all computers and other audiovisual technology must be battery operated. There will also not be any screens or wall space available for projection devices.

Do I have to pay to participate in this event?

No, there is not a charge for either the exhibitor or attendees to participate in this event. It is sponsored by the Northwest Suburban Education to Careers Partnership and High School Districts 211, 214 and 220 and Harper College. We are grateful for your willingness to provide this community service to our young people.

Can I bring an associate with me to the event?

Yes, you are welcome to bring another person with you. However, space is limited so we ask no more than two people represent each career field.

A few additional reminders:

• Exhibitors are asked to refrain from selling any items at the event.
• Exhibitors may provide educational information in the form of pamphlets or flyers about their careers to interested students.
• Exhibitors are asked to refrain from asking students and parents for any personal information to be used in any commercial manner after the event.
• This event is not a job fair and therefore, no hiring is allowed.