Exhibitor Information

Who can answer questions not addressed on this page?

General
Penni Ryan, exhibitor manager, 319-335-7166
George McCrory, site/volunteer manager, 319-384-0012

Audio-visual/graphics
Diana Brayton, 319-335-2551

Technology/Computer
University Bookstore

What is the purpose of the “exhibitor” initiative?
The University of Iowa is emphasizing increased awareness of the public engagement activities of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, departments and programs. The Iowa State Fair offers an ideal venue for this initiative as it provides exposure to all Iowans. Our opportunity and challenge is to showcase programs and people from the university that will connect Iowan’s to their university.

How many exhibits will be selected and when will they run during the fair?
We will select UI programs to be on exhibit during the State Fair. One program will be on exhibit each of the 11 days, August 7-17, 2008.

Where is the UI booth at the State Fair?
The UI booth is located in the southwest corner of the air-conditioned Varied Industries Building on the State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. For a map and information showing how to get to the fairgrounds, click here. For a map of the fairgrounds, including the Varied Industries Building, click here.

What criteria should be used when considering proposals?
Is it Interactive?
Is it visual?
Does it engage audience members?
Does it showcase partnership with Iowans or for Iowans?
Does it tell an interesting story about the University that would interest Iowans?

Who is the target audience for the exhibits?
Alumni of the University of Iowa, current and prospective students of the University of Iowa, parents and family of current and prospective students, Hawkeye athletics fans, children and general fairgoers – booth “passersby.”

How many people will pass through the UI booth?
Approximately a million people attended the 2007 Iowa State Fair. The University of Iowa booth is in the Varied Industries Building, a high traffic area at the fair. It is safe to say that more than 400,000 will be exposed to the UI booth during the 11-day run, although exact figures are impossible to project.

How many people with the exhibitors interact with during their time slots?
This certainly depends on the day and weather. For example, weekends have a higher attendance than weekdays, while rainy weather keeps fair goers away, but hot, hot weather brings them inside to the air-conditioned Varied Industries Building.  Past exhibitors have estimated that they will have direct interaction with 500-800 people during their five-hour exhibit.  

What type of interaction should we anticipate?
Most interaction will vary between the curious (30 seconds) to the inquisitive
(3-5 minutes). Since it’s the fair, don’t expect lengthy interaction with everyone. Most will peek into see what you are doing as they pass by the booth. Others will stop to see what you’re doing and glance at the visual materials you have on display. This is where interactive engagement is most helpful in you effort to captivate the audience.  It’s always good to play to the curiosity of the children, as parents will stop when their kids are entertained.

Are the exhibits the only features within the UI State Fair booth?
No. The Hawk Shop, Athletics Hall of Fame, Admissions and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics all have prominent space within the booth. In fact, more than 40,000 people will stop in to pick up Hawkeye football posters and as many will get the requisite state fair Hawkeye temporary tattoo. The exhibitors’ space offers a unique way for other departments and programs to be represented at the fair in a way that is most appropriate to budget and staff limitations.

How much space do exhibitors have to work with?
The exhibitors' area is about 8' x10'. For a layout of the UI State Fair exhibit and the presentation area, click here.

Is there multi-media accessibility within the exhibit area?
Yes.  Internet access is available in the booth.  Last year each connection was 384K download and there was a dedicated IP number for each dataport. We expect the same capabilities this year.  Additionally, we will have a display monitor linked to a dedicated computer that has standard presentation needs (PowerPoint, DVD player, etc.). Special programs can installed as needed.

Are there any restrictions on prizes or give-aways?
Stickers and balloons are prohibited, but otherwise feel free to hand out any freebies you’d like.

Is there any funding available to exhibitors?
The State Fair Committee will pay for entrance tickets and parking for all exhibitors, but other costs associated with your exhibit—including printing, photography, travel, meals, etc.—are your responsibility. In some cases deans or department chairs may be able to provide financial support.

Is there support for creating visual display materials?
The UI AV Center (http://www.uiowa.edu/~avcenter/) and Creative Media Group (http://www.medicine.uiowa.edu/creative/) are both excellent resources for creating high quality visual images and storyboards for display purposes.  Also, contact you collegiate external relations director who may be able to offer additional resources of support.

Will there be an orientation after exhibitors have been selected?
Yes.  Exhibitors will be invited to attend an orientation after selection and before you begin creating exhibit materials.  The orientation will offer an opportunity to view the exhibit space, see examples of past exhibitors, discuss ideas with state fair committee members and hear best practices from past exhibitors.