Career Exploration Showcase - Exhibitors FAQ

Career Exploration Showcase - Exhibitors FAQ

What are the show dates and times?

EXHIBITORS AND EXHIBITS MUST BE PRESENT FOR BOTH DAYS OF THE CAREER EXPLORATION SHOWCASE

Date Hours Details
Monday, May 1, 2023        9:00am - 3:30pm         
Tuesday, May 2, 2023 9:00am - 3:30pm Exhibitors must NOT dismantle their booth before 3:30pm*

 

How do I register?

Follow the link on the skillsontario.com/career-exploration-showcase--exhibitors/ page.

Registration Opens: October 2022

For information on sponsorship visit our website at http://www.skillsontario.com/donate-2

 

Deadline for booth registrations: Friday, March 31, 2023

For information on sponsorship visit our website at http://www.skillsontario.com/donate-2

 

How much does it cost for a booth?

 

Early Bird (On or Before January 2, 2023) $1,350 per booth

Regular Rate (January 3, 2023 - March 3, 2023) $1,650 per booth

Late Reg. Rate (March 4, 2023 - March 31, 2023) $2,000 per booth

 

Can I register for more than one booth?

Sponsors - Yes, as a benefit of sponsorship you may register for multiple booth spaces. Please refer to your sponsorship agreement, or contact Caitlin Vollum at cvollum@skillsontario.com for details.

Due to the increased demand for booth space by Skills Ontario Sponsors, we will be reserving spaces for sponsors only.

For information on sponsorship visit our website at http://www.skillsontario.com/donate-2

 

Can my booths be in different locations?

Yes. To discuss locations and booth divisions, please contact Caitlin Vollum at cvollum@skillsontario.com for details.

 

Can I choose my booth location?

Yes. Booth locations can be requested and requests are prioritized based on sponsorship level.  Booth spaces fill up quickly, so if you have a specific location in mind, it is important that you make your request as early as possible, to avoid being disappointed. If you would like to request a specific booth location, please contact Caitlin Vollum at cvollum@skillsontario.com.

 

What is the process if I want to bring in heavy equipment?

All heavy equipment must be CSA approved and have proof of approval present or it will not be hooked up.
If heavy equipment must be driven into your space to be dropped off, times must be arranged with Caitlin Vollum prior to March 31, 2023.

 

All installations and connections to be made to the building’s sources of water and/or all connections with drains, must be made by and authorized by Skills Ontario. All requests must be submitted with documentation regarding preferred locations, specifications and any special requirements, and will be subject to additional charges pending approval by Skills Ontario.  

 

All additional utilities including water hook-up, additional electrical requests, and compressed air will be at the expense of the exhibitor. 

 

All heavy materials must arrive on Friday, April 28, 2023, unless otherwise specified. If delivery is delayed, we cannot guarantee any heavy materials arriving after noon on Friday, April 28, 2023 will be transported to your booth, unless arranged in advance with Skills Ontario.

 

Will lunch be provided?

No. For more information on food options please click HERE.

 

Do I have to pay for parking?

No. There is no payment required for parking, but parking lots reach capacity early in the day. Be prepared to walk to the building, and in case of inclement weather, bring the necessary umbrellas, ponchos, etc.

 

Can I leave my trailer in the parking lots?

Parking for large trucks and trailers will be permitted in the specified locations of the Toronto Congress Centre parking lots. 

 

 

Are any hotel rooms blocked off for exhibitors? What hotels are close to the Toronto Congress Centre?

All exhibitors are responsible for making their own reservations directly with the hotel of their choice.
Be sure to reserve your room early! No rooms are blocked off for Career Exploration Showcase Exhibitors at any area hotels. Rooms fill up quickly as over 2,200 competitors, advisors, and volunteers are traveling to the Toronto area for the Skills Ontario Competition and Career Exploration Showcase.

Please see the 2023 hotel list HERE. 

 

Where is the Toronto Congress Centre?

Toronto Congress Centre 

650 Dixon Rd                                                                                                                                                                    

Toronto, ON, M9W 1J1 

 

How many visitors do you expect to attend?

In 2019 we reached over 37,000 visitors over the two day Career Exploration Showcase. 

 

Who attends the Career Exploration Showcase?

85% of our visitors are:

  • Intermediate school students (grades 7-8)
  • Secondary school students (Grades 10 – 12)
  • Academic advisors/Guidance counsellors
  • Teachers and School Board Staff
  • Parents

15% of our visitors are:

  • College students
  • Competitors from the Ontario Technological Skills Competition
  • Career counsellors
  • Adults looking for a career change/training and educational programs
  • The general public

 

What kind of marketing do you engage in to draw visitors?

The success of our events lies in the marketing campaign that we undertake each year:

  •  News releases/Public service announcements
  •  Invitation to visit in all of our In School Presentations, reaching over 100,000 students per year
  •  Radio and television advertisements
  •  Editorials and advertisements in local newspapers
  •  Direct email marketing to public and Catholic schools in Ontario
  •  Poster campaign in high schools and colleges
  •  Event listings and community calendars
  •  Social networks
  •  Advertising with local associations/organizations that promote educational and employment opportunities