There are many ways you can setup for your fair. You can have the entire event in one building, if you have adequate electricity and Internet hookups. You can have a display area in one place or in classrooms, and the awards ceremony in another area.

My school has chosen to have a display-only area in the cafeteria, and require participants to make boards with hard copies of parts of their projects. All students will be invited to display in this part of the fair.

We will have a set of computers hooked up in stations in our multi-purpose room so that students can give live demonstrations of their projects. Our awards ceremony will also be held in our multi-purpose room. This is the same place we hold PTA meetings, so space is readily available, and chairs are handy for setting up there.

Be sure that you have appropriate tables, sound system, chairs, and computers for your displays. If you (or a sponsor) provide the computers, be sure that all required software is pre-loaded. A common list of software and plug-ins is:  Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Kidspiration, Inspiration, KidPix, Picture viewers, Flash, QuickTime, Adobe Reader, a media player, Shockwave. You may need to install other software based on needs. Students should be required to submit a list of needed software prior to the tech fair, so you can be sure this is done.

Part of setup is making a list of table assignments and judging areas. These should be clearly marked. Also, post signs with directions to bathrooms and other display areas, especially if you use multiple rooms or buildings. Post schedules for the events of the tech fair so that people can be where they need to be at the right times.

Post a sign outside your school or facility to direct traffic, especially buses. Be sure you have provided adequate parking for all attendees. Someone will need to be posted outside at all times to help direct traffic flow. People also need to be posted at all entrance/exit doors to help direct foot traffic and cut down on confusion.

If you are offering refreshments or lunch, be sure you have signs with prices posted, and trash cans ready. You will need workers for this part of the fair, as well as custodial staff on hand. These could be volunteers, or you can find funds to pay someone to do it. It's always much easier to clean as you go, and not have a huge mess to deal with at the end of the day.

Be sure to clean up after the event and leave the facilities exactly as you found them.  Put chairs and tables away, sweep the floors, and take all signs down. You may need to use the same rooms again next year! :)

Home        Email      Wacona Elementary School

These pages created by Lori Miller, copyright 2004.

Last updated May 24, 2007.

Home        Email      Wacona Elementary School

These pages created by Lori Miller, copyright 2004.

Last updated May 24, 2007.