Tradeshow Format/Instructions (Example)
These instructions are an example of the kinds of things your community team may want to consider as you decide how to structure the tradeshow, should you choose that as an additional competition element. It should be adapted as desired to fit your needs.
Student Instructions
The tradeshow is a 90-minute event where you will have the opportunity to pitch your business or product to a panel of judges. The judges will visit each student or team to evaluate your business idea, display, and your ability to discuss your business idea and answer questions.
Process
- Beginning at 8:30 AM, students will be allowed to set up their tradeshow booths. Booths must be finished and students ready to begin answering questions by 9:30 AM.
- Judges will have 4-6 minutes to listen to student share the highlights of their business plan and business or product idea, including time to provide samples or handouts, and ask questions
- Judges will visit students for 90-minutes. If you are not at your booth when the judges visit, you will be disqualified*.
- Non-participating students and community members might also be invited to the tradeshow, and you should be at your booth, ready to network and share with all those in attendance
*Unless you are presenting your elevator pitch at that time
Judging
Judging will reflect a business’s performance in the following categories:
- Business Overview:
- What is it, who occupies key roles (management/operations), what is your experience, what legal structure will you use, etc.
- Business Description:
- What product or service will you provide, where will your business exist, when will it happen, what funds will you need, etc.
- Marketing:
- Market research including target market, is the market big enough to matter, how will you reach your market, potential growth, who is your competition, what promotion and advertising will you use, how did you choose your pricing strategy
- Financials:
- Project financial requirements, cash flow, projected income, etc.
- Presentation:
- Poise, confidence, comprehension, ability to answer judges’ questions, proper attire for a business presentation, captures attention, is within time limits, etc.
- Booth Display:
- Creative, neat, easy-to-understand, relates to your business, engages judges, etc.
- Investable: Is it an idea that, based on the judges’ experience, makes them interested in investing in your company?
