Marketing Best Practices: Guidelines for Exhibitors at an Education Abroad Fair

The Education Abroad Marketing Practices Subcommittee has created these guidelines to assist program representatives and other exhibitors at an education abroad fair to meet expectations of both the hosting institution and the campus community attending the fair. The subcommittee has also produced guidelines for institutions hosting education abroad fairs and for program providers visiting campuses outside an organized fair.

• Communicate directly with the designated contact person at each campus to indicate preliminary interest in participation.
• Respect an institution's invitation policy: if the fair is designated as "invitation only" do not contact the university at the last minute and ask to attend or go to campus on the day; ask well in advance if there is a review process and how you could potentially participate.
• Pay applicable non-refundable participation fee by the deadline indicated by each institution's sponsor.
• Make any special requests for table location and size, additional meeting areas, extra display space, audio-visual equipment, etc. in advance.
• Become familiar with the study/work/travel abroad resources and services before the fair, and make appropriate referrals.
• Check for campus deadlines or guidelines to which students must adhere.
• Review campus financial aid policies and procedures.
• Inform contact people at each campus about students' expression of intent to participate in programs following the fair or at time of application.
• Keep in mind that the purpose of the fair is to provide information about study/work/travel abroad options, resources, and services; these are not commercial fairs. Your role is that of an adviser about your program, and you are providing information to students for whom your program is genuinely appropriate.
• Maintain professional standards in presenting information about one's own program or institution; always provide accurate and relevant information about your program.
• Display respectful behavior toward representatives of other programs and institutions.
• Become familiar with the campus' own programs so you can refer students when appropriate.
• Refer students you might not be able to assist to other programs as appropriate to the campus policies.
• Coordinate contact with faculty or others on campus through the study abroad office.