In the Exhibit Area

• Entertainment (for adults or children) shouldn't steal the show. Place entertainment away from the other exhibits so that it doesn't interfere with conversation or detract from "business" at the other exhibits.

Information for Exhibitors

• Make displays eye-catching and inviting. You want to catch people's attention so they'll stop by. Offer give-aways such as pens, buttons, and stickers for older kids. Pediatricians should have their practice name, address, and phone number on any materials given away, especially on brochures and other literature.

• Staff your exhibit at all times. Always have at least one person at an exhibit to smile and greet passersby, encouraging them to stop. Exhibitors should stand (not sit) and look welcoming. Pediatricians should develop a simplified information sheet to hand out about their practice. (This should be informational, not promotional or self-serving.)

• Don't forget the kids. If children will be attending your health fair, consider having activities for them. Some popular ideas include games, magic acts, puppet shows, clowns, and face painting.

• Does your fair have screening booths? Free screenings are a popular attraction at health fairs because they give people a chance to learn about some aspect of their health on the spot. Common screening booths include cholesterol, vision, posture, and blood pressure.

  Screenings require specific planning and precautions. Some tips:

  • Screening booths may require some privacy.

  • Equipment needs to be accurate and well-calibrated. Make sure it's set up properly and well-secured.

  • Someone should be on hand to have attendees fill out any paperwork.

  • Screeners should be well-qualified to conduct the screenings, read and interpret the results, explain the results so that they're understood, and answer any questions that those who have been screened might have.

  • People can get discouraged if screening results don't reflect their health efforts. Screeners should reassure them that positive health efforts may be rewarded in ways not reflected by the particular screening. Screeners should explain to people that screenings are not diagnostic.

  • Follow-up is crucial for people with abnormal screening results. Individuals must be encouraged to obtain a definite diagnosis and to follow prescribed treatment.

  Exhibitors should consider, when approached by a promoter:

  • Is a deposit required? If so, is it refundable?

  • Before you hand over a deposit of any kind, make sure the promoter is competent, honest, professional, and legitimate.

  • Contact physician groups who have participated in past health fairs the promoter has held to gauge their level of satisfaction.

  • If the promoter organizes a fair poorly or overlooks some important details, participants will focus blame on the most visible villains -- the exhibitors.

  • Who is the health fair's targeted audience? Who else is participating? (You could be stationed next to a whirlpool manufacturer!) Make sure your exhibit isn't next to a competing practice.

  • How will the fair be promoted?

  • Read the small print of the contract!!!

  • What will your booth look like? Where will it be located? Do you have to set up the booth? How much will booth space cost? What about equipment, carpeting, plants, etc. Will your booth be insured? What does insurance cover?

  • Will refreshments, transportation, etc., be provided or offered to attendees?