Elementary

Table

Hosting a booth at a career fair can be an effective way to engage students (and parents) to learn more about careers in cybersecurity, but only if you can persuade them to visit your table. Creative displays that are innovative yet substantial will entice attendees to stop. Encourage them to spend more than a minute at your booth -- and perhaps learn more about your program or company-- with a well-planned booth display.

Confirm the Audience

Confirm with the event sponsors the audience logistics. What is the audience age group? How many students will be attending? Will students rotate through informally or formally? Will students be accompanied by parents? The answer to these questions will determine the format and materials you need for your display.

Confirm the Display Logistics
Ask the event sponsors for the display size and specifics. K-12 events typically come in two flavors; classrooms organized by theme or entire event held in the cafeteria or media center. If themes, you will be assigned a room with several other organizations based on topic (medical, financial, technology). Cyber security typically falls under the technology theme. Six foot fold out tables are the norm for the displays. Table clothes are usually NOT provided. Typically small pull up banners are allowed but not large display cases. Electrical outlets may be hard to find. Ask that your table be placed near an outlet if you need and bring long extension cords. Internet access is usually NOT provided; if you need access make arrangements for an access point of your own.

Display poster or name recognition is usually not provided; make sure you bring a table cloth with name display or some other means to display who you are. Don’t assume you can tape signs up on wall. This is typically not allowed.

Inquire about the following:

• Are table clothes provided?
• Can we use display or pull up banners?
• Are electric outlets available?
• Is Internet access provided?

Typical table supplied by K-12 groups	Include table cloth and organizational banner	Include pull up	Include Posters on easels

Offer Icebreakers
Students may feel shy and reluctant to approach your table, so display some fun items to act as conversation starters. Along with brochures and other handouts regarding your organization or institution, consider passing out candy (no nuts or peanuts) or party favors. Better yet, offer gifts that are entertaining or useful and also include information about the group you are representing.

For example, wrap water bottles with custom labels printed with your organization information or give out promotional gifts with your logo. Find give-aways that connect with Cyber security. Below are a few possibilities.

BandAid Dispenser	Mirror and Clip for Computer Monitor	Measuring Tape	Whistle/Light
Description theme: Cyber safety, ethics and security: Everyone’s Responsibility	Description theme: Are you secure?	Description theme: Cyber Awareness. How do you measure up?	Description theme: Be safe and secure
Notepads	Sticky Note Pad	Pens or pencils	Message Pen
Description theme: Need to know tips	Description theme: C3	Description theme: C3	Description theme: C3
Mini Desk Organizer	Pom Poms	Sanitizer	CW Notebook
Description theme: Organize for Good C3 Habits	Description theme: Think before you post!	Description theme: Clean up your C3 Habits	Description theme: Organize for Career Options

Make It Exciting

The table display needs to be exciting to look at. A three way display board can draw attention. Use display holders to organize brochures and other paperwork. Easels with posters or posters with T-shirts can also attract attention. You should also include hands-on interactive activities (see next section).

Description: Picture of display board	Description: Picture of different display organizers	Description: Estas a Salvo?	Description: Cool Careers T-Shirt/Poster
Description: T-Shirt	Description: T-Shirt	Description: Laptop display	Description: Which letter next?
Description: What do these things have in common?	Description: Pigpen poster	Description: Flag poster. Also great to have flags for students to try out messaging.	Description: Human Error Poster
Description: 3D posters	Description: Mugged Poster	Description: Password Change Poster	Description: Password Lying About Poster
Description: Password Sharing Poster	Description: Zombie Poster	Description: 3D posters	Description: 3D posters

Handouts

Include handouts that discuss the topic and marketing material for your organization. Below are a few crowd favorites.

Elem-high	Elem-high	Elem-high
Thumbnail of wheel
Description: Explores Cyber Security Careers, using the NICE framework	Description: Tips on the values of security clearances.	Description: Visual display of career options
Description: Degree and certification pathways	Description: Career options and brief descriptions	Description: Cyber security and protection

Make It Interactive

A hands-on display that students and parents can explore on their own will pique their curiosity. Or you can include a game or task that needs to be solved; perhaps leading to a give-away prize. Make sure you can explain how each relates to broad field of cyber security and to the group or organization you are representing.