Hub

The Hub

The “Hub" that launched as a new Expo format for the 2022 conference is BACK! 

The Hub allows for more engagement, networking, the place for impromptu meetings, tabletop exhibits and full exhibit booths, micro-learning, Poster Sessions and Showcases -- in the heart of the conference hotel, convenient for the attendees! There were over 25 exhibitors at the 2022 Conference, this is your chance to engage with the attendees this year!

Exhibits provide an opportunity for YOU to showcase your organization, resources and products as they apply to the FCS world. AAFCS Communities, Affiliates, partners, and other organizations are invited to participate and reserve exhibit space. The Hub is open Saturday, June 24 through Monday, June 26^th. The 2023 conference offers traditional exhibit space without the pipe and drape display. The open concept allows for more visibility and more engagement! Exhibitors receive a discounted registration ($200)! 

If you have questions that you cannot find the answers on this page and are interested in participating in the "Hub" at the 2023 conference, please email annualconf@aafcs.org for more information. And don't forget to SAVE THE DATE for the 2024 conference!

Exhibitor Reservation and Other Details 

Exhibit Options (all 3 days: June 24, 25 & 26):

• Tabletop Exhibit: You may reserve one or more 6' table(s) and 2 chairs ($250 per table).
• Full Exhibit Booth: You may reserve a 10' x 10' full exhibit space with two 6' tables and 2 chairs each table ($1,000 per booth).

Please NOTE: 

• Traditional exhibit space without the pipe and drape display.

• There is no cost for AAFCS Affiliates or AAFCS Professional Communities unless you are selling products.

• Two AAFCS Affiliates or AAFCS Professional Communities may share one tabletop exhibit.

• Small business owners may also participate, and per Maryland law, all exhibitors who are selling products must file a sales tax form.

When You Have Reserved Exhibit Space:

Exhibitors will receive:

- A confirmation of your reservation from AAFCS, and for non-AAFCS Communities and Groups: invoice (E-Z pay link to pay for the exhibit space as payment deadline: May 31^st);
- The MyAAFCS registration link for each exhibitor representative to register ($200 per representative) at the discounted rate. Registration also includes general sessions, educational sessions and open events in the Hub and Atrium. Please note the registration deadlines;
- All exhibitors will be listed in the conference website, mobile app and program;
- Inclusion in the slides shown at the opening General Session;
- OPTIONAL: access to the conference Wifi and AAFCS mobile app; and
- An Information Packet with the tabletop/full exhibit booth assignment from AAFCS prior to on-site arrival.

Need to Know Exhibit Information:

• Location: Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor, Constellation C-F (2^nd Flr)
• Hours of Operation: the Hub is open on the following days and hours as listed in the Schedule:

            Saturday, June 24^th: 11:00am – 3:15pm
            Sunday, June 25^th: 11:15am – 3:10pm
            Monday, June 26^th: 11:00am – 3:10pm

             - Exhibitors set up time on opening day, Saturday, June 24: 7:30am – 10:30am
             - Doors will open for exhibitors, June 25 & 26: 10:20am.
             - Exhibitors daily tear-down, June 24-26: 3:20pm – 4:00pm (doors will be locked until the next Hub open)
             - Hub exhibitor area must be clear by June 26, 5:00pm. Doors will be locked.

• On-site registration check-in is at the conference Registration Desk (Constellation Ballroom Foyer, 2nd Floor). Exhibitors are expected to wear their conference name badge in all conference areas including the Hub. Exhibitor check-in at the Hub details will be forthcoming in your Exhibitor Packet email in June.
• Discounts are not available for exhibits that are open limited hours.
• Please be aware that regulations do not permit electrical appliances or unpackaged food to be brought into the hotel.
  
• AAFCS asks that you have someone staff your exhibit(s) during the Hub’s hours of operation. Security for your products is your responsibility during open hours, please arrange for continuous staffing for your space each day during the hours of operation. If you will not be available for the entire day and leave merchandise on the table, AAFCS will not be responsible for any missing or damaged merchandise. AAFCS is unable to accommodate any storage needs.
• Priority space will be assigned to 10' x 10' exhibit reservations.
  
• Follow us on social media and share about your exhibit (download optional: AAFCS exhibitor graphic)!

• REMINDERS: 

  Exhibitors must pay for the exhibit space (payment deadline: May 31^st) AND register each exhibitor representative. As an eligible exhibitor, the Registration Rate is $200 per representative. Please note the registration and payment details.
  
  Exhibitors will receive an Information Packet with the tabletop/full exhibit booth assignment from AAFCS prior to on-site arrival.
  

Participating Exhibitors

- AAFCS Community of Building Leadership Capacity
- AAFCS Community of Elementary, Secondary and Adult Education
- AAFCS - ELEVATE FCS
- AAFCS General Sessions Speaker Table: Elizabeth Kinney (Procter & Gamble), Jill Notini (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers)
- AAFCS Journals: JFCS and FCSRJ
- AAFCS Student Unit (View Student Service Project)
- AFSA Education Foundation
- Advancing Connections Inc.
- Annual Conference Local Advisory Committee (ACLAC, Maryland)
- Colorado Affiliate
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Disaster Assistance Partnerships (DAP) 
- Edible Education
- Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
- G-W Publisher
- IFHE-US
- Market Actives, LLC
- MN Association of Family and Consumer Science (2024 ACLAC)
- National Coalition for Black Development in Family and Consumer Sciences
- National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS)
- National Partnership to Recruit, Prepare, and Support FCS Educators
- Realityworks
- Taking It to the Streets
- Texas Tech University Family and Consumer Sciences Education
- University of Central Arkansas