The National Education Association opened its 146th annual meeting yesterday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. As part of the program, the NEA is offering an accompanying trade show that kicked off yesterday and runs through tomorrow with 235 exhibitors—from Pizza Hut to the Peace Corps—looking to reach the 17,000 expected attendees.
Appealing to the crowd of educators, the exhibitors put up thorough displays of their programs, services, and wares. The usual trade show giveaways (think pens and key chains) were the standard, with a few booths taking the extra step to garner attention. Here's a look at some of the stand-out exhibits.
Appealing to the crowd of educators, the exhibitors put up thorough displays of their programs, services, and wares. The usual trade show giveaways (think pens and key chains) were the standard, with a few booths taking the extra step to garner attention. Here's a look at some of the stand-out exhibits.
The Target display at the National Education Association Expo
Photo: BizBash
Microsoft's circus-style booth at the front of the trade show included free cotton candy and a test of strength.
Photo: BizBash
Bic's beige wood-paneled exhibit displayed the company's products with assorted pens for the taking.
Photo: BizBash
Target's large booth opened with information on the retailer's focus on education.
Photo: BizBash
The second half of Target's space offered weary expo-goers a picnic-style seating area and gift bags filled with a disposable camera and a photo box.
Photo: BizBash
With a "Visions for Tomorrow" theme, the SciFi Channel raffled off packets of 10 videos (including Close Encounters of the Third Kind) and 10 books (such as George Orwell's 1984).
Photo: BizBash
The National Teacher Associates doled out hundreds of gift bags, creating walking advertisements for the group.
Photo: BizBash
A constant crowd hummed around the Pizza Hut booth, which gave away free pizza throughout the show.
Photo: BizBash
The U.S. Green Building Council decked its display with a retro-looking leafy backdrop.
Photo: BizBash
Hyundai's enclosed lounge included white-leather sofas and free Internet stations.
Photo: BizBash
Sanford's open format booth kept the products—Sharpie and Paper Mate—as the focus.
Photo: BizBash
