The NACADA Commission & Interest Group (CIGD) Fair is an opportunity for conference attendees to visit with each other in an informal setting as well as talk with Commission, Interest Group, and Potential Interest Group Chairs to learn more about their respective unit activities. Typically, the CIGD Fair is held first thing in the morning on the first full day of the conference (not counting the pre-conference workshop day).

DISPLAY BOARDS AND TABLE SETUP:  Display boards are provided to Chairs so they can highlight resources and benefits of their respective units during the Fair. These boards are tri-fold, made of foam core (1/4-inch thick), and are black with no writing. Overall dimensions are 32x40 inches—middle panel is 20 inches wide, two side panels are each 10 inches wide. Having these dimensions may help you to plan the layout and prepare display items ahead of time.  Push pins will be provided for your use in posting your information to the boards, or you can bring a stapler or tape to use, if preferred.

During the CIG Division meeting held before the conference, chairs are informed of the location from which to pick up these display boards. For those Interest Group Chairs and Potential Interest Group Chairs not attending the CIG Division meeting, check at the conference registration desk upon arrival to find out where to pick up your display board.

A table and large overhead sign is provided for each Commission and Interest Group. Potential Interest Groups are also provided tables and signs. Breakfast for conference attendees is usually provided during the Fair in the same room or an adjoining area. Tables will be available for setup about an hour prior to the beginning of the Fair. You are encouraged to stand in front of your table as much as possible to greet people and shake hands, and be sure to introduce yourself right away.

When the Fair is over, please remove any posted items from the boards that you would like to keep. Otherwise, push pins will be removed and the boards and posted materials will be discarded or donated to a local organization. You are welcome to use your display board during your annual commission or interest group meeting. You can either take the board with you after the Fair or make arrangements for it to be stored in the conference registration area until needed for your meeting.  

PHOTOS FROM PAST FAIRS:  Perhaps you could get some ideas for your table by looking at some of the table displays set up by Chairs at previous fairs. Click on the following links to view photos from past CIGD Fairs: 2010 / 2009 / 2008 / 2007 / 2006

DISPLAY SUGGESTIONS:  To assist with preparations for your unit's Fair table, below are suggested items and activities that you may wish to incorporate:

1. Flyer/newsletter highlighting your unit activities, resources, conference events, and web page and/or list serve for all NACADA members to access, plus opportunities for member involvement
2. A handout with the agenda of your unit's annual meeting at conference
3. Books, articles, web sites related to the group's specific topics
4. A notepad for members to jot down potential questions that could be posted to your unit's list serve to generate discussions throughout the year
5. Handout or posting with index of publications or web page links from a variety of institutions with programs that focus on your unit's specific population or focus area. This info could also be posted to your unit's "Resources" web page.
6. Handouts or publications through which institutions could share standard policies and procedures working with the specific population
7. Chairs could invite their commission or IG members to display their institution's publications, or highlight some of the "best practices" in publications from institutions or specific authors.
8. A list of commission-sponsored sessions
9. Sign-up sheets for small dinner groups of commission or interest group members

SIGNUP SHEETS:  Signup sheets will be provided for each table on which members can indicate interest in volunteering to help with activities. Copies of these signup sheets will also be provided for your annual meetings to circulate for additional signees. An updated CIG Division pamphlet will be included in conference registration packets given to all attendees and a few may also be available for reference at your individual tables. 

COMMISSION CHAIRS: The CIGD Fair is an excellent opportunity to recruit members interested in reading proposals submitted during the winter for next year's conference presentations. Nominations for Commission Chair could also be solicited if being elected next spring. For those commissions electing new Chairs, the nominees for that Chair position might also be possible proposal readers.

FAIR FUNDS:  Each Commission and Interest Group is allocated $50 in funds with which to purchase items for the Fair.  You are encouraged to get creative on ways you can "spice up" your tables utilizing this $50 for the Fair.  Leftover handouts could be distributed at your annual meetings. Using this money is one way to demonstrate the need to continue funding our Division budget. Below are spending guidelines and reimbursement procedures for these funds.

SPENDING GUIDELINES FOR THE $50 FAIR FUNDS

1. Suggestions for items that might be purchased with these funds — copies of handouts; table decorations (flowers, etc.); craft supplies (construction paper, marking pens, stickers, etc.); giveaways; shipping costs of sending Fair handouts or materials to the conference site.
2. Items that are not permitted in the room: glitter, confetti, helium balloons
3. It is recommended that these funds not be used for: display boards or push pins (provided by Executive Office); snacks or refreshments (since Fair is held in same room as breakfast for conference attendees).

REIMBURSEMENT PROCEDURES FOR THE $50 FAIR FUNDS

1. Save receipts for Fair-related purchases/expenses.
2. Reimbursement forms on which to submit expenses are given to Chairs at the CIG Division meeting.  Chairs not attending the division meeting can get this form during the Fair or request it via e-mail after the conference.
3. Submit reimbursement form and receipts to Executive Office (either at conference or mail afterwards).
4. Reimbursements will be processed within a few days after returning from the annual conference.

PREPARATION AND STAFFING YOUR FAIR TABLE:  Please keep in mind that it does not necessarily need to be you alone as Commission or Interest Group Chair who prepares for and staffs your Fair table. It is an expectation that all Commissions and Interest Groups participate in the Fair. However, responsibilities in preparation for this event can be delegated by you as Chair. This is a tremendous opportunity to get other members of your unit involved to help you out or take on the project entirely.

QUESTIONS?   If you have any questions about the display boards, spending guidelines, reimbursement procedures, or other Fair information, please contact your CIG Division Representatives or Jenifer Scheibler, the Executive Office Liaison to the CIG Division. Additional details regarding the Fair, CIG Division meeting, and other conference-related activities will be provided to Chairs over the summer.