EXHIBITING AT THE 2024 STEAM EXPO

About the STEAM Expo

The LigerBots host a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) expo that is free and open to the public every year that we host the Massachusetts-East State Championship FIRST LEGO League (FLL) tournament. The STEAM expo provides our young FLL competitors, their parents, coaches, and the community with educational, hands-on activities while the competition is going on. We draw hundreds of visitors from across eastern Massachusetts every year.

In 2024 the tournament and expo will be on Saturday December 14, from 10-3, at Newton North High School. We invite companies, organizations, and FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) and FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) high school robotics teams from Newton and surrounding communities to bring hands-on activities for children and robots to demonstrate.

Please take a look at this Flickr album of the latest tournament, starting at the bottom of page 5, to see what our STEAM expo usually looks like.

Why Your Organization Should Be an Exhibitor at Our STEAM Expo

We think this expo is a win-win for our exhibitors! Our FLL participants and visitors get to try your awesome hands-on activities, and our exhibitors get to meet hundreds of potential members and customers from all of eastern Massachusetts that you might not normally meet. In 2024 we will be expanding our publicity for the expo in communities surrounding Newton, so we expect an even bigger crowd than in the past.

How to Sign Up to Be a 2024 Exhibitor

If you would like to be an exhibitor for the 2024 STEAM expo, please fill out this form:

EXHIBITOR SIGN-UP FORM

A team member will get right back to you to greet you and answer any questions you might have. You can also email Diane Levy, the team mentor organizing the expo, at [email protected], or Felicia J., our chief marketing officer, who is the student point for the event, at [email protected].

A detailed email will be sent to you, along with a questionnaire about your requirements for electricity and space (and pizza), about three weeks before the event.

Who's Signed Up for the 2024 STEAM Expo So Far

STEAM Expo FAQ

Q: What are the expo hours?

A: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Setup will be available several hours before opening time. Breakdown is at your leisure after 3:00.

Q: What does it cost to exhibit?

A: Nothing! This expo is free for exhibitors as well as visitors. The only expense for you would be any supplies for the activity you bring.

Q: When do you need to know if I’m coming?

A: We need to know by November 25 if you are coming, so we can include you in our detailed planning and correspondence.

Q: Why do you need to know what activity I’m bringing?

A: We want to make sure we put you in the perfect spot in our expo, based on your needs. We want to include your organization on the STEAM-category-based scavenger hunt sheet we make to encourage our young visitors to circulate. Also, we don’t want to duplicate your activity with one of our team STEAM activities.

Q: I want to come, but I’m not sure what activity to bring. Can I decide about the activity later?

A: Yes! You can tell us what activity you will bring when you fill out the needs survey, which will be sent out right before Thanksgiving. We’ll need to hear back from you by Dec. 3.

Q: May I bring more than one activity?

A: Yes, that would be great! Just let us know what they are.

Q: How many kids should I plan for?

A: Although we expect at least 600 people, including 300 kids, not every child will visit every table. We advise exhibitors to plan for materials for about 100 kids. Your materials can be reusable ones that stay at your table, or disposable ones that kids take with them.

Q: Is there parking?

A: Yes, there are free lots surrounding Newton North High School as well as street parking. You will have the opportunity to unload at the front door of the high school before parking your vehicle.

Q: Is there food?

A: Yes! There will be a concession stand that benefits the LigerBots, and you will also have the opportunity to pre-order an entire pizza for lunch.

Q: Is there Wifi?

A: Yes, there is free wifi at the school. You will be provided with the password.

Q: Is there access to electricity?

A: Yes. We will make sure you have access to electricity if you need it. Please note that on the needs questionnaire we will send out in late November.

Q: May I bring my advertising materials?

A: Yes! You are encouraged to bring advertising materials, including a large, floor-standing banner that can attract visitors to your table. (The walls at Newton North are filled with student materials and are unavailable for hanging things up.)

Q: May I sell items?

A: No, we discourage our exhibitors from selling items. Concession sales at the FLL tournament are a fundraiser for the LigerBots. Please do bring your marketing materials, however!

Q: Do I need to bring other equipment?

A: We can supply a 6’ x 2.5’ rectangular table and two chairs. If you need more space or chairs, or other items, please list them on the questionnaire we’re sending out in late November. We will do our best to accommodate you.

Q: I’m from an FRC or FTC team. I’d like to bring my robot. What should I do next?

A: Please fill out the exhibitor form and we’ll respond and then send you details in late November about the robot zoo.

Q: I’m from an FRC or FTC team, and I can’t bring my robot, but I’d like to bring STEAM activities. What should I do?

A: That’s great! Please fill out the form.

Q: I’m from an FRC or FTC team and I can’t bring anything, but I’d like to help. What can I do?

A: You can help with the many STEAM activities the LigerBots will be running at the event. Please fill out the form.