Tabling Toolkit

Tabling at conferences and community events is one of the best ways to get our mission into local and professional communities. If you table with intention, it is one of the best times to make new connections, let people know about your programs, and spread awareness for FASD.

This Toolkit provides basic tools your organization can use to engage with communities. You may find that some resources here are helpful, while you may have some resources that you prefer. That’s totally fine! Take what is helpful, and leave what’s not.

Before the Event

  1. Determine your goals for this event.
    • Raising awareness
    • Identifying partnerships
    • Recruiting supporters
    • Promoting programs and services
    • Advocating for policy objectives
    • Educating on a specific topic or resource
    • Other!
  2. Review the booth/tabling guidelines sent by the host of the event. Some venues require you to bring your own chairs, table cloth, etc.
  3. Make a list of everything you want to bring. See example packing list below.
  4. Script talking points. You may talk to dozens of people at this event. While your “elevator pitch” will always evolve according to who you are talking to, it’s smart to have a starting script. A few of my favorite examples are below.

Example Packing List:

  1. Table cloth (if not provided by venue)
  2. Newsletter sign-up OR contact form
  3. Awareness Materials
    • FASD 101 Fact Sheet – x50 copies
    • Program flyers – x50 copies
    • Relevant info (educator flyer, social worker flyer, etc) – x50 copies
  4. Order business cards OR set up a virtual business card, like WaveConnect. This can also be added to a phone’s digital wallet.
  5. Branded items x75 (optional): this would be items with your organization’s name and/or logo.
  6. Swag items: unbranded items like candy, stickers, or large items that attract people to your booth.
  7. Laptop & phone chargers

Pro Tips

  1. Bring more swag/branded items than Awareness Materials. They go faster and they really do help bring people to your table!
  2. Swag items don’t have to be a hassle.
    • Purchase a big bag of candy (nut free).
    • Order stickers online — you can get really specific depending on your event (see social worker example here).
    • This 4Imprint Grant allows nonprofits to receive $500 of branded materials each year. They make it easy to put your logo on swag!