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Grand Rapids Higher Education Network
GRAHEN
Educational Fairs GRAHEN
 
GRAHEN organizes more than a dozen educational fairs each year for large West Michigan companies. During a GRAHEN educational fair, up to 12 area colleges and universities display their promotional materials. Employers and employees have the opportunity to speak with school representatives and collect information about their degree-granting programs for adults. GRAHEN educational fairs are available at no cost and can take place at any time of year, either on company property or off-site.
 
Potential benefits of a GRAHEN educational fair:
  • Boost employee morale
  • Meet ISO and QS requirements
  • Identify training and development needs

Types of educational fairs:
What GRAHEN provides:
  • Flyers and other materials (as requested) to promote the event
  • Giveaways as incentives for employees to attend
  • A one-stop source for all of your employees' educational needs
Requirements for the hosting company:
  • Select a location in a high traffic area with which employees are familiar
  • Provide adequate space for up to 12 exhibitors
  • Provide adequate space near the front of the exhibit for one table to display giveaways (6’– 8’ table and one chair)
  • Advertise the educational fair to the appropriate audience and employees via announcements at department meetings, newsletters, email, etc
  • Include an exhibit table with a representative from your human resources department to answer questions about educational benefits and other related issues
  • Provide employees time to attend the event
Standard
This is the traditional educational fair format, which works best if short time blocks are used. Each GRAHEN institution participates and has a dedicated table, usually near the cafeteria or other high-traffic area. This format requires a larger area (thirteen tables required) as each institution is present during the entire event.
 
GRAHEN Staffed
This format is similar to the standard fair. However, instead of a representative from each institution being present during the entire event, GRAHEN members take shifts. Each institution is represented with materials, and at least two GRAHEN members are present to assist attendees. GRAHEN members have a general knowledge of each of the institutions and can provide basic information and assistance. This format is usually most successful when scheduled around employee lunches, breaks or shift changes. This format works best when space is limited (seven tables required) or if the fair lasts more than five hours.
 
Lunch and Learn
A Lunch and Learn is held over the employees’ lunch hour. The sponsoring company provides lunch for employees while GRAHEN members offer a brief presentation regarding their respective institutions. The company representative may also speak during the event, reviewing tuition assistance policies or other relevant information. It is recommended that a display area be available for materials and one-on-one consultations after the more formal luncheon presentation. This format is the most involved, but also yields the best results.
 
If you would like more information about GRAHEN or to request an educational fair, please go to the request information page.
 
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