The Value of Exhibiting

Editor's Note: On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 345 individuals and representatives from 67 organizations joined us in DeSoto County to participate in the DeSoto County Ahead Community Update Dinner and Resource Fair. At first, attendees trickled in one by one, then in groups of three and four, and before we knew it, the Turner Center was full! People traveled near and far to learn more about their community, explore available resources, connect with familiar and new faces, and understand TPF’s efforts to help DeSoto County shape its own future. Join us in 2026!

When exhibitors first signed on to host a table at the DeSoto County Ahead Resource Fair, they weren’t entirely sure what to expect. Over sixty exhibitors came prepared with information, displays, and enthusiasm for their organizations, but what they left with went far beyond handshakes and sign-ups.

For them, the value of exhibiting wasn’t just about having a booth. It was about connection. They met people who might never have crossed paths with our work otherwise, and some came with specific questions, others were just curious, but every conversation opened a door. It wasn’t about selling, it was about listening and finding ways to help.

One exhibitor described the fair as a powerful way to see the bigger picture. You realize you’re not alone in this work. There are so many organizations, each with a different focus, but all sharing a commitment to making life in DeSoto County better. The Resource Fair makes those connections visible and tangible.

Beyond the immediate impact of engaging with attendees, others emphasized the networking with fellow exhibitors. We had time to talk to one another, trade resources, and discover opportunities to collaborate. Some of those relationships are still going strong today.

For organizations considering whether to participate, many agree it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss. Exhibiting provides visibility, credibility, and a chance to deepen relationships with both the public and peer organizations. More importantly, it places your mission directly into the heart of a community that is eager to learn, connect, and take action.

This isn’t just an event. It’s momentum. It’s a chance to show up for your community, and in turn, to see how your community shows up for you.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth your time, take it from those who’ve been there: the value lies not in what you display on your table, but in the connections you carry with you long after the fair ends.

Interested in participating as an Exhibitor in the Resource Fair? Complete this registration form.