Registration for Explore U 2025 is now open!

Explore U Vendor Registration
Registration fees will be invoiced approximately two weeks prior to Explore U and must be paid prior to the event. If the fee/trade is not received before the event, OTE reserves the right to cancel that vendor’s registration.
 

Explore U Vendor Guidelines 2025 

Set Up & Staffing

• All vendors must check in at the event between 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on the day of the event; tables must be set up no later than 1 p.m.
• All vendor tables will be assigned a location in the event venue by Orientation & Transition Experiences at its sole discretion.
• Tables will not be assigned on a first-come-first-served basis.
• Vendor tables must be staffed at all times during the event by at least one representative of the vendor.
• The University of Minnesota is a Drug-Free and Smoke-Free campus. Businesses and organizations promoting, selling, or distributing items prohibited on campus (whether or not legal in the State of Minnesota) are not allowed to participate in Explore U. The promotion, advertising, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, or promotion of the purchase or consumption of alcoholic beverages by vendors at the event is strictly prohibited.
• Due to storage limitations, we are not able to accommodate vendors shipping materials either to the office of Orientation & Transition Experiences or the event venue before the event. All materials must be brought and removed by vendors on the day of the event.
• University assistance with the transport of vendor materials from the loading dock to vendor tables will be available before the event. No assistance will be available after the event; vendors must remove remaining materials and products from the venue after the event without University assistance.

Electrical & Speaker Access

• All vendor booths will have access to an electrical outlet. However, it is recommended to bring extension cords in the event an outlet is more than a few feet away.
• All extension cords, power strips, or other electrical devices must be provided by the vendor and may not cross any pedestrian walking space.
• In the event Orientation & Transition Experiences, the building manager, or a University building code official notifies a vendor that its electrical use is unsafe or not in compliance with applicable codes or building electrical capacity, that vendor will immediately discontinue such use.
• Access to a loudspeaker will NOT be available to individual vendors during the event.
• Unplugging coolers and/or other devices is not allowed. Contact a staff member if you cannot access power. 

Displays, Giveaways, & Food Table

• Displays and/or distributed printed materials must include the vendor’s business name and contact information.
• The sale of goods or services, as well as the conduct of fundraising activities, is prohibited before, during, and after the event.
• Distribution of promotional materials or “swag bags” is permitted as long as such materials complement the mission and vision of Welcome Week, Orientation & Transition Experiences, and comply with University of Minnesota policies and guidelines.
• All materials to be distributed must be reviewed and approved by Orientation & Transition Experiences prior to the event. Orientation & Transition Experiences reserves the right to prohibit the distribution of any promotional materials or items in its sole discretion.
• If a vendor wishes to donate additional prizes, vouchers for services, or gift certificates to further promote its business, they may do so by noting this on the registration form. 

The serving of food from vendor tables is permitted under the following conditions:

• A University of Minnesota Food Permit is completed at least 15 days prior to the event.
• This permit will be emailed to the vendor in August 2025 for completion.
• The vendor is liable for the preparation, distribution, and clean-up of all food served at its vendor location.
• The application form must specify what food will be served.
• Electrical access is available at each booth, though you may need an extension cord; electrical needs must be included in the registration.
• Vendor’s preparation, distribution, and clean-up of food are subject to the regulations and requirements of the University’s Department of Environmental Health and Safety. A copy of these guidelines will be provided to vendors by Orientation & Transition Experiences prior to the event.
• Any beverage brought into the event must be a Coke product due to a sponsorship agreement.
• Any other beverages must get prior approval.
• Kitchen facilities, including sinks or water access, are NOT available.

Prohibited Materials

• The following materials are prohibited at the event:
  • Doorstops Candles & Incense (open flames of any kind)
  • Door-mounted Dry Erase Boards
  • Any alcohol-related paraphernalia such as bottle openers, can cozies, and nondescript plastic cups.
  • Any products distributed for medicinal or health purposes must be approved by Orientation & Transition Experiences prior to the event.

Orientation & Transition Experiences reserves the right to prohibit any products at its sole discretion.

All questions or concerns regarding appropriate promotional materials should be submitted to Orientation & Transition Experiences prior to placing an order for such materials.

Questions and concerns, including those regarding specific logistical needs, should be submitted to [email protected] prior to the submission of registration.
An additional email with loading areas, booth locations, and setup information will be sent after registration.

Gold Registration- $1,150

• 1 table (8' by 3')
• 2 chair
• 1 tablecloth
• Company logo featured on the jumbotron
• Featured on the Explore U Passport (program to incentivize students to visit vendor table)

Maroon Registration- $600

• 1 table (8' by 3')
• 2 chairs
• 1 tablecloth

Both Maroon and Gold Registrations allow access to over 4,000 first-year students, transfer students, and student leaders.

Extras

Additional Booth (Gold Level only)- $550 per table

• 8’ by 3’ table
• 2 chairs
• 1 table cloth

Other

You may pay for up to half of your registration fee with gift cards or new items that can be used for prizes at student events throughout the school year. If you wish to do this, please indicate items and their value on the registration form.

Restaurants/food establishments: a "credit" is preferred in lieu of gift cards so that we may use the credit for OTE events during the school year. This is due to a policy of students having to report prizes (such as gift cards) they receive which may inadvertently penalize their financial aid awards. Gift cards and prizes are still accepted as trade, but a business credit is preferred.  Please contact Yinka at [email protected] with any questions.

The Opportunity

Explore U is your chance to connect and interact with the Class of 2029 and incoming transfer students as they kick off their University of Minnesota journey! This event offers businesses and organizations a dynamic way to engage thousands of new students during Welcome Week.

Today’s students—part of Generation Z—value creativity, bold visuals, and authentic, action-driven messaging. To truly connect, you'll want to meet their energy: empower them, invite them in, and create experiences they can share.

Two Key Ways to Market to College Students

Be social where they are
Gen Z lives online—and they’re savvy. A strong, authentic presence on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube helps your brand feel relevant and approachable. Peer recommendations still matter, but today’s students are more likely to trust content that feels genuine, entertaining, and visually engaging.

Get to the point
Attention is a premium. Students scroll fast and make quick decisions—so make your message count. Use bold visuals, concise text, and a clear call to action to stand out in a crowded digital and in-person landscape.

How Can YOU Be a Successful Vendor at Explore U?

Bring the energy!
Show up excited about what you’re offering—students can sense your enthusiasm! If you're passionate about your product or service, they’ll be more likely to connect with you and your brand.

Give them something to remember.
Students love swag—whether it’s food, a fun giveaway, or a branded pen or magnet. Offering something tangible helps them make a connection with your brand. Fun, memorable items are a great way to leave a lasting impression.

Stand out from the crowd.
With over 40 vendors at Explore U last year, what makes you different? Think about how you can make your booth visually exciting or offer something unique that draws students in. Make sure your brand leaves a mark!

What Students are Saying about Explore U

• In past surveys, 96% of event goers say they would be more likely to purchase a product or service after attending the event.
• 73% of students who attended Explore U said they plan to visit the businesses they learned about at the event.
• Over 85% of students were introduced to new businesses in the campus community.