A careers convention allows pupils the opportunity to talk to employers, training organisations and representatives from further and higher educational institutions. This event is most useful when pupils are making important decisions about their post-fourteen and post-sixteen options.

Although a school-based careers convention requires a lot of planning, your school can gain a lot from such an event. It is important that you plan ahead and check if others are holding similar events in your area. A useful way to check is through the T&EA Monthly bulletin.

	Identify the date and time the event is going to be held - during or after school. Identify who you are going to target - Year 10, 12, 13, 14. Establish the event venue and book it. Check accessibility to power points in the venue, as many exhibitors will bring high-tech electrical equipment. Identify how many stands the venue will hold - allow about one metre of desk length per exhibitor. Write to employers and invite them to attend. Include a reply slip with a 'return by' date so you can follow up invitations. Write to twice the number of employers that the venue will hold. When you have established who will attend, write to the employer and confirm their attendance. Ask if they have any special hardware requirements. Draw a map of the venue layout. Include this map when confirming exhibitor's stand. Identify whom you are going to invite to the event - teachers, parents, pupils, and governors. Write letters of invitation to the selected groups. Organise refreshments, usually tea or coffee and biscuits. Organise for the set-up of the venue; remember that employers usually require two hours to set up. Assign some pupils to help load/unload and give directions.