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The Youth Marketplace
Location:
Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport,
Independence Center B - The Promise Pavilion, 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, Virginia 22202
April 25, 2026 | 10 AM - 6 PM
Sign up to reserve your spot in the next available group.
The Promise Pavilion - Youth Marketplace
The Military Child World Expo 2026 | April 25, 2026 | Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, Virginia 22202.
The Youth Marketplace is the heartbeat of youth leadership inside the Promise Pavilion. Here, teen entrepreneurs and youth-led organizations (ages 13–21) step into the spotlight to exhibit, sell, and showcase their products, services, or nonprofit ventures. Whether it’s fashion, tech, social enterprise, or creative design, this space celebrates the next generation of innovators.
The Pavilion Marketplace
Zone Design & Sponsorship
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The Youth Marketplace is built within a 20×20 exhibit zone inside the Pavilion.
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This space hosts 10 draped 6×3 tables, either shared among youth entrepreneurs or dedicated to one youth-led organization.
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Naming Rights Opportunity: The 20×20 Youth Marketplace Zone may be branded as
“The [Sponsor Name] Youth Marketplace.”
The Pavilion Marketplace
Zone Naming Rights Fee
Includes:
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Prominent sponsor branding on Pavilion signage, exhibitor packets, and website
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Logo on all Youth Marketplace promotional materials
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Recognition on the Main Stage during award presentations
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Opportunity to provide mentors or judges for the Youth Marketplace Awards
Inquire about pricing here
The Pavilion Marketplace
Who Can Participate
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Ages 13–21 (nonprofits, for-profits, or school clubs)
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Must be youth-led (adult mentors welcomed for support)
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Categories include:
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Arts, Crafts & Design
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Fashion & Creative Goods
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Technology & Innovation
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Social Enterprises & Nonprofits
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Services & Skills
Space Options
&
Exclusive Youth Organization Showcase
Shared Youth Marketplace Booth
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1 draped 6×3 table inside the 20×20 zone
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Shared with up to 9 other youth exhibitors
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Includes 2 exhibitor badges
$250 per table
20x20 Booth Space
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Entire 20×20 zone reserved for one youth-led organization
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Includes up to 10 draped tables
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Includes 20 exhibitor badges
$2,600 standard rate
$2,000 subsidized rate (sponsor-supported youth showcase)
Sponsorships & Scholarships
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Sponsor a Youth Entrepreneur: $250 funds one youth table.
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Adopt a Youth Organization Showcase: $600 covers the gap between the $2,600 rate and the $2,000 youth showcase rate.
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Scholarship Program: Limited waivers/reductions for under-resourced youth.
How to Apply
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Complete the Youth Marketplace Application Form
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Submit description, logo, and category
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Upload parent/guardian consent (if under 18)
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Select table or booth option
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Pay fee or apply for scholarship/sponsorship
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Receive confirmation + Youth Exhibitor Packet
Apply Now
Recognition & Awards
Youth exhibitors are eligible for the Youth Marketplace Awards:
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Best Social Impact Venture
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Most Innovative Idea
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Crowd Favorite (People’s Choice)
Winners will be recognized on the Main Stage, featured on social media, and highlighted in the Expo Impact Report. All participants receive a Certificate of Participation.
Marketplace Guidelines
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Insurance: Expo insurance covers general Marketplace; exhibitors are responsible for product liability.
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Sales: Youth may accept cash, card (Square), or digital (Venmo, CashApp, PayPal). Wi-Fi provided.
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Setup & Teardown: Must follow assigned times in the Youth Exhibitor Packet.
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Supervision: 1 adult mentor required per group. Expo staff monitor the Marketplace Zone.
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Orientation: All youth exhibitors must attend a pre-Expo Orientation Webinar (covering sales, booth setup, and pitch coaching).
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Impact Reporting: Youth agree to submit a short reflection post-event.
Beyond the Expo
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Mentorship: Sponsors may provide mentors to guide youth exhibitors.
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Media Features: Youth exhibitors may be spotlighted in Expo press, social media, and videos.
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Post-Expo Visibility: All participants are featured in the MCWE Impact Report and may be invited to an online youth showcase.