YOUTH MARKETPLACE & CREATIVE ENTERPRISE

Where young creators build culture, economy, and identity.

Experience the Expo through youth culture, creativity, belonging, and community.

Location:

Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport,

Independence Center B

2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, Virginia 22202

April 25, 2026 | 10 AM - 6 PM

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What To Expect

The Youth Marketplace is a space where young entrepreneurs, artists, makers, designers, storytellers, and vision builders share their work with the world.

Not as “future leaders.”
As leaders now.

Apply to Exhibit

What the Marketplace IS

This is not a vendor row.
And not a school fair.

It is a curated cultural marketplace where youth:

Present their work with dignity
Open conversations about their creative identity
Build relationships with collaborators, buyers, and supporters
Generate real income and brand visibility

The Marketplace honors:

Craft
Cultural memory
Young creative economy
Agency and independence

Your work has value. Your voice has value. Your story has value.

Booth Style

Each youth creator receives:

One curated 6 ft. table + cloth
Optional 8x10, 10x10, 10x15, 10x20, or 20x20 Booth Space
Vertical display grid or easel (as needed)
Signage panel with your name + brand
Access to Youth Business Coaching Support Desk

The Marketplace is staged with:

Warm lighting
Real retail presentation
Respectful spacing
Atmosphere of craft + culture

This is professional. This is dignified. This is yours.

Who Can Participate

Youth ages 12–22 who create:

Clothing / apparel / streetwear
Jewelry, beadwork, metalwork, accessories
Visual art / prints / illustration / digital art
Sneaker and fashion customization
Handmade crafts and cultural goods
Books, zines, poetry, and media
Beauty & self-care products (safe / approved)
Tech, gaming, digital design, coded worlds

Military-connected and civilian youth are equally welcomed.

This is about community rising together.

Youth Enterprise Support

All Marketplace participants receive:

Brand Story Coaching (How to talk about your work)
Pricing & Value Workshop
Peer-to-Peer Business Mentoring
Optional digital portfolio feature on the MCWE website

Because youth economy is cultural economy.

Recognition & Visibility

Youth Marketplace creators receive eligibility for:

Youth Enterprise Spotlight Feature
America’s Torchbearers Showcase Exhibit Display
Press, photography, and media story features

Because visibility is power.

Marketplace Stage moments (5 minutes every hour)

Creator spotlights
Micro-interviews
Mini “brand runway” moments
“Tell us your story” mic circles