The Virtual Provider Fair set for Oct. 29 and 30 from 10-11:30 a.m. will allow the afterschool community to network with 40 service providers or vendors offering activities ranging from character development to theatre to academic activities, sports and more.

View the flyer.

The free event is an annual event provided by the Center for Afterschool, Summer and Enrichment for Kids, or CASE for Kids, a division of Harris County Department of Education. The event pairs vendors (service providers) with afterschool programs.

“The fair is an opportunity for vendors to speak directly to the afterschool community,” CASE for Kids Director Dr. Lisa Thompson-Caruthers said. “Each provider has a few minutes to present and share their services through PowerPoint or video and interact with attendees through Zoom.”

The pandemic has provided opportunities for vendors to expand their services to virtual platforms, in addition to traditional in-person.

“Afterschool programs have many different needs, and this event helps match providers with various afterschool programs,” said Thompson-Caruthers. “It’s also a networking opportunity for both vendors and attendees.

Samples of vendors attending the virtual event include Mad Science of Houston, Science of Sports, Ensemble Theatre and many more.

The event has been split into two days to allow vendors and programs ample time to connect. Register for Oct. 29 Day 1 and Oct. 30 Day 2 for the optimal opportunity to visit with all vendors. Questions may be sent to jchavez@hcde-texas.org .