UT Marketplace: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of participating in the UT Marketplace?
Can we pay the registration fee with a credit card?
Can two companies "split" a registration fee and table?
How many team members from our organization are permitted to participate?
What time should we arrive?
Where do we unload our vehicle?
Where do we park and how much does it cost?
Our exhibit requires more space than 6'x6'. Are we allowed to request additional space?
What types of materials are we permitted to pass out?
What types of promotions work well at this event?
If we are having a raffle or drawing are we allowed to collect student contact information?
May we collect student contact information on a mailing list?

What are the benefits of participating in this event? The University Board of Regents limits access for off-campus vendors to just two days per year, which is when we hold the UT Marketplace. On those two days, vendors have access to thousands of UT Austin students, faculty and staff members to advertise their services, pass out samples of their products, and distribute literature. Some vendors use this opportunity to advertise employment opportunities with their organization. back to top

Can we pay the registration fee with a credit card? No, we do not accept credit cards at this time. We accept checks or money orders only. back to top

Can two companies "split" a registration and table? Yes, two companies may split the $750 base fee and share the 6'x6' space. However, no more than two companies are permitted to share any one 6'x6' space. Additionally, two companies may only split the 6x6' display area and not a larger area. We would also ask that payment be made to the University of Texas at Austin with one check. Two separate checks for a shared space could cause unnecessary confusion.

How many team members from our organization are permitted to participate? Please limit your team members to four at any one time. You are restricted to the area immediately surrounding your table or exhibit and additional participants could create issues with pedestrian traffic flow. Vendors who chose to split a registration and table are also limited to four total representatives between the two organizations. back to top

What time should we arrive? We recommend that vendors arrive between 8:15-9:15 a.m. depending upon the complexity of the set up. The UT Marketplace staff will not be available to direct vendors to their assigned spaces until 8:15 a.m. Any vendors that set up in the incorrect space will be asked to move. back to top

Where do we unload our vehicle? We suggest that you pull onto the West Mall (see UT Marketplace Locator Map) and quickly unload your vehicle right next to your table. After unloading, you will need to immediately move your vehicle to the designated parking garage. back to top

Where do we park and how much does it cost? Student Activities and Leadership Development will validate the parking in the University's San Antonio garage for one standard vehicle per vendor. Parking for additional vehicles or large vehicles that cannot be parked in a garage will be the responsibility of the vendor. If you choose to bring a second vehicle, the current garage rates can be found online at http://www.utexas.edu/parking/parking/visitor/index.html. back to top

Our exhibit requires more space than 6x6 feet. Are we allowed to request additional space? Yes, if you cannot fit your exhibit in the space provided, we will accept requests for additional space. Please note that the registration fee will increase according to the number of square feet that you require (see Space and Pricing Matrix). It is necessary to submit detailed plans for your exhibit to the UT Marketplace staff at least two weeks prior to the UT Marketplace day so that appropriate accommodations can be considered. back to top

What types of materials are we permitted to pass out? Vendors are permitted to distribute free samples, promotional items, and printed materials such as brochures or coupons. back to top

What types of promotions attract students, faculty, and staff members? UT Marketplace attendees are attracted to games with prizes. Vendors offering free food, t-shirts, or drawings are also successful at the UT Marketplace. back to top

If we are having a raffle or drawing are we allowed to collect student contact information? Your organization may request directory information such as a student's name and telephone number for a raffle or drawing that will take place by the end of the day. All information gathered must be surrendered to a UT Marketplace staff member before your organization leaves the UT Marketplace event. back to top

May we collect student contact information for a distribution list? Organizations may collect the directory information of willing participants provided that the means of collection is clearly presented as a mailing list. Participation in a drawing may not be dependent upon signing up for the distribution list. back to top

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