Join Us at the 2026 Back to School Expo!

Mark your calendars — the Back to School Expo returns Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Del Monte Center in Monterey. This is one of the most anticipated family events of the summer, and we’d love to have your business or organization be part of it.

Participation Options

We offer flexible ways to get in front of Monterey County families, whatever your goals and budget:

Regular & Premium Booths — Choose the booth size that fits your needs and enjoy a full day of face-to-face time with parents who are ready to invest in their kids’ new school year. Please note: as of June 28, all premium booths are reserved. You can reserve a premium booth only if you are bringing your own awning or will go without a covering.

Sponsorships — Want a bigger presence? Sponsorship packages give you elevated visibility before, during, and after the event.

Passport Program — One of our most popular features! Attendees pick up a passport at the door and must collect stamps from every participating booth to enter a prize drawing. Being on the passport offers guaranteed traffic all day long.

Goody Bag Insert — You can deliver 300 promotional pieces to us and we’ll tuck one into every goody bag we hand out. It’s an affordable, high-reach option — and it’s open to businesses and organizations that can’t attend in person.

New This Year: Solo Entrepreneur & Nonprofit Space

We’re excited to introduce a lower-cost booth option designed for small businesses and nonprofits with tighter budgets. You’ll receive an assigned space with a table, chairs, and table drape — a great way to show up, connect with families, and see whether in-person events are a good fit for your organization. Please note: this option does not include space for an awning or tent. Spaces in this section are limited, so don’t wait!

Why Exhibit?

The Back to School Expo is a day Monterey County families genuinely look forward to. Kids have a wonderful time, and parents walk away with the resources and information they need to start the school year strong. It’s the perfect moment to get your business or organization on their radar.

Ready to reserve your spot?