Working the USDA booth

at the Eastern States ExpositionWest Springfield, Massachusetts

WHY?

Five USDA agencies join forces as “Team USDA” each year at The Big E .

THAT’S WHY… WE WORK TOGETHER.

We have a common purpose: to educate the public about USDA, its agencies, programs and services.

Plus, we’re more effective when we pool our resources.

THAT’S WHY… WE’RE AT THE BIG E.

As one of the nation’s largest agricultural fairs, The Big E provides an unique opportunity to reach farmers and citizens from across the region.

Getting to West Springfield

Finding USDA on the fairgrounds

1. Drive to Gate #1.2. Drive around the

fairgrounds to the Ag parking lot.

3. Park, then enter Gate 10 on foot.

4. Walk past the midway to the Stroh/Farm-A-Rama

Building.

The USDA exhibit theme is…

This includes an interactive exhibit that educates fairgoers about farms, food and forests.

The exhibit features a farmer, major food product and state tree from every New England state.

So, what will YOU do when you work the USDA booth?

Your role is to engage the public and tell them about USDA.

First, a few things you should know

Some “housekeeping”• A USDA Big E Committee member will be

present every day.

• Notes for/from other shifts may be left on a memo board in the storage area.

• You can take breaks for meals, etc. Please coordinate breaks with your coworkers.

• Talking points will be provided to help you speak with the public about USDA andthe exhibit.

• More instructions will be available inthe booth.

CHECKLIST: Opening for the day

Sign in and put on a

name tag.

Replenish

literature.

Tidy up and dispose

of any trash left by

fairgoers.

Turn on the DVD

player.

Put out the tattoos

and supplies.

Put out the “What

is it?” tool(s)

CHECKLIST: Closing for the night

Tidy up

Empty the trash.

Put away the

tattoos and

supplies.

Put away the

“What is it?” tools.

Turn off the DVD

player.

Leave literature in

the rack.

What should you do if you need to change or cancel your shift?

• Call Heather Baylis at 413-772-6810, x105 as far in advance as possible.

• If you must cancel and cannot reschedule, you’ll be asked to return your ticket and parking pass so that they may be given to a replacement worker.

Now, what are some ways that you can engage the public?

Here are a few ideas:

• Ask fairgoers if they’ve heard of USDA.

• Ask what they know about USDA.

• Tell them an interesting fact about USDA.

• Give the “elevator speech” about your agency.

• Tell them a little about the other agencies.

Try this fun interactive activity with fairgoers…

“What is it?” – tools

• We’ll have on-hand tools used by USDA employees or farmers.

• Ask fairgoers to guess what it is and what it’s used for.

• Talking points will be provided to you.

“What is it?” – farm & forest photos

• The display will have close-up photos of ag products, livestock, trees and farm tools.

• Fairgoers will guess what it is, then lift the photo to reveal the “answer photo” underneath.

Other things that you’ll do…

Tattoos for kids…

…temporary, of course!

Help teachers…

…make their own packets.

Just a few dos and don’ts…

Do

• Engage the public.

• Be friendly and helpful.

• Present a professional and positive image of USDA.

• Keep the booth space looking neat.

• Offer to follow up or provide agency contact information if you can’t answer a question.

Don’t

• Eat in the booth.

• Rearrange items in the booth space or storage area without checking with the committee member on duty.

• Tell anyone that they can’t have a teacher packet, poster or any other give away item.

Remember

That fairgoer could be…

• a reporter• a senior government official • a congressional member or aide• or an ordinary citizen/taxpayer

All of our literature is public information.

All visitors should be treated with respect and leave with a positive impression of USDA.

And one more really important thing…

Have a great time!And thank you for being part

of Team USDA!

USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.