Celebrating Teachers: Expo 2026
A sustainable foundation for a sustainable Jamaica
Two days of practical ideas from early childhood institutions and TVET providers in Jamaica, under one roof.
Theme: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it”
- When
- Thursday 29 October 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Friday 30 October 2026, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Where
- National Arena, Independence Park, Kingston
- Tickets
- J$1,000 for adults, J$500 for students, sold on site
Exhibitor registration and payment close Sunday 18 October at 11:59 p.m.
Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information
Early Childhood Commission
Jamaica Teaching Council
European Union
Celebrating the teachers who lay the foundation
The expo celebrates the teachers who give young children in Jamaica their start. Visitors walk through regional early childhood pavilions, see what works and take ideas back to their own classrooms. Our partners in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) show how that foundation carries learners through to the world of work.
Early childhood pavilions
Early childhood institutions from every region show child-centred, play-based practice that others can copy, often at low cost.
- Literacy and numeracy activities
- Learning resources made from recycled materials
- Inclusion strategies and parent engagement
- Health, nutrition and outdoor learning
- Approaches that helped children and staff recover after Hurricane Melissa
For community and basic schools, private and preparatory schools, infant schools and departments, and private early childhood providers, as well as organisations that supply books, learning materials or nutrition for young children. Early Childhood Commission Development Officers can also nominate institutions.
The TVET zone
Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions show how they prepare learners for work.
- Competency-based training
- Student projects and products
- Industry partnerships and work placements
- Green and digital skills
- Training that leads to jobs
For technical high schools, HEART/NSTA Trust institutes and centres, community colleges and other training providers.
On stage: an opening ceremony, Innovation Spotlights from both sectors, awards and a closing ceremony. Government agencies, NGOs, colleges, industry partners and sponsors exhibit in the partner zone.
Who should come: early childhood practitioners, TVET instructors, teachers, student teachers, students, parents, employers and policymakers. Tickets cost J$1,000 for adults and J$500 for students. Tickets are sold on site at the National Arena.
Exhibit at the expo
Registration is open to early childhood institutions and providers, TVET institutions, suppliers, partner organisations and commercial exhibitors. It takes about 10 minutes. Space is limited, so register early.
-
Register
Complete the exhibitor registration form by Sunday 18 October, 11:59 p.m. TVET exhibits with a live demonstration must register by Monday 12 October. You don’t need a Google account.
Register to exhibit -
Pay for your space
Pay the space fee as instructed in the registration form by Sunday 18 October, then upload your proof of payment. Uploading needs a Google sign-in. If you don’t have a Google account, email your proof of payment to the Exhibitor Desk at jtcsupport@moeschools.edu.jm.
Upload proof of payment -
Get confirmed
Once we’ve verified your payment, we email your confirmation with the Exhibitor Guide, a logistics form and the parent and guardian consent form.
Exhibit space fee
| Exhibitor | 10 ft × 10 ft space |
|---|---|
| All exhibitors | J$40,000 |
Payment details are in the registration form. No sales on site without written approval from the organisers.
What exhibitors receive
- A 10 ft × 10 ft floor space in your regional pavilion, the TVET zone or the partner zone. The space comes empty, so bring your own table, chairs and display.
- A certificate of participation
- A listing in the digital exhibitor directory
- A chance to present a 12-minute Innovation Spotlight on the main stage
Meals and transport are not provided. Food vendors will be on site.
What we expect
- Creativity: fresh, practical ideas that other teachers can use
- Clear information about your work, programme or products
- Handouts or take-home materials for visitors
- Engaging, hands-on activities
- A safe, tidy space with your team present during opening hours
Good to know
- Space is limited. Your space is confirmed once we have verified your payment.
- Live demonstrations need approval in advance and must follow the safety rules below.
- Questions? Email the Exhibitor Desk at jtcsupport@moeschools.edu.jm.
Key dates
All deadlines are at 11:59 p.m. unless a time is shown.
Call for exhibitors opens
Exhibitor registration and payment close
Setup day
The expo is open: Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Teardown begins, finishing by 8:00 p.m.
Programme highlights
Times may change. The full programme will be published here before the event.
Senator Dr the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon
Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information
Invited to give the keynote address and declare the expo open on Thursday 29 October at 3:00 p.m.
Thursday 29 October
- 9:00 a.m.
- Doors open
- 11:30 a.m.
- Innovation Spotlights
- 3:00 p.m.
- Opening ceremony and keynote address (streamed live)
- 7:30 p.m.
- Exhibition closes
Friday 30 October
- 9:00 a.m.
- Doors open
- 10:00 a.m.
- Panel discussion
- 11:15 a.m.
- Innovation Spotlights
- 2:30 p.m.
- Awards and closing ceremony
- 5:00 p.m.
- Exhibition closes
What exhibitors need to know
The full Exhibitor Guide goes to every confirmed exhibitor. These are the points that affect your planning now.
Setup and teardown
- Setup is on Wednesday 28 October. The TVET zone sets up from 8:00 a.m. Regions 1, 6 and 7 and partners set up from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon; Regions 2, 3, 4 and 5 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.
- Exhibitors from Regions 3, 4 and 5 can ask for early setup on Thursday 29 October, 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.
- On event days, exhibitor access opens at 7:30 a.m. Please be ready by 8:45 a.m.
- Teardown starts at 6:00 p.m. on Friday 30 October, not before, and must be finished by 8:00 p.m.
Children and students under 18
- Young children take part only with your staff or their own parent or guardian, with at least one adult for every five children and never fewer than two adults.
- Students under 18 attend in school groups with a named group leader.
- Young children do not enter TVET demonstration areas.
- You must hold written consent from a parent or guardian for every participant under 18.
Live TVET demonstrations
- Never allowed indoors: hot work such as welding or cutting, open flames, fuel, running engines or compressed gas.
- Other live demonstrations need approval in advance, a certified instructor present at all times, a barrier and clear safety zone, machine guards, and protective equipment for everyone at the station.
- Cooking demonstrations take place outside, in the food area, with Fire Brigade and health department approval.
- Chemicals, for example in cosmetology, are allowed only in small, labelled quantities with safety data sheets at the station.
Power and internet
- Power is available if you request it on the logistics form and it is approved. Declare every powered tool or machine and its wattage.
- Bring a grounded, heavy-duty extension cord. Don’t chain power strips together.
- Wi-Fi is not guaranteed. Make sure videos and slides work offline.
Getting there
National ArenaIndependence Park, Arthur Wint Drive
Kingston 5, Jamaica Open in Google Maps
Before you travel
- Parking is limited. Please car-pool where you can.
- School buses use the drop-off zone. Group leaders check in the whole group at registration.
- Exhibitors get one vehicle pass each, requested on the logistics form.
- If severe weather threatens, the organisers will decide by 12:00 noon on Tuesday 27 October. Any change will be posted here and sent to everyone registered.
Questions
Does it cost anything to visit?
Yes. Tickets cost J$1,000 for adults and J$500 for students. Tickets are sold on site at the National Arena.
Who can exhibit?
Early childhood institutions and private providers, TVET institutions, suppliers of books, learning materials and nutrition for young children, partner organisations such as government agencies, NGOs and colleges, and commercial exhibitors and sponsors.
Is there a fee to exhibit?
Yes. A 10 ft × 10 ft space costs J$40,000. The space comes empty, so bring your own table, chairs and display.
Are meals or transport provided for exhibitors?
No. Exhibitors arrange their own meals and transport. Food vendors will be on site.
Do I need a Google account?
Not to register. You need one only to upload proof of payment. If you don’t have one, email your proof of payment to jtcsupport@moeschools.edu.jm with your organisation’s name.
Can children take part in our exhibit?
Yes, with written consent from each child’s parent or guardian and enough adults to supervise them. Details are under “Children and students under 18” above.
Can we run a live demonstration?
TVET exhibitors can apply for one by Monday 12 October. Every demonstration needs approval and must follow the safety rules above.
Can we sell products?
Only with written approval from the organisers. Say so on your registration form.
How will you use our information?
The Jamaica Teaching Council uses it to organise the event, confirm exhibitors and publish an exhibitor directory listing your organisation’s name, exhibit title and summary. It is shared with the Early Childhood Commission, HEART/NSTA Trust for the same purposes and never sold or given to sponsors. To see or correct your information, contact the Exhibitor Desk.
Contact us
Exhibitor Desk
Jamaica Teaching Council (lead host), in partnership with the Early Childhood Commission, HEART/NSTA Trust, the European Union and other partners.
The Minister’s portrait: Jamaica Information Service (JIS).