Contacts: Mechell Karnes, Executive Director mkarnes@highlandseniors.com 937-763-1904 Lin Packard, Executive Assistant Lpackard@highlandseniors.com 937-393-4745 (M, T, W, F: 8am-3pm)
2026 Senior Expo Vendor Information
Connect with Seniors, Caregivers, Families, and Community Members from Across Southern Ohio
The Highland County Senior Citizens Center’s Annual Senior Expo welcomes attendees not only from Highland County, but also from surrounding communities including Adams, Brown, Clinton, Fayette, and Ross Counties, and beyond. Last year’s Expo featured over 60 vendors and 230+ attendees, providing businesses with an excellent opportunity to connect with older adults, caregivers, and families from across the region.
New Location for 2026!
The 2026 Senior Expo will be held at the Southern State Community College Patriot Center (Gym).
The event’s new location provides additional space for vendors, guests, activities, and attendees while allowing us to invite more businesses than ever before. The Patriot Center also offers more convenient parking for both vendors and seniors.
All the favorites that make the Senior Expo a fun and well-rounded resource fair will return, along with additional vendors and new opportunities throughout the day.
More Than a Resource Fair
Our Senior Expo offers seniors and caregivers not only a well-rounded resource fair and the resources they need to connect with, but also a day of fun and entertainment.
Activities include:
- Bingo
- Costume Contests for Guests and Businesses
- Chair Volleyball
- Live Music by the Senior Center House Band
- Door Prizes
- Food Available for Purchase
- Pumpkin Voting
- Socializing and Entertainment
Promoting a Strong Turnout
We work hard to promote the Senior Expo and create the best marketing opportunity possible for our participating businesses.
The Highland County Senior Citizens Center utilizes multiple forms of media and community outreach to promote the event, including Facebook, newsletters, newspapers, radio, community partners, and other promotional opportunities.
Our goal is to continue growing the Senior Expo each year while encouraging strong attendance from seniors, caregivers, families, and community members throughout Highland County and surrounding communities.
Event Information
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Location: Southern State Community College Patriot Center 100 Hobart Drive, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133
Expo Hours For Guests To Attend:
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Bingo: Begins immediately following the Expo.
Vendor Booth Details
Vendor Booth Fee: $225
Booth registration and booth payment deadline: August 14, 2026
Space is limited.
Sponsorship does not include a vendor booth.
Businesses, organizations or individuals may not share a booth.
Booths must stay up the entirely of the event- from 10am to 2pm.
Sponsorship opportunities and vendor booths may be purchased separately or together.
Businesses and organizations may participate as sponsors, vendors, or both. Businesses that provide products, services, or resources for older adults are encouraged to participate as vendors to connect directly with attendees during the event.
Each vendor registration includes:
- One 8-foot table
- Two chairs
- Listing in the official event program
- Inclusion in the Vendor Spotlight Facebook Video (our 2025 Facebook video received thousands of views)
- Prior to the event opening to the public, a staff member will briefly visit each vendor booth and record a short video.
- Vendors will have the opportunity to briefly share their business name, the services they provide, and who they serve.
- The completed video will be posted on the Highland County Senior Citizens Center’s Facebook page.
- Opportunity to interact directly with seniors, caregivers, and families
- Stage Time recognition and prize announcement
- Opportunity to participate in the Vendor Pumpkin Decorating Contest
- Opportunity to participate in the Vendor Costume Contest
- A picture of you and your staff at your booth posted on our Facebook page- if your logo in on your tablecloth, we’ll be sure to include that in the photo.
Vendor Setup
Vendors may choose one of the following setup times:
Monday, October 5, 2026
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
OR
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
All booths must be fully set up and ready to receive guests and be ready for the Vendor Spotlight Facebook Video prior to the event opening to the public by 9:00 AM on Tuesday, October 6
Setup Information
- Vendors should enter through the front entrance of the Patriot Center for unloading and setup.
- Two flatbed carts will be available to assist with unloading.
- Electricity is available if requested in advance and approved. Electrical access is intended for services being demonstrated or provided and may not be used for decorative purposes.
- The Presenting Sponsor will receive first choice of booth location. Booth locations for additional sponsors will be assigned based on sponsorship level. All other booth locations will be assigned in advance for event organization purposes.
- Vendors wishing to be located near another vendor must submit their request at least 30 days prior to the event. Requests will be accommodated when possible and if the space has not already been selected by a sponsor.
- Vendors are expected to remain set up until Stage Time. Early booth tear-downs are not permitted.
- Booth sharing is not permitted. Each business, organization, or individual must register for and occupy their own booth space.
Vendor Prize Requirements
To help create a fun and interactive experience for attendees, each vendor is required to provide two gifts valued at approximately $15 each.
The gifts will be used for the following:
Booth Prize Drawing
- One gift will be used for your booth prize drawing.
- Attendees will visit vendor booths throughout the event and register for individual booth prize drawings.
- Please remember to bring tickets or entry forms, pens, and a container so attendees can enter your raffle drawing.
- At approximately 1:50 PM during Stage Time, vendors will be invited to the stage to briefly introduce themselves and announce the winner of their booth prize drawing.
- This provides an additional opportunity for attendees to hear your business name and associate it with you before the Expo concludes. Attendees often stay to hear the prize announcements and see if they are a winner, providing another opportunity for your business to be recognized- and they are waiting for bingo to start.
- Additional information regarding Stage Time can be found under the Stage Time section below.
Bingo Prize Donation
- One gift valued at approximately $15 or more.
- Bingo is a well attended activity. Vendors are encouraged to attach business cards, brochures, coupons, or other marketing materials to their bingo prize for additional exposure.
- Your business will be recognized when your bingo prize is awarded. Businesses are not required to remain for bingo.
Additional Vendor Recognition Opportunities
Vendor Pumpkin Decorating Contest
- Vendors are invited to decorate a pumpkin and participate in our Fan Favorite Pumpkin Contest. Participation is optional.
- Pumpkins will be displayed together in a designated area where attendees can view them and vote for their favorites after visiting the vendor booths.
- First Place, Second Place, and Third Place will be awarded.
- Each participating business and their decorated pumpkin will be photographed and featured on the Highland County Senior Citizens Center’s Facebook page with what business decorated the pumpkin
- The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners and their decorated pumpkins will be announced at the event, featured in the Highland County Senior Citizens Center newsletter and in a separate Facebook post.
Vendor Costume Contest
Businesses are invited to attend in costume and participate in our Vendor Costume Contest. Participation is optional.
- This year, we are creating a separate costume contest category just for businesses. Every year we see creative and fun costumes from our vendors, and we believe businesses deserve their own category in addition to the public costume contest.
- Individual costumes and group costumes are welcome.
- First Place, Second Place, and Third Place will be awarded.
- Each participating business and costume will be photographed and featured on the Highland County Senior Citizens Center’s Facebook page.
- The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be announced.
- The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be featured in the Highland County Senior Citizens Center newsletter and in a separate Facebook post.
Stage Time
At approximately 1:50 PM, vendors will be invited to the stage for our Vendor Prize Announcements. 
Each business will have the opportunity to:
- Briefly introduce themselves
- Share their business name
- Announce the winner of their booth prize drawing
The Presenting Sponsor will be recognized first and invited to the stage before all other vendor announcements.
Following Stage Time, vendors may pack up their booths and depart the event.
Senior Center staff and volunteers will then transition vendor tables and chairs for the bingo session.
Participation Opportunities
HERE ARE THE DETAILS:
Remember:
- Booth = Pay Now (unless you need to pay with a check)
- Sponsorships = We’ll send you an invoice if your selection is still available
- Ads = We’ll send you an invoice if your selection is still available
Presenting Sponsor – $1,000 – one spot available 
Sponsor’s Information Deadline: July 27, 2026
As the Presenting Sponsor, your business will receive the highest level of recognition before, during, and after the Senior Expo.
Benefits include:
- Recognition as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 Highland County Senior Citizens Center’s Senior Expo.
- The event may be promoted through Senior Center-controlled marketing materials as: 2026 Highland County Senior Citizens Center’s Senior Expo, Presented By [Business Name].
- Largest logo featured on event marketing materials.
- Largest logo featured in the official event program.
- Largest logo featured on sponsor banners.
- Largest logo featured in sponsor recognition Facebook posts and on the Senior Expo promotional Facebook video.
- Our 2025 Senior Expo promotional video received thousands of views.
- Recognition in the Highland County Senior Citizens Center newsletter, including recognition as the Presenting Sponsor in the front-page event story and the largest logo displayed on the event flyer featured in the newsletter.
- Premium booth location with first choice of booth placement.
- First recognition during Stage Time.
- To begin Stage Time, attendees will be invited to welcome the event’s Presenting Sponsor to the stage before all other vendor announcements.
- Exclusive Presenting Sponsor invitation video posted on Facebook prior to the event. ◦
- Sponsor representative will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and invite guests to attend the Senior Expo. ◦
- Sponsor logo will be included in the video. ◦
- Business will be recognized as the Presenting Sponsor throughout the video.
- Recognition in the Vendor Spotlight Facebook Video as the Presenting Sponsor and featured as the first business in the video.
- When other media opportunities are available, the Presenting Sponsor may be recognized in event photographs, captions, and related publicity materials if that media outlet or publication allows sponsors to be identified.
- Recognition in post-event recap materials as the Presenting Sponsor.
Activity Sponsorship Opportunities 
Bingo Session Sponsor – $500 – No Longer Available
Sponsorship Deadline: July 27, 2026
Bingo. Enough said.
Anyone who knows seniors knows that bingo is always a favorite. The Senior Expo Bingo Session, Sponsored By [Business Name], brings attendees together for fun, prizes, laughter, and a little friendly competition that keeps participants engaged for hours after the expo.
As the sponsor of the Senior Expo Bingo Session, Sponsored By [Business Name], your business will receive recognition before, during, and after this popular activity. Seniors will appreciate your sponsorship as you help fill the room with excitement and the wonderful sound of someone shouting, “BINGO!”
Pairing your business name with one of the Senior Expo’s favorite traditions is a winning opportunity for recognition and visibility.
Benefits include:
- Recognition as the official sponsor of the Senior Expo Bingo Session, Sponsored By [Business Name].
- Sponsor logo featured with the second-largest logo placement on sponsor banners, flyers, Facebook videos, and other sponsor recognition materials, following the Presenting Sponsor.
- Sponsor logo featured on every complimentary bingo card distributed to participants.
- Recognition signage displayed near the bingo caller throughout the bingo session.
- Verbal recognition during bingo announcements, including recognition that complimentary bingo cards are provided through the support of the sponsor.
- Recognition in the official event program.
- Recognition in the Highland County Senior Citizens Center newsletter.
- Recognition in Senior Expo Facebook promotions prior to the event.
- No need to purchase prizes separately, prizes are provided by the vendors
- Dedicated “Thanks for Bingo” Facebook video posted after the event.
- Seniors thanking the sponsor for supporting complimentary bingo.
- Sponsor logo included in the video.
- Business name mentioned in the video and Facebook post.
- The video will be posted on the Highland County Senior Citizens Center’s Facebook page.
- Recognition in post-event recap materials as the sponsor of the Senior Expo Bingo Session, Sponsored By [Business Name].
Chair Volleyball Sponsor – $500 –No Longer Available
Sponsor’s Information Deadline: July 27, 2026
Don’t let the chairs fool you.
Chair Volleyball is one of the most popular activities offered at the Highland County Senior Citizens Center. Played three times each week using a beach ball, it regularly fills the Center with laughter, friendly competition, and more exercise than many people expect.
As the Chair Volleyball Sponsor, your business will help bring this popular activity to the Senior Expo. Players of different abilities can join in a fun game that promotes movement, teamwork, and social connection.
Not only will your business receive recognition before, during, and after the Senior Expo, but your employees are also invited to participate and share in the connection, laughter, and fun with seniors.
Benefits include:
- Recognition as the official sponsor of the Senior Expo Chair Volleyball Games, Sponsored By [Business Name].
- The Center will purchase the prizes; provide your marketing material to go on each prize.
- Sponsor logo featured with the second-largest logo placement on sponsor banners, flyers, Facebook videos, and other sponsor recognition materials, following the Presenting Sponsor.
- Recognition signage displayed at the Chair Volleyball activity area.
- Recognition during Chair Volleyball announcements and activities.
- Employees of the sponsoring business are invited to participate in Chair Volleyball games with seniors.
- Participation prizes will be awarded throughout the Chair Volleyball Games. The sponsoring business will receive recognition as the prize sponsor and may attach promotional materials, coupons, business cards, or other marketing items to the prizes.
- Recognition in the official event program.
- Recognition in the Highland County Senior Citizens Center newsletter.
- Recognition in Senior Expo Facebook promotions prior to the event.
- Dedicated Chair Volleyball Highlights Facebook video posted after the event.
- Chair Volleyball action and highlights featured.
- Seniors participating in Chair Volleyball featured.
- Prize winners featured. ◦
- Sponsor logo included in the video.
- Business name mentioned in the video and Facebook post.
- Video posted on the Highland County Senior Citizens Center’s Facebook page.
- Recognition in post-event recap materials as the sponsor of the Senior Expo Chair Volleyball Games, Sponsored By [Business Name].
Costume Contest Sponsor (Guest Category) – $500 – one spot available
Sponsor’s Information Deadline: July 27, 2026
Benefits include:
Over the years, we have seen some wonderfully creative costumes! All eyes will be on the creative creatures, humorous characters, and costumed contestants gathered near the stage as attendees wait to see who will be crowned this year’s winners.
As the Costume Contest Sponsor, your business will provide the contest prizes and help celebrate the seniors who make this event so special. You’ll receive recognition during winner announcements, photographs with the winners, and event promotions—without the responsibility of serving as a contest judge.
- Recognition as the official Costume Contest Sponsor.
- The Center will purchase the prizes; provide your marketing material to go on each prize.
- Sponsor logo featured with the second-largest logo placement on sponsor banners, flyers, Facebook videos, and other sponsor recognition materials, following the Presenting Sponsor.
- Recognition signage displayed at the Costume Contest area.
- Recognition as the provider of the Costume Contest prizes.
- Verbal recognition during Costume Contest winner announcements.
- Opportunity to be photographed with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
- No judging responsibilities required.
- Recognition in the official event program.
- Recognition in the Highland County Senior Citizens Center newsletter.
- Recognition in Senior Expo Facebook promotions prior to the event.
- Sponsor recognition included with photographs of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Costume Contest winners featured in the Highland County Senior Citizens Center newsletter and separate Facebook post.
- Dedicated Costume Contest Highlights Facebook video posted after the event.
- Costume Contest participants and winners featured.
- Sponsor logo included in the video.
- Business name mentioned in the video and Facebook post.
- Video posted on the Highland County Senior Citizens Center’s Facebook page.
- Recognition in post-event recap materials as the Costume Contest Sponsor.
Senior Prize Sponsor – $500 – one spot available 
Sponsor’s Information Deadline: July 27, 2026
Who doesn’t love prizes? Seniors do!
The Senior Expo Prize Center, Sponsored By [Business Name], is always a popular stop at the Senior Expo. Filled with useful items and treats, fun giveaways, and plenty of excitement, it gives attendees an opportunity to take home a special prize while adding to the fun of the day.
As the Senior Prize Sponsor, your business will help provide prizes for seniors while receiving recognition before, during, and after the event. Sponsor materials may be attached to prizes, creating an additional opportunity for your business to connect with attendees beyond the Expo.
Benefits include:
- Recognition as the official sponsor of the Senior Expo Prize Center, Sponsored By [Business Name].
- The Center will purchase the prizes; provide your marketing material to go on each prize.
- Sponsor logo featured with the second-largest logo placement on sponsor banners, flyers, Facebook videos, and other sponsor recognition materials, following the Presenting Sponsor.
- Sponsor recognition banner displayed at the Senior Expo Prize Center.
- Sponsor marketing materials may be attached to prizes distributed throughout the event.
- Recognition in the official event program.
- Recognition in the Highland County Senior Citizens Center newsletter.
- Recognition in Senior Expo Facebook promotions prior to the event.
- Photograph of the Senior Expo Prize Center will all the prizes with your staff featured with sponsor recognition.
- Photographs will be posted on the Center’s Facebook page and newsletter.
- Dedicated Senior Prize Sponsor Highlights included in post-event Facebook content.
- Prize winners featured.
- Sponsor logo included in the video.
- Business name mentioned in the video and Facebook post.
- Video posted on the Highland County Senior Citizens Center’s Facebook page.
- Recognition in post-event recap materials as the sponsor of the Senior Expo Prize Center, Sponsored By [Business Name].
Supporting Sponsor – $250
Sponsor’s Information Deadline: July 27, 2026 Highland County Senior Citizens Center: Established 1970
Support the Senior Expo while increasing visibility for your business throughout the event.
Supporting Sponsors play an important role in helping make the Senior Expo possible while receiving recognition before, during, and after the event.
Benefits include:
- Recognition as a Supporting Sponsor of the Senior Expo.
- Business name featured as a third-tier sponsor on event sponsor banners, following the Presenting Sponsor and Activity Sponsors.
- Business name featured as a third-tier sponsor in the official event program, following the Presenting Sponsor and Activity Sponsors.
- Recognition in the Highland County Senior Citizens Center newsletter.
- Recognition in Senior Expo Facebook promotions prior to the event.
- Recognition in post-event sponsor thank-you materials.
PROGRAM ADVERTISING
Business Card Advertisement – $100
Promote your business with a business card-sized advertisement in the official 2026 Senior Expo Program. Full-color programs will be distributed to each business and attendee throughout the event.
Benefits Include:
• Business card-sized advertisement in the Senior Expo Program
• Exposure to seniors, caregivers, families, community organizations, and businesses from Highland, Adams, Brown, Clinton, Fayette, Ross Counties, and surrounding communities
• Available to both vendors and non-vendors
• Advertisement will appear on dedicated Program Advertising pages after the sponsors pages
Artwork Requirements:
• Business card-sized advertisement (3.5″ x 2″)
• High-resolution PDF, JPG, or PNG preferred
• Minimum 300 dpi recommended for best print quality
• Advertiser is responsible for submitting print-ready artwork before the deadline
Artwork Submission and Payment Deadline:
July 14
Artwork Submission Options
□ Email artwork to mkarnes@highlandseniors.com
Cost: $100 per advertisement
How Do I Register for a Booth or Select Sponsorship Opportunities?
Please read the information below, complete the registration form, and then scroll to the bottom of the page to select the opportunities you wish to reserve and add them to your cart.
Check payments should be made payable to:
Highland County Senior Citizens Center
Payment Information
- Booth = Pay Now (unless you need to pay with a check)
- Sponsorships = We’ll send you an invoice if your selection is still available
- Ads = We’ll send you an invoice if your selection is still available
These opportunities will be invoiced separately by the Highland County Senior Citizens Center. Invoices may be paid by check, cash, or credit card.
All sponsorships and advertisements are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If an item is available to select and add to your cart, it is still available and may be reserved. If an item is displayed but cannot be added to your cart, that opportunity has already been reserved and is no longer available.
Booth Registration and Payment
Booth space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- To reserve your booth, add the booth registration to your cart and complete checkout
- Proceed with payment by credit card, unless you selected to pay by check in the form
- Once booth space is sold out, you will not be able to add it to your cart
Exclusive Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorships are limited to one sponsor each and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- To reserve an Exclusive Sponsorship, simply add your selected sponsorship to your cart and complete checkout.
- An invoice will be sent following registration, and your sponsorship will be reserved pending payment arrangements.
- If you are not able to select the item, it has already been reserved and no longer available
Supporting Sponsor
- To become a Supporting Sponsor, add the Supporting Sponsor to your cart and complete checkout
- An invoice will be sent following registration, and your sponsorship will be reserved pending payment arrangements.
- If you are not able to select the item, it has already been reserved and no longer available
Business Card Advertisement
- To reserve your Business Card Advertisement, add the Business Card Advertisement to your cart and complete checkout.
- An invoice will be sent following registration, and your ad and it will be reserved pending payment arrangements.
- Once ad space is sold out, you will not be able to add it to your cart
TERMS & CONDITIONS
- Booth spaces, sponsorships, and advertisements are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may sell out prior to the registration deadline.
- Registration is not considered complete until payment has been received.
- Booth assignments will be determined by event organizers. Every effort will be made to accommodate special requests; however, specific booth locations cannot be guaranteed.
- The Presenting Sponsor will have the opportunity to select their booth location prior to booth assignments being finalized.
- Vendor fees, sponsorships, and advertising purchases are non-refundable unless the event is canceled by the Highland County Senior Citizens Center.
- Vendors requiring electricity for demonstration of services must indicate this during registration. Extension cords must be covered with a flat rug or cord cover to reduce tripping hazards. No extension cords will be permitted for decoration purposes.
- To protect the Patriot Center gym floor, displays, equipment, tables, chairs, and other booth materials must not have exposed metal or surfaces that could scratch or damage the floor. All items placed on the gym floor must have rubber feet, protective pads, or similar floor protection.
- Highland County Senior Citizens Center reserves the right to refuse or revoke participation if a vendor, sponsor, display, or activity is determined to be inconsistent with the mission or operation of the event.
- Businesses may only register for this event for a booth, sponsorship or purchase an ad space if invited by the Highland County Senior Citizens Center.
- Submission of registration constitutes agreement with all event policies, procedures, and terms outlined in the registration materials.
W9 Form Go to our Facebook page
Questions? Please Contact Us. Mechell Karnes, Executive Director, mkarnes@highlandseniors.com * cell: 937-763-1904 (call or text) Lin Packard, Executive Assistant, Lpackard@highlandseniors.com * Office: 937-393-4745 (M, T, W, F: 8am-3pm) For general information about the Center, you may also call our Front Desk, Patty, at 937-393-4745 (M, T, F: 9am-3pm) Highland County Senior Citizens Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and non-government funded organization. Please let us know if any additional paperwork is needed for tax write-off purposes.