Vendor Opportunities
Important links:
Bridge Conference is Washington’s only annual conference that brings the fullness of our youth development sector together. During this 2-day convening, over 500 attendees engage in 50+ conference sessions, valuable networking opportunities, and powerful keynote speakers with inspiring messages that propel our collective work forward.
As a vendor at this premier conference in the Pacific Northwest, you will enhance the attendee experience while connecting your business/organization with a growing network of professionals who are shaping the future of youth development. Your presence provides opportunities to reach:
- 500+ school-age care providers, educators, youth development professionals, community organizers, policymakers, funders, and nonprofit leaders from across the country
- 10,000 youth development stakeholders in our regional network who receive regular news and updates about Bridge, exhibitors, sponsors, and vendors
- Thousands more reached through SOWA’s social media channels and the networks of our partners across the expanded learning and education sectors
3 Reasons to be a Vendor at 2026 Bridge
- Visibility: Showcase products and services that support young people in a wide array of unique expanded learning environments in the youth development sector across Washington and beyond. You don’t want to miss our Exhibitor Showcase & Happy Hour on Monday!
- Connection: Get face-to-face time with youth development professionals, leaders, and decision-makers seeking resources and new solutions to critical issues impacting young people, families, and communities. Returning vendors develop strong rapport with conference attendees and other exhibitors, especially if there is strategic follow-up (i.e. sponsored dinner/happy hour, post-event activity, etc.).
- Establish trust: Align your business and brand with our SOWA and Bridge Conference values, including a prominent focus on equity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a vendor?
- Review Vendor Space Terms & Conditions
- Submit a Vendor Interest Form
- Upon approval, SOWA will send a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for signature via DocuSign
A completed Vendor Interest Form and signed MOU together constitute a booth reservation and contract to use designated vendor space.
You will receive an email with a registration link and a unique vendor code. Vendor registration is not required to reserve a vendor space; however, vendors are encouraged to complete registration to assist SOWA with conference planning, including attendance and headcount tracking.
If you do not plan to sell products or services during the conference, visit our Exhibitor page for more details and to apply.
What is the cost of vending at 2026 Bridge Conference?
There are no upfront costs for vendors to reserve a booth. Vendors will pay SOWA 15% of total sales generated at the Bridge Conference, calculated before any deductions for expenses, taxes, or fees.
Vendors must submit a detailed sales report to SOWA by emailing bridge@schoolsoutwashington.org within 7 business days following the final day of the Bridge Conference. Upon receipt and review of the sales report, SOWA will issue an invoice for the amount due. Payment must be received within 30 days of the invoice date.
SOWA accepts payments via electronic funds transfer or check. Checks must be made payable to School’s Out Washington and sent to Schools Out Washington 625 Andover Park W, Suite #101 Tukwila, WA 98188.
What can I sell during 2026 Bridge Conference?
Due to venue restrictions, vendors are not allowed to sell or distribute food or beverages. Otherwise, we are especially interested in vendors that can offer engaging, relevant, and/or fun products and services to our conference attendees.
Here are some items that vendors are allowed to sell at the Bridge Conference:
- Books
- Plants and flowers
- Professional development resources
- Activity kits for youth
- Art supplies
- Self-care products
- Apparel
- Massage services
- Mugs and tumblers
- Art pieces
- And more!
Please review the Vendor Space Terms & Conditions and visit Greater Tacoma Convention Center’s Exhibitor Guidelines for more information.
When is the application window?
Vendor spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Vendor Interest Forms will be accepted until October 4, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST, or until all available spaces have been filled.
A signed MOU must be returned within two weeks of receipt and no later than October 16, 2026, whichever occurs first.
Vendor benefits and booth reservations will not be provided until SOWA has received a completed Vendor Interest Form and signed MOU.
What are the vending dates and hours?
Set up:
- Sunday, October 25, 2026 between 2:00-4:30 PM
- Monday, October 26, 2026 between 7:15-7:45 AM
Expo Hours:
- Monday, October 26, 2026 from 7:45 AM – 6:00 PM
- Exhibitor Showcase & Happy Hour 4:00-6:00 PM
- Tuesday, October 27, 2026 from 7:45 AM – 4:00 PM
Tear Down:
- Tuesday, October 27, 2026 between 3:30 – 5:30 PM
What is your cancellation policy?
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to bridge@schoolsoutwashington.org.
Cancellations before October 1, 2026, will not be subject to a cancellation fee.
Cancellation requests received on or between October 1 and October 11, 2026, will be subject to a $150 cancellation fee.
Cancellation requests received after October 11, 2026, will be subject to a $200 cancellation fee.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Email us at bridge@schoolsoutwashington.org to connect with a Bridge planning team member.