2008 National Law Enforcement Exploring Conference

Section IV - Program Activities

A Lifetime of Opportunity

In addition to competitive events, additional program opportunities will be provided, including dynamic seminars, career booth shows, volleyball tournaments, and leadership training. This section has information about all of these activities. Plan to take advantage of as many of these activities as possible. The opportunity comes around only once every two years and sometimes only once in the time a youth is an Explorer.

Recreation

A variety of recreational facilities will be available during the conference. Some activities require day use fee and age requirements.

Some physical education and athletics facilities will be available during the conference to participants when scheduled. (Early arrivals are for housing only.) For details go to http://campusrec.colostate.edu

Dancing

Conference participants can attend dances each night from Monday through Friday. Live entertainment or a disk jockey will be provided.

Special Programs

Several activities will be presented on Friday, July 25, including dramatic presentations and live law enforcement demonstrations.

Entertainment Night is on Wednesday, July 23.

The closing program will be 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 25. Both the opening and closing programs will feature awards, keynote presenters, and spectacular visuals.

Exploring U.S.A.

Thursday, July 24, will spotlight the Explorers themselves at Exploring U.S.A. This is an exciting event and provides an opportunity for Explorer posts to showcase their programs.

Exploring U.S.A. brings successful post programs from across the country to be shared with all in attendance. The purpose of Exploring U.S.A. is to highlight successful activities and provide for the exchange of information among the Exploring posts. Any Explorer post can get into the act by developing an exhibit that describes a particular post program, project, or event in which the post is involved that it would like to share with others at the conference. This is an opportunity to show what makes a post exemplary. Sharing the lessons it has learned, the knowledge and perspective it has gained, and the solutions and resources it has discovered in its community makes this event a must for each post. The exhibit itself does not need to elaborate; rather, what is important is the information and results communicated by the Explorers. Visual aids in the booth help in illustrating the programs and events.

In the "Forms" section you will find the pertinent registration form for the Exploring U.S.A. program. Be sure that your post is represented at this event - the largest idea exchange on Exploring ever conducted.

Judges evaluate the activities on each participating post and award first-, second-, and third-place plaques in categories for programs on crime prevention, post development, and community service.

Crime prevention is an integral part of policing, and Explorer post programs to accomplish the goal of preventing crimes can improve the overall quality of life in the community. This category will allow posts to exhibit crime prevention activities, illustrating the purposes, techniques, and technology employed locally for community crime prevention.

The post development category will allow the exhibit and the post activities to be judged on how well the post is organized to accomplish its mission. Judging criteria could consider matters such as exploring the post's objectives, organization and management development of the post, and programs carried out in the community. Project results are certainly important, as are the methods the post uses to nurture the post activities from conception to completion.

Community service is an important part of law enforcement Exploring. Providing services to the community enables the Exploring post to partner with various organizations and find creative ways to help the community. Through community service outreach programs, the Exploring post can bridge the gap among a wide array of backgrounds and differences. Meeting the needs of persons in the community through service is a fundamental role of law enforcement Exploring.

There is no fee for a standard exhibit booth. Please note the terms and conditions, complete each item on the accompanying application, and return with your unit's reservation form to National Law Enforcement Exploring, 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, Irving, TX 75038.

Exhibit Terms and Conditions

Space. The contract for use of exhibit space provides for a standard flameproof back wall drapery and a 36-inch-high side rail with drapery, a booth number, an electrical outlet, guard security service, aisle cleaning, one standard exhibit table (if needed), and two chairs. Minimal storage space will be available.
Furnishings. Any additional furniture, draping, accessories, signs, electrical cords, and other furnishings needed by the exhibitor are the responsibility of the exhibitor.
Installation and dismantling of exhibits. All installation and dismantling of exhibits must be done during the time indicated. Installation can begin between 9 and 11 a.m. on July 24. Exhibitors are responsible for their own material handling. The exhibiting post must handle all work in connection with exhibit.
Dismantling of exhibits should not occur before the official closing of the Exhibit Hall around 6 p.m. on July 24. It is the exhibitor's responsibility to see that all materials used during the conference be removed from the premises by 9 p.m. on July 24.
Acceptability of exhibits. All exhibits should be operated to serve the purposes of Exploring and shall be constructed in such a way as not to detract from any other exhibit. Operation of sound devices is allowed but must comply with volume restrictions.
Computers/Audio-Visual. Exhibitors are responsible for providing any computers, VCR/DVD players and monitors used as part of their exhibit. Internet connections are not always available at the exhibition, so check with your committee chair about availability.
Security. Overall building security is provided. However, conference sponsors and student center personnel will not be responsible for lost or stolen materials or equipment left unattended during the hours of operation.
Sales. NO CASH SALES OF PRODUCTS CAN BE MADE DURING THE EXHIBIT; HOWEVER, ADDRESSES MAY BE EXCHANGED.
Fires. No open fires or flames will be permitted.
Promotional giveaways and prizes. Attention items and drawings for prizes are encouraged. Please, however, be prepared to handle the drawings and awarding of prizes without assistance.
Care of building and equipment. No nails or screws may be driven into the walls, columns, or floor of the exhibition area.
Follow-up. After your application is received, we will forward additional information about shipping, storage, and locations to your booth chairperson.
Judging. Judging will take place between 2 and 5 p.m. on July 24. Any booth removed before closing will be disqualified from the competition. During the judging, only Explorers are allowed to explain the activity to the judges. Among the factors considered by the judges are the ExplorersÕ knowledge of the activities, measurable achievements, and explanation of purpose and benefits of the various activities. An important part of the judging is the resourcefulness, initiative and proactive strategies employed by the Explorers.

Career Fair

The Career Fair is an exposition of local, state, and federal agencies, organizations, and corporations that have a significant story to tell Explorers with regard to career and organizational opportunities. Each participant will be able to ask questions of and interact directly with a corporate, governmental, or professional agency to assess their own career and life goals. The Career Fair will be open from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. Your Explorers are sure to enjoy this event. In addition, a number of demonstrations and static displays will be available.