Target   audience:   Minority general  public. Recruiter Support of Exhibits events  and  the Recruiter support starts with the selection of an exhibit. Select an exhibit that has a theme targeted at  your  audience  and  consistent  with  the  theme  of the   event.   You   must   then   consider   the   logistics. Portable  exhibits  should  be  setup  on  ground  floors only,   in   buildings   without   cargo   elevators.   Make sure the exhibit will fit into the allotted floor space, complies  with  all  local  fire,  safety,  and  dimensional regulations, and   the   doors, elevators, and passageways   will   allow   access.   Consider   exhibits used   by   competitive   exhibitors. Make  sure  the exhibit  support  (electricity,  a  working  party,  time, forklifts,  security,  and  so  on)  is  available.  Finally exhibit  manning  can  be  a  tedious  duty.  Schedule frequent  breaks  to  maintain  a  sharp  appearance. This is where your teamwork will come into play as the  displays  must  be  manned  during  all  hours  of public display. Promoting and Working the Exhibit A  great  deal  of  coordination  at  several  levels  of the Recruiting Command have resulted in an exhibit scheduled  for  your  territory.  To  make  the  best  use of   this   valuable   resource,   proper   promotion   and working the exhibit is essential. When possible, pre- and   postpromotion   releases   should   be   placed   in local  community  and  school  newspapers.  Public address  announcements  are  also  valuable. All releases  provide  good  free  exposure.  Press  release information   is   available,   on   request,   from   the NAVCRUITEXHIBCEN. Send  out  letters  of invitation   to   prospects. Invite   them   to   your exhibition.  Make  them  feel  important  and  let  them know  you  have  something  to  offer.  Invite  them  to bring  a  friend. At  the  show  site,  introduction  is everything.  Don’t  say  “May  I  help  you?”  rather  say “Have   you   had   a   chance   to   learn   about   Navy opportunities?” or   something   more   personal. Exhibit  viewers  expect  a  host  who  is  first  and foremost knowledgeable, then friendly, businesslike, and genuinely interested in them. Be sure you have an adequate supply of RAD materials for handouts. The  exhibit  vans  do  not  carry  a  supply  of  RADs. PORTABLE EXHIBITS The   COMNAVCRUITCOM   Portable   Exhibit Program, COMNAVCRUITCOMINST    7102.1, provides  guidance  and  policy  on  the  portable exhibits and display items that are provided to field activities,  mainly  NRDs. Use of Portable Exhibits Portable  exhibits  are  used  for  the  following purposes: l  As  a  substitute  for  NAVCRUITEXHIBCEN resources,  when  unavailable l  To  allow  recruiter  participation  in  public events l  To  perpetuate  Navy  public  awareness l   To   support   both   general   and   specific recruiting  efforts NRD Portable Exhibit Inventories COMNAVCRUITCOM   maintains   or   expands NRD portable exhibit inventories at least annually. The   inventories   are   contingent   upon   available funding   and   NRD   requirements.   Examples   of current  inventory  items  are  the  following: Panel  glide  and  nomadic  displays Computerized  electronic  signs U.S.  Navy  banners Exhibit graphics Tabletop  displays Check  with  your  NRD  PAO  to  see  what  portable exhibits are available. OTHER  DISPLAY  RESOURCES Other  display  resources  include  the  following: l l l CHINFO’s   combat   art   and   combat   art lithographs Naval Sea Systems Command’s ship models Naval  Air  Systems  Command’s  surplus aircraft 7-13