A vendor hall (or exhibit hall) is the marketplace area at homeschool conventions where curriculum publishers, educational services, and homeschool-related companies display and sell their products to families, typically offering convention-exclusive discounts.
What Is a Vendor Hall?
The vendor hall transforms a convention center into a shopping mall specifically for homeschool resources. Major curriculum publishers set up elaborate booths where you can flip through textbooks, watch demonstrations, and speak directly with creators. Smaller exhibitors offer everything from educational games to co-op information to college admissions guidance. For families who've only browsed catalogs online, the vendor hall provides the invaluable opportunity to see, touch, and compare materials in person. Most vendors offer convention-exclusive pricing - typically 10-25% off plus free shipping - making this the most economical time to make major curriculum purchases.
Key Takeaways
- Largest vendor halls at Great Homeschool Conventions, FPEA (Florida), and HEAV (Virginia)
- Most vendors offer convention-exclusive discounts of 10-25% plus free shipping
- Includes curriculum publishers, educational services, colleges, camps, and support organizations
- Many conventions offer free or reduced admission to exhibit-only hours
- Used curriculum sales at some conventions provide budget-friendly options
Major Conventions with Large Vendor Halls
The Three-Lap Strategy
Veteran convention-goers recommend a methodical approach to avoid overwhelm. First lap: walk through without stopping, just getting a feel for what's there and where everything is located. Second lap: identify which booths deserve extended visits and mentally compare vendors offering similar products. Third lap: make targeted visits to priority booths, ask detailed questions, and make purchases. This prevents impulse buys and ensures you don't miss anything important while stuck in conversation at the first interesting booth you encounter.
Beyond Curriculum
Modern vendor halls extend well beyond textbooks and workbooks. Many conventions now feature college fairs with admissions representatives from dozens of institutions. Summer camps and gap-year programs recruit attendees. Tutoring services, online schools, and co-ops explain their offerings. Field trip venues market educational outings. Support organizations for special needs, gifted learners, and specific educational philosophies maintain presence. Even if you're not buying curriculum, vendor halls offer opportunities to research options across your entire homeschool experience.
Practical Tips
Bring comfortable shoes - you'll walk miles. A rolling cart or large bag is essential for carrying purchases and catalogs. Research exhibitors beforehand using the convention's published vendor list; pre-screen unfamiliar companies online. Set a budget before arriving and stick to it. Address labels save time at prize drawings. Friday attendance means smaller crowds and more vendor attention; Saturday is busier but often has end-of-convention deals. Many conventions offer free exhibit-only admission during Thursday evening preview hours or late Saturday.
The Bottom Line
Vendor halls justify convention attendance for many homeschool families. The combination of hands-on product evaluation, direct access to curriculum creators, and convention-exclusive pricing often makes the trip worthwhile even before attending a single workshop. Plan ahead, set a budget, use the three-lap strategy, and don't underestimate the value of discovering resources you didn't know existed. Whether you're a new homeschooler making major curriculum decisions or a veteran looking for fresh options, the vendor hall delivers an experience online shopping can't replicate.
