UT Marketplace is authorized under the Regent’s Rules of the University of Texas System. The Board of Regents allows the University to designate no more than two one-day periods each academic year, which is accomplished through the UT Marketplace event. UT Marketplace is held outdoors on The University of Texas at Austin campus once during each long semester.
Regents’ Rules of The University of Texas System allow for the display and distribution of printed material from tables of booths by providers of services that are commonly utilized by students, faculty, and staff of the UT System. It does not allow company or organization representatives to make sales or to take orders for products or services. Additionally, in accordance with HB 85, effective September 1, 2007, it is not permissible for financial institutions or marketing entities to provide credit card application information. Company or organization representatives may collect directory information from willing participants provided that the method of collection is clearly presented as a “mailing list” or “distribution list.” Prizes, contests, or drawings are permitted. Any food and beverage distribution must be approved a minimum of 30 days in advance and comply with UT Environmental Health & Safety guidelines.
LOCATION
Speedway Plaza on the University of Texas at Austin campus.
DATE AND TIME
Wednesday, March 3, 2027, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
ELIGIBILITY
UT Marketplace Staff shall have the sole right to determine the eligibility of booths, including, but not limited to: companies, products, systems, services, booth graphics, printed matter distributed, souvenirs and giveaways, costumes and booth personnel attire, and all other exposition features and activities. For more information regarding exhibitor eligibility guidelines, contact your Texas Student Media representative.
PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL
Sample articles, premiums, novelties, publications, souvenirs, printed educational and promotional materials may be distributed from the advertiser’s booth. A minimum of 3,500 items is suggested, as foot traffic in the event area can be up to 20,000 people throughout the day. All such materials must be made available to all attendees as long as the materials are offered. Prizes, contests or drawings are permitted. Samples of handout materials other than literature pertaining to advertiser’s products and services must be approved in advance. UT Marketplace Staff may withdraw permission to distribute any material it considers objectionable. Any food or beverage distribution must be approved a minimum of 30 days in advance and comply with UT Environmental Health & Safety guidelines.
RESTRICTIONS
UT Marketplace Staff reserves the right to alter or close any booth that does not conform to the provisions of this contract. No refund shall be due under such circumstances. UT Marketplace Staff also reserves the right to exclude any nonconforming party from participating at any future UT Marketplace program or to give lowest priority for future events.
BOOTH STAFFING
Booths must be staffed during event hours. Up to 4 people may staff a booth. Company representatives must remain in or directly in front of their designated booth area, and may not roam the event to distribute materials or conduct promotional activities. With advance notice, UT Marketplace can provide staffing of 2 representatives if desired for $650 per booth.
POP-UP TENTS
Exhibitors may bring pop-up tents for their booths but they may not exceed the size of their pre-paid area. Tents larger than pre-paid space will not be allowed to set up. Exhibitors must bring sandbags or weights for the legs of the canopies for safety to help resist the wind. Stakes will not suffice on the concrete surface.
SOUND
Amplified sound is not permitted at UT Marketplace. This includes, but is not limited to, microphone announcements, recorded music on speakers, and live music.
ARRANGEMENT OF BOOTHS
UT Marketplace Staff reserves the right to assign the booth location for each vendor. One six-foot long table and 2 chairs will be provided for each advertiser. Additional tables and chairs may be provided for larger spaces.
ADMISSION
UT Marketplace Staff shall have control over admissions policies at all times.
INSTALLATION
Set-up time begins at 7:00 A.M. The event begins at 10 A.M. Exhibitors will be provided with specific unloading times closer to the event. Exhibitors must bring their materials the day of the event. Items cannot be delivered in advance as storage and transport is not available.
PARKING
One vehicle parking pass for a nearby UT garage will be provided per booth. Additional passes may be purchased for $15 each. After unloading booth materials, exhibitors must move their vehicles to the designated garage before completing booth setup as unloading space is limited. More specific information will be provided to exhibitors closer to the event. Booths requiring vehicles as part of their displays must receive prior approval and pre-pay $50 per vehicle permit. Oversized vehicles that do not fit in the garage will also need to pre-pay $50 for a permit to park in a special area. Food trucks require an additional inspection fee once participation is authorized.
CLEANUP
The event will end at 3 P.M. and area must be cleared by 4 P.M. All empty boxes must be broken down and placed in the designated recycling bins. Each company is responsible for the removal from campus and clean up of all items from booth area. Items include but are not limited to boxes, banners, promotional items, trash and candy wrappers. A $250 cleaning fee will be assessed to those who do not comply.
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION
Payment in full is required at time of reservation, along with signed agreement. After 30 days of non-payment space will be subject to release or a 5% late fee per month overdue.
No refunds will be given once payment has been made for reservation. Exhibitors who cancel their paid reservations in writing by January 29, 2027 will be provided credit to be used towards advertising space in Texas Student Media print or online products, to be used on or before April 16, 2027 or towards the Fall 2027 event. Credit to be used for these purposes will be reduced to 50% for cancellations made in writing after January 29.
Final payment deadline is February 5, 2027, after which any outstanding unpaid reservations will be cancelled, and subsequent reservations for future UT Marketplace events will be subject to a 25% cancellation surcharge. Registration after January 22 will incur a late fee of $150.
Event is rain or shine. No refunds will be provided due to weather, travel or accommodation-related challenges.
ACCESSIBILITY
UT Marketplace will do its best to honor special accommodation requests. Information on wheelchair accessible routes will be provided upon request.
FAQs
What are the benefits of participating in this event? The University Board of Regents limits access for off-campus exhibitors to just two days per year, which is when we hold the UT Marketplace. On these two days, exhibitors have access to thousands of UT Austin students, faculty and staff members to advertise their services, pass out samples of their products, and distribute literature. Some exhibitors use this opportunity to advertise employment opportunities with their organization.
Can we pay the registration fee with a credit card? Yes. Please contact your TSM advertising account executive.
How many team members from our organization are permitted to participate? Please limit your team members to four at any one time. You are restricted to the area immediately surrounding your table and/or exhibit and additional participants could create issues with pedestrian traffic flow.
What time should we arrive? Setup begins at 7 a.m. The event begins at 10 a.m. Exhibitors will be provided with specific unloading times closer to the event.
Where do we unload our vehicle? All exhibitors will be provided an unloading time. During your appointed time, you should follow the map provided by your Account Executive. After unloading, you will need to immediately move your vehicle to the designated parking garage.
Where do we park, and how much does it cost? UT Marketplace will validate parking in a University garage for one standard vehicle per exhibitor. Parking for additional vehicles are the responsibility of the exhibitor; additional cards are available for $15 each. If you choose to bring a second vehicle, the current garage rates can be found here, however space availability is not guaranteed without advance reservations. If an oversized vehicle will not fit into a garage, other accommodations can be made for a $50 prepaid permit to park in a special area, with a minimum of 7 business days’ advance notification.
What types of materials are we permitted to pass out? Exhibitors are permitted to distribute free samples, promotional items, and printed materials such as brochures and/or coupons. Food and beverage distribution must be approved a minimum of 30 days in advance. We recommend a minimum of 3,500 samples or promotional items.
What types of promotions work well at this event? UT Marketplace attendees are attracted to games with prizes. Exhibitors offering free promotional items, T-shirts, or drawings are also successful at the UT Marketplace.
If we are having a drawing, are we allowed to collect student contact information? Your organization may request directory information such as a student’s name and telephone number for a drawing that will take place by the end of the day. Unless the means is also clearly presented as collection for a mailing list, all information gathered must be surrendered to a UT Marketplace staff member before your organization leaves the UT Marketplace event.
May we collect student contact information for a mailing list? Organizations may collect the directory information of willing participants provided that the means of collection is clearly presented as a mailing list. Participation in a drawing may not be dependent upon signing up for the mailing list.