BEST SOUTHWEST EVERYTHING TEEN EXPO 2025

What is the “Best Southwest Everything Teen Expo 2025”? ETE is a Best Southwest collaborative Teen Expo in partnership with the DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Duncanville and Lancaster Public Libraries driven, planned and organized largely by teenagers.

Where will it be held? DeSoto Town Center, 211 E. Pleasant Run Road, DeSoto, TX 75115

When will it be held? Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

How much does it cost to attend? There is no charge for teens to attend the event, although there is a charge for vendors.

What is the vision of ETE? To enrich the lives of teens by connecting them with community, resources, services, and support.

What is the overall goal of ETE? Our goal is for teenagers to build and sustain meaningful and positive relationships with their community by connecting them with businesses, non-profits, colleges, government institutions, and other organizations both local and nationwide through fun and engaging interactions. This Expo will allow teens to connect with professionals while learning about valuable resources and services that can help them pursue their passion, find their purpose, succeed and overcome obstacles in their lives.

Why is there a need for ETE?

• There is a real disconnect between teens and the community.

• ETE can help organizations have a stronger connection with teenagers.

• ETE can help organizations that may be underutilizing their resources for teens.

• ETE can help organizations promote resources and services that would help teenagers.

• ETE can help organizations tap into the hard to reach teen demographic.

• ETE can help organizations show that they care about teenagers and the community.

• ETE can help organizations recruit teens as volunteers, interns or for employment.

What makes this expo different from other teen events? The Best Southwest community will work cooperatively to bring resources and services chosen by and catered especially for teenagers to one place to make them easily accessible. Library staff will team up with teens from area high schools and/or organizations to work together to recruit local and national organizations, teen volunteers, school administrators, community leaders, local government and community members to participate in the event.

What’s in it for teens?

• Access to numerous resources and information on topics that interests them.

• Meaningful lasting connections with great organizations and professionals.

• Inspiration from motivational speakers, entrepreneurs, and people doing what they hope to do in the future.

• Interactive games and activities.

• Community Service Hours.

• Food, fun, and live entertainment.

Is this a teen only event? No. This event is not only for teens but for anyone who works with teenagers, parents, guardians, school administrators, and community leaders. We also encourage family, friends, and even the young at heart to attend. We want the community to show up in a big way to show their support.

What will vendors and organizations do at the event? Vendors will be at their table engaging with teens, walking around engaging with teens, and participating in great games and activities with teens! Basically you will be having fun spreading your information while connecting with teenagers.

Can organizations participate if they don’t cater to teens? Absolutely. This event is not only about connecting teens to great resources and services but also about connecting them with the great people working at your organization. Whether you cater to teens or not, you’re invited to come help us create new connections. We encourage organizations of all shapes and sizes to reserve a vendor table and tell their stories. Whether you’re an electrician, mortgage broker, real estate agent, musician, lawyer, doctor, restaurant owner, or WHATEVER, this event is about connecting teens with people from all walks of life. They will want to learn more about what you do.

For more information contact:

Ms. Marq Runnels

DeSoto Public Library972.230.9663

[email protected]

Teen may register for FREE at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/best-southwest-everything-teen-expo-2025-tickets-1107284440569?aff=oddtdtcreator

Host or Publisher Divas DFW, Inc.