Shriners traveling exhibit

An integral part of the development and donor relations efforts of Shriners Hospitals for Children are the traveling exhibits that help tell the story of our great philanthropy and fraternity.

History of the traveling exhibits

The public debut of the first traveling display was at the 1997 Imperial Session in St. Louis. In the summer of 1999, two more traveling displays were added to help spread the good word. Since then, the traveling displays have logged many thousands of miles and have helped make many friends at stops across North America. Shriners Hospitals for Children currently operates three traveling display/exhibit trailers covering the Eastern, Midwest and Western sections of the United States and Canada.

Best practices for traveling exhibits

The best use of the traveling exhibit is at large public gatherings, such as state fairs. When in use, the trailers should be manned at all times and active efforts should be made to attract and move people through the entire exhibit. The trailer should be well-stocked with brochures that are available from Shriners International Headquarters.

Truck and trailer specifics and regulations

• Each trailer comes with its own pick-up truck. Shriner groups using the rig transport it from its last scheduled stop and then keep it at the Temple until the next group comes to get it.
• A Temple or association may reserve one of the truck and trailer exhibits after submitting a request and meeting driver and insurance requirements.
• Temple approval: The Temple Potentate must approve the request prior to it being filled.
• Association approval: The Temple Potentate who has jurisdiction where the trailer is being used and where the trailer is being stored must approve the request prior to it being filled.
• Driver requirements: It is mandatory that drivers have a valid commercial driver’s license and it is strongly recommended that drivers have considerable experience in driving such rigs.
• Insurance requirements: Due to insurance requirements, drivers must complete an information form and provide a photocopy of their driver’s license to the donor relations office in Tampa, Florida. When this information clears a records check, the reservation for the trailer is considered to be confirmed.

For more information or to request a trailer, contact the development and donor relations office at International Headquarters, 844-739-0849 or by email, or contact the traveling display coordinator, Al “Bear” Robinson, P.P. at 941-737-2581.