Overview

The Youth Business Summit brings together thousands of rising young professionals, budding entrepreneurs, educators, school/district administrators, business leaders and industry professionals from around the world for a one-of-a-kind global convention.

During a dynamic event of business competitions, leadership events, and professional networking, rising talent from middle and high schools around the world display the professional skills and business acumen they have developed by running a Virtual Enterprise company during the school year.

More than 200 exhibitors representing thirteen states and seven countries, including real-world businesses joining VE businesses, will be exhibiting across the two days of the Youth Business Summit.

300+

Partners and Supporters

7+

Events

6+

Countries

4,000+

Students

160+

Schools

18+

States

Save the Date

For Schools

Registration and booth selection is now open for all participants. To register, review the Booth and Pricing Overview document and follow the step-by-step instructions below. The deadline for registration is February 27, 2026, but we advise registering soon to secure your booth and electricity selections.

Sign into the hub by going to hub.veinternational.org
Click on “Marketplace Tools”
Click on “Firm Admin”
Choose the Firm you want to register with
Click on “Trade Show Registration”
Once registration is completed, you will receive a confirmation and a quote. This will be followed by an invoice within 3-5 business days after registration.

YBS Booth Overview and Pricing

For international firms, please refer to the following:

YBS Overview

Registration Link

Competition Details

The 2026 Youth Business Summit features eight competitive opportunities for VE students. Competitions include the National Business Plan Competition, National Finance Competition, National Human Resources Competition, National Marketing Competition, National QuickBooks Competition, Global Innovation Challenge, Best Booth Competition, and Sales Pitch Competition.

Competition Results

Competition Results will be available after the 2026 Youth Business Summit on the Competition Results page.

Exhibitor Guidelines

Important Note: Exhibitors must review the Event and Registration Overview and learn the International Trade Exhibition Guidelines. Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in your team being asked to remove prohibited items and potentially lead to disqualification from competitions.

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE PROHIBITED IN BOOTHS:

NO HELIUM BALLOONS,
NO POPCORN MACHINES,
NO PROPANE-BASED EQUIPMENT,
NO MICROWAVES,
NO COOKING EQUIPMENT OF ANY KIND & NO COOKING IS ALLOWED.

Any food or beverage samples that a firm plans to offer at their booth must be commercially prepackaged.

Booths

Booth registration is now open for all participants.

YBS Booth Overview and Pricing

Exhibitor List

The 2026 YBS Exhibitor List will be available in March 2026

Booth Map with Booth Numbers

The 2026 YBS Booth Map with Numbers will be available in March 2026

Point of Sale System

The Trade Exhibition Point of Sale System is provided by VEI to firms with a trade show booth to easily process trade exhibition sales payments. This system can be used on a smartphone, iPad/tablet, or laptop with a WiFi or cellular data connection.

Personal Bank Debit Cards for Students

Students can use their personal bank account to make purchases at trade shows. This system can be used to pay throughout the entire exhibition period.

US Network Bank Card

Cards are only available for non-VE guests and visitors and can be obtained at the registration desk.

Visitor Resources

Please review the Visitor Resources section to book hotel rooms, find tourist discounts to iconic NYC experiences including entertainment, restaurants, landmarks, and other attractions, and explore travel information.

The Jacob Javits Convention Center: Home of the 2025 YBS Trade Exhibition

The Javits Center is more than just a convention center. Named after the legendary and lifelong New Yorker, Senator Jacob K. Javits, this self-sustaining New York icon has become a wildlife sanctuary, a community partner and a nationwide nexus where the latest ideas in business and pop culture converge under one very green roof. With a significant investment in our infrastructure, we have quickly become a leader in sustainability, security and technology, setting a new standard for convention centers throughout the country. We employ thousands of experienced event and construction professionals dedicated to coordinating and constructing events with major brands from around the world, generating waves of economic activity across the region. And with a historic expansion project underway, we‘re preparing to host an even wider variety of events in the years to come, attracting new generations of visitors to Manhattan’s West Side.

Javits Area Guide

Hotel Room Blocks
Explore NYC

VE has arranged blocks of rooms at the following hotels. Students, teachers, and guests have until mid-February to mid-March to utilize the blocks at these hotels otherwise they will be released to the public. Schools are responsible for the payments of all hotel rooms. More hotels will be added to this list as opportunities arise. Please note that each hotel is unique and rooms vary in size. We recommend visiting the website prior to making arrangements.

Hyatt Place NYC Times Square

Hyatt Place New York City / Times Square – Group Rate Ends March 26, 2026

350 West 39th Street
New York, NY 10018

Booking:

Click here to book.

Even Hotel

Even Hotel – Group Rate Ends March 20,2026

321 W. 35th St
New York, NY 10003

Rates: $299/night

Booking:

Click here to book.

DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown – Group Rate Ends March 29,2026

8 Stone Street
New York, New York 10004

Booking:

Click here to book.

For event logistics, registration, competitions info, and visitor resources questions email ybs@veinternational.org.

Become an Exhibitor or Sponsor

By sponsoring and participating in the diverse range of opportunities, you actively contribute to fulfilling our mission of transforming students’ lives through authentic business experiences, preparing them for successful careers and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Things To Do

As a proud partner of the NYC & Company, VE would like to share some of the following activities and resources provided by NYC & Co. A complimentary Delegate Discount Pass, the ultimate guide to traveling New York like a local, and NYC & Co’s suggestions for attractions, tickets, restaurants, galleries, and more are available to guide you through the Big Apple. Enjoy!

Make sure to check out https://www.nycgo.com/ for the official guide to NYC!