September 17, 2014
Connecting with future Waterloo students
New technology and dramatic staging complement the award-winning Waterloo booth at the Ontario Universities’ Fair
More than 60,000 students, parents and educators are expected to visit the award-winning University of Waterloo booth at the Ontario Universities’ Fair (OUF) during its three-day run at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
The OUF, which starts Friday September 19, began in 1997 as a way to help high school students gather information about Ontario’s universities. Today, it’s Canada’s largest educational fair.
For high school students interested in attending Waterloo, the OUF booth provides an opportunity for “one-stop shopping.” Interested students can connect with faculty and speak to experts about student life, admissions or any other aspect of campus life that will help inform their decision.
“Waterloo’s presence at the OUF is an incredible collaboration among faculty, staff and students,” said Jody Berringer, manager of Waterloo’s OUF activities.
“We’ve added some new pieces to our OUF presence this year including a revamp of the presentation room. We deliver presentations throughout each day about Waterloo to packed rooms of over 400 students and parents. This year, a dramatic backdrop with an innovative integrated presentation system will greet visitors when they enter the room. We expect it to make quite an impression.”
Design helps visitors find information they want
The Waterloo booth was designed by Waterloo Architecture grads with input from students, faculty and staff. It features a “campus within a campus” concept, taking a cue from Waterloo’s physical layout. It also incorporates Christie Digital MicroTiles as information and way-finding tools. Colour-coded t-shirts and "pavilions" in the Faculty colour schemes make it easy for prospective students to connect with the right people.
Entrepreneurial alumni help recruitment
“Another addition this year is the use of tablet computers to collect students’ contact information,” said Scott O’Neill, associate director, in marketing and undergraduate recruitment.
“We’re using software from TabbleDabble, which was founded by two entrepreneurial Waterloo alumni. This solution will help us to more effectively engage with our prospective students throughout the coming recruitment season.”
The OUF runs from Friday September 19 to Sunday September 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
