Showcase provides opportunity for business services

September event coincides with student introduction to campus activities

Spencer Hunt, 2011 Orientation Coordinator

Businesses and community organizations will have a chance to highlight their products and services during Showcase Sept. 6 at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus.

Showcase takes place the same day as Create, which introduces new students to UBC while helping them make the transition to one of the world's top 40 universities.

Spencer Hunt, Orientation Coordinator, said Showcase gives a diverse array of organizations a chance to connect with students. With more than 2,000 new students attending this fall, many from out of town, the event offers an excellent opportunity for participating groups and businesses to promote their products and services.

"A lot of the students don’t know what services are available," said Hunt. "That’s the point of Showcase, to show what is out there."

A number of factors can help make booths successful at Showcase. Prize giveaways and interactive components aid in bringing student traffic to a vendor’s table.

"We want to ensure that the students are getting the best and most positive learning experience and we will work with the vendors at Showcase to do just that," said Hunt, adding that direct sale of goods on campus is not allowed. However, private companies can showcase and sample their products.

Organizations interested in setting up must register before Aug. 19. For more information, email Hunt at [email protected], or phone him at 250-807-8632. Participants can also register at www.ubc.ca/okanagan/students/newtoubc/orientations/create/showcase.

Showcase is free to on-campus and not-for-profit groups. There is a $100 fee for businesses to be part of Showcase.