George Brown College (GBC) made a striking impression at this year's Ontario College Fair (OCF), held on October 16 and 17, 2024, at Toronto's Enercare Centre.
The event, a cornerstone for students exploring post-secondary education options, saw GBC emerge as a standout participant among Ontario's colleges and institutions.
Together, the GBC community collaborated to make the event a success. Sharing OCF messaging on our website, through email, and across social media channels to ensure prospective students were well informed about the opportunity to engage with GBC at the fair.
The fair attracted over 4,200 prospective students and guests from schools across Ontario, providing a vital platform for educational exploration. This year, GBC's presence was bolstered by nearly 300 dedicated faculty, staff, and student volunteers, all committed to showcasing the college's diverse offerings.
Building meaningful connections
Prospective students had the opportunity to gain first-hand information about GBC's diverse range of programs, including degrees, graduate certificates, and diplomas. Faculty in Early Childhood Education, Hospitality and Culinary Arts, and Computer Technology programs showed their expertise through live demos at the booth, allowing would be students to get a real-world view of the amazing learning that takes place at GBC. The college's faculty, recruitment advisers, and current students were on hand to provide invaluable insights and answer questions, giving prospective students a clear picture of what GBC offers to help them reach their goals.
The GBC recruitment team led several informative sessions covering crucial topics such as career planning, financial aid options, and the application process. These sessions played a vital role in empowering students to make informed decisions about their future education and career paths.
Preparing grads for the future
GBC's strong showing at the OCF underscores the college's pivotal role in Ontario's educational and economic landscape. By equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the workforce prepared and confident, GBC continues to demonstrate its commitment to producing job-ready professionals who contribute significantly to the province's economy.
"Events like the Ontario College Fair are invaluable in helping students navigate their post-secondary options. We're thrilled to have engaged with so many students, parents, and guidance counsellors, sharing insights about our programs and the unique opportunities available at George Brown College. OCF shows the community the great strength and value of the college sector," shared GBC Registrar and Associate Vice-President, Strategic Enrolment, Janene Christiansen.
New booth wows visitors
In addition to interactive connections, one of this year's centrepiece of GBC's participation was its newly upgraded fair booth, which quickly became a hub of activity. Created by GBC's Marketing and Communications team, the booth featured state-of-the-art displays and bright imagery with dynamic backlighting, creating an inviting space for visitors to engage with GBC representatives and explore the college's academic offerings.
"Our goal at the OCF was not just to showcase our diverse programs but to ensure prospective students feel welcomed and seen," said Associate Vice-President of Marketing and Communications, Sumi Shanmuganathan. "By creating an inviting and interactive space, we looked to connect with prospective students in meaningful ways, helping them envision their future at GBC."
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees reinforces the importance of GBC's participation in events like the OCF. As the college looks ahead to its upcoming Fall Open House on November 2, the momentum gained from this successful fair participation sets an exciting stage for welcoming future students to the GBC community.
