Schmoozapalooza 2019
Schoomzapalooza or “Schmooze” 2019 exceeded everyone’s expectations. As one of the most anticipated events in a MarComm student’s time at BCIT, Schmooze 2019 delivered. Watching the night come together after the months of planning and hard work, truly was a gratifying experience for those who made the event happen. For the 64 Marketing Communications students who attended, it was the highlight of their BCIT time thus far.
The event started with speed networking, a fantastic way to meet industry professionals and show off your personal brand. The 5-minute intervals were like mini job interviews, with less pressure and allowed MarComm students to be themselves. Heather Arnold, director of Schmooze noted that there were 60 different companies that attended the event, with roughly half of them participating in speed networking. The portion of the event dedicated to speed networking turned out to be one of the best ice-breakers any MarComm student could ask for.
Following the speed networking, the real “schmoozing” began. This was an opportunity to enjoy great food and drinks and make those industry connections for when everyone graduates in May. In between conversations, you could browse the silent auction, which had loads of awesome prizes to be won. 200 people packed into this space made for a vibrant, electric environment, where marketing minds could come together. Schmooze was the perfect way to show MarComm students that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that all the praise given to BCIT is in fact true. The excitement brewed from talking about internships, or plans post-graduation made for a short, but well-deserved break from the grind of 6-7 courses. Hearing the stories from past graduates and the reassurance that everything works out made for a positive, inspiring two and half hours of networking.
Schmooze was a tremendous success and would not have been possible without key sponsors, exceptional planning and hard-working volunteers. Field House Brewing and Lone Tree Cellars provided lovely drinks and Culinary Capers contributed delectable appetizers for the attendees. The BCIT Alumni Association, BCIT School of Business, Corus, Traction, Major Tom and Hemlock sponsored the event and were an integral part in making the night a success. Heather Arnold, director of organizing Schmooze, her first-year liaison Beth, and volunteer lead Sam worked together tirelessly to make sure the event ran smoothly and seamlessly. The first-year volunteers were professional and helpful as they had an important role in making the event run so smooth. Heather’s favourite part of the whole experience was seeing all the pieces come together over the last couple months and deliver the students of MarComm 2019 a Schmooze to remember.
All the nervous energy, anticipation and excitement came together on a rainy January evening which was Schoomzapalooza 2019. The importance and success of this event cannot be understated, it truly lived up to the hype that Danielle Wilson preached on the very first day of second year. Furthermore, a tenured, long time instructor at BCIT (who shall remain anonymous) noted that it was one of the best Schmooze’s that he has ever been to. Following Schmooze, the Marketing Communications Class of 2019 is more excited than ever to succeed at their internships, finish off the last courses of the program and most importantly, jump into their careers as marketing professionals.
