Mastering the Freshers’ Fair: Our Top Tips
Welcome to the always weird and sometimes wonderful world of Freshers’ Fairs!
As university experts, we know how pivotal these events are for engaging with the student population. Freshers’ Fairs can be a goldmine for brands, organisations, and societies looking to connect with a young, engaged audience. In reality though, they are not for everyone and they can also be pretty challenging.
Here’s the lowdown:
Why Freshers’ Fairs are Not for Everyone
This may be a weird place to start but we’d like to kick things off by saying freshers aren’t always the best option. We’ve spoken to many brands before who assume Freshers is the best event of the year and they should be a part of it. However, that’s not always the case with campus marketing.
Freshers’ Fairs are bustling, energetic events where new students get a taste of campus life. Even so, the reality is that they aren’t a perfect fit for every organisation wanting to promote themselves. These fairs offer a wide range of unparalleled opportunities to engage directly with a captive audience. This enables businesses to educate the student market about their offerings, and build lasting relationships.
The chaotic environment however, isn’t conducive to every marketing strategy. If you aim for more in-depth education or engagement, you might consider organising complementary on-campus events. These events are great for allowing more detailed interactions.
Being selective about your presence at Freshers’ Fairs shows that you are strategic. You are not just participating for the sake of it. You might say, it’s about quality engagement, not just quantity.
How to Stand Out at Freshers’ Fairs
It might sound simple but standing out at a Freshers’ Fair is absolutely crucial. Here are key strategies to ensure your booth shines: Ultimately it comes down to two things:
Engagement and Reward
- Bespoke Stands: Custom-designed stands that reflect your brand’s personality are a must. Think bold colours, interactive elements, and unique shapes.
- Speed Matters: Setting up your booth should always be quick and efficient. Complex installations that take ages can lead to frustration and lost opportunities. Have a streamlined plan and practice it before the event.
- Competitive Edge: Offer something unique that others aren’t. This could be exclusive merchandise, engaging activities, or interactive tech.
- No Embarrassment Factor: Ensure your activities are inclusive and fun, without putting attendees on the spot. Create an environment where students feel comfortable and excited to participate.
How to Staff Freshers’ Fairs
The right team can make or break your Freshers’ Fair experience. Here’s how to do it right:
- Local Students: We have always been huge advocates of strategically combining marketing campaigns with brand ambassadors. Student recruitment gives you ambassadors who know the campus and culture. They can relate better to the audience and offer authentic interactions.
- Sufficient Staffing: Ensure you have enough people to manage the stand, engage with students, and handle peak times. A well-staffed booth maintains energy and engagement throughout the event.
Booking Made Easy
Navigating the booking process with student unions can be daunting. Our experience means we know the right contacts, the processes, and the timelines. We handle the logistics so you can focus on preparing for the event.
Location, Location, Location
The location of your stand can significantly impact your success. Here’s how we leverage our experience:
- Prime Spots: We know that not all allocated spaces are equal. Using our insights and connections, we secure the best possible spots, ensuring maximum visibility and foot traffic.
- Early Bird Advantage: Our team ensures we’re among the first to book. This gives us an edge in selecting prime locations.
Ensure You Have Enough Space
Cramped stands can deter students. We make sure you have ample space to display your materials, conduct activities, and engage comfortably with students. An inviting, spacious setup encourages more prolonged interactions and leaves a better impression.
Think Before Going Online: Wi-Fi Reliability
While online sign-ups and digital marketing interactions are valuable, relying on campus Wi-Fi can be risky. Freshers’ Fairs often strain network resources, leading to slow or even unreliable connections. We recommend a marketing mix and having offline alternatives ready. For example, paper sign-ups or USB sticks with information help to ensure smooth operations regardless of connectivity issues.
Conclusion
Freshers’ Fairs are an excellent opportunity for brands to connect with new university students. University marketing however, comes with it’s own set of challenges.
Following our expert tips helps you make the most of these bustling events by:
- Standing out
- Staffing efficiently
- Simplifying bookings
- Securing prime locations
- Ensuring adequate space
- Preparing for connectivity issues.
Are you ready to master the Freshers’ Fair? Get in touch today and let us guide you to success with our proven strategies and insider knowledge.
