The average college student discovered a mecca for everything he or she would ever want to wear, read, travel, play, see, drink, eat or just plain do while visiting the 14th annual CollegeFest last weekend.
A self-proclaimed “back-to-school ritual” for students from more than 50 area campuses, CollegeFest was held at the Hynes Convention Center.
Sponsored by AT’T Broadband, WB 56, The Boston Phoenix and the `FNX Radio Network, the event is aimed at encouraging the consumer spirit lying within American college students, according to CollegeFest project manager and BU alumna Danielle Miller.
“It’s a chance for national companies and local businesses to show Boston students what products they’re offering,” said Miller, a recent Boston University School of Management graduate.
Approximately 100 companies, such as Sony and Starbucks, were represented at the convention center, each offering their own brand of products, services and free giveaways. Organizers anticipated more than 20,000 students, each of whom paid an $8 admission fee.
Some of the more coordinated students were able to win free products by hitting the bull’s-eye on a dartboard or throwing a ping-pong ball into a cup, among other activities. Those looking for a less physically demanding way to obtain free goodies spent their time filling out numerous forms and surveys.
But products and giveaways were not the only things at CollegeFest meant to generate interest. Musical performers such as Missing Joe and Damone were present throughout the event, as well as a comedy show put on by the Improv Asylum.
ESPN organized a tournament for sports fans in attendance, modeled after their popular show “2 Minute Drill.” Contestants were given two minutes to answer as many sports questions as they could, and while the number of “I don’t know” and “pass” responses far outnumbered correct answers, the crowd and the participants seemed to enjoy the experience.
For those not so easily entertained, Playboy Magazine came to the rescue with a Playmate autograph session. Playmate Becky Delossantos took turns signing posters for both male and female college students.
The New England Aquarium enlisted the services of a giant seal mascot, who wandered the convention floor amusing and often frightening unsuspecting event goers.
CollegeFest also offered students a chance to meet peers from all over Boston in only their second week of school.
“It’s a really good opportunity to meet people from other colleges and have a good time,” said Caitlin McQuade, a College of Arts and Sciences freshman.
Although CollegeFest lasted only two days, those who attended and penned dozens of surveys will have the opportunity to relive their experience in the form of letters, emails and phone calls from the events myriad solicitors.