We recently hosted the second ABT Expo for students who started the ABT program in September 2015. As part of the seven-week Web-based Business Communications course, they took a product from initial idea to product launch and created an online marketing campaign that included social media elements such as blogging on WordPress and Twitter. The culmination of all this work was a trade show held at the Clearbrook Centre where teams showcased their creations.
The February 2016 ABT Expo featured 10 teams from two cohorts, and ideas ranged from local tour and food guides, shopping apps, a student scheduling app and other student services, to an outdoor multi-tool. It was a high-energy event where teams enthusiastically showcased their creations.
The excitement in the room was infectious! It was fun to see how students envisioned their products, and the displays were fantastic. Great work, everyone!
The Web-based Business Communications course was added to the ABT program last year to help prepare students for the demands of modern administrative careers.
I totally enjoyed doing a trade show in the ABT program; marketing is the key for success for any business and I found the trade show to be a very rewarding experience. I feel like I learned so much on advertising for a business during this part of the program, and how marketing for a business has changed through time. Having to learn about blog posting has already helped me in my practicum and I know I will be able to use this experience in my future career. We also learned how to advertise on Twitter, and making my own poster to display my product was a fun and rewarding experience.
The AB3 cohort (students who started the ABT program in January 2016) also visited the event, and were impressed with the quality of work on display. In a few weeks, it will be their turn to take up the challenge!
Photo Credit: All images taken by Christine Nehring and used with permission.