BadgerFest 2024
Taking on my role midway through the year came with its challenges, but I’m pleased to report that BadgerFest 2024 was a great success. By adhering to a set timeline and prioritizing tasks, I was able to streamline processes and ensure that everything ran smoothly. This strategic approach was key to making BadgerFest a standout event.
The mission behind BadgerFest was to attract thousands of students through a diverse lineup of activities. Highlights included the Glow Party featuring guest DJs, the creative Colour Your Calm, the energetic Sexy Bingo, and the relaxed Movie Night. This year, we gathered feedback to enhance our events, leading to Sexy Bingo doubling its attendance to 1,300 students. Additional improvements included live music and inflatables at the Community Fair, as well as a broader selection of popular hits at the Glow Party.
Survey responses indicated that most students were satisfied with the event lineup and expressed a desire for these events to occur regularly in the future. Several other event ideas mentioned in the surveys are currently being considered for the upcoming year.
Past Events
The recent trip to see the Blue Jays play was a resounding success, providing a fun and engaging experience for attendees. Our new host, Lee Wiley, has made Tuesday Trivia a massive hit, significantly boosting sales at Isaac's. This increase in revenue allows us to reinvest the earnings into student activities and initiatives. While we continue to host Brews and Board Games on Thursdays, this event has not gained as much traction as hoped, and we are currently exploring ways to enhance its appeal.
Additionally, we held our first free food event, offering hot dogs to students. The response was positive, with many requesting more accessible food options on campus. We will take these suggestions into account as we plan future events.
Fall Carnival
The Fall Carnival, held on October 9th, was a tremendous success, drawing a record attendance of over 5,000 participants. The event featured five rides, including the crowd-favorite Ferris wheel, which received enthusiastic feedback.
Our Events Manager, Celyn Talaue, along with the street team and full-time staff, worked tirelessly to ensure the carnival's success, and their efforts were evident throughout the event. It was a rewarding experience, and seeing all those happy faces on the field was what mattered most to us. The arcade-style games and prize offerings were particularly popular, helping to attract larger crowds and engage attendees with the various clubs that were tabling.
Furthermore, our vendors, including the photo booth, face painting, and student henna artists, were a major hit, further enhancing the carnival experience.
OUSA
As the executive team prepares for the upcoming OUSA General Assembly 2024, I am pleased to report that we are fully equipped and ready to execute the planned series of events. With delegates arriving from universities across Ontario, we are excited to host them on the Brock campus.
My responsibilities include assisting the executive team—Anusha, Mark, and Carleigh—with the logistics of breakout rooms, author rewrites, and the final day plenary session. Additionally, I am tasked with ensuring that guest delegates and authors feel welcomed and comfortable during their stay. To foster a sense of community, we have organized two social nights: a karaoke night and a semi-formal event, both featuring a 1960s theme.
Halloween Week and Wellness Week
The marketing team has planned an exciting lineup for "Halloweek," featuring several engaging events. Kicking off the week will be a Halloween-themed paint night titled "Paint It Your Way," followed by a Halloween karaoke night on Halloween that builds on the success of our previous karaoke event.
Additionally, we will host a free screening of the classic film "Ghostbusters" at the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre, along with a free ice cream event as part of our food insecurity program. These activities aim to foster community spirit and engagement among students during the Halloween season.
We have planned a series of exciting events for the upcoming Wellness Week, designed to promote health and well-being among students. One of the highlights will be a Puppy Yoga session, where participants can enjoy yoga in the company of adorable puppies. This unique event aims to provide a fun and relaxing experience while also encouraging mindfulness and stress relief.
Additionally, we will be hosting a free sandwich bar in the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts. This initiative aims to attract more students to the downtown campus while providing a nutritious meal option.
Clubs
Clubs Week tabling was a significant success, featuring high engagement from students with various clubs. The addition of popcorn, suggested by our Club Manager, Chloe Villers, provided a welcoming touch that enhanced the overall experience.
The Clubs Advisory Committee has been meeting weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays to review club funding requests. The committee has been fair in its decisions, both approving and denying several requests, which has streamlined access to the resources that BUSU provides for clubs.
Looking ahead, I am actively working on the upcoming Night Market event, which will showcase the diverse cultures represented by our BUSU clubs. This event aims to celebrate and promote inclusivity within our campus community.