One of LinkBC's key objectives is to connect students and graduates of BC's tourism and hospitality programs to the industry. Starting in 2007, LinkBC began holding events called Student/Industry Rendezvous as a forum for bringing together industry leaders and students to exchange ideas, contacts, and information in a very short period of time.

Rendezvous 2011 will be held JANUARY 27th, at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

Interested parties may contact Terry Bubb (information below) for more information.

Rendezvous 2009

The 2009 Student/Industry Rendezvous was held on February 23rd, 2009 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. The following information sheets were issued to participants to help prepare them for the experience: 

Rendezvous Info For Students - Download the PDF

Rendezvous Info For Industry - Download the PDF

Over 400 students and 100 managers attended the 2009 event.

How does Rendezvous Work?

The basic premise behind "Rendezvous" is simple. Industry leaders, either from one sector (such as hotels) or from a range of sectors (attractions, hotels, food & beverage, etc.) choose top managers to represent their companies on a given day at a venue such as a ballroom or convention centre. LinkBC education partners then invite their students to the event, and ensure they're adequately prepared with appropriate questions, business cards, and the right attire.

At the venue, a small tradeshow displaying industry materials is set up, allowing students to get a better sense of the range of businesses represented. Following the tradeshow, a "speed networking" session is facilitated between students and the industry representatives. This is the essence of rendezvous - facilitating valuable connections between students and industry in a short period of time.

Each table is helmed by a business owner, executive, or manager with whom the students are able to chat informally. Students can ask questions about a day in the life of a banquet manager, CEO, chef, entrepreneur ... and get a better sense of what it takes to reach the top of these professsions. Once time is up with one contact, students circulate in the room, and join another table.

Guests are also treated to a presentation from an industry leader to inspire all in the room to greater heights of achievement in the growing tourism and hospitality industries. Past presenters include Rick Antonson, CEO of Tourism Vancouver, and Christine Stoneman, Principal with Chemistry Consulting Group.  

After the speedy networking and presentations, students are invited to a small reception where they can chat with their peers. It's a busy afternoon, and one full of rewarding connections!

When and Where are Rendezvous Held?

In past years, Rendezvous have been held once per year in Vancouver and Victoria/Vancouver Island. Special thanks to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver for hosting the Lower Mainland rendezvous in 2007-2008-2009, and to the Mews Conference Centre at Royal Roads University for hosting the Vancouver Island Rendezvous in 2008.

Additional Rendezvous may be held in other regions in coming seasons.

Click on a link to learn more about our past Rendezvous:

March 28, 2008 - Victoria

February 7, 2008 - Vancouver

February 9, 2007 - Vancouver

(Please note that images are missing from some archived pages.)
 

For more information on these events, please contact:

Terry Bubb, provincial projects and events coordinator

LinkBC Network
c/o Vancouver Community College
250 West Pender St
Vancouver, BC V6B 1S9

604.928.0930

terryb@linkbc.ca