As you know, I've been interning in a team in organising this year's Curtin Robofair and hopefully everything will go well. The Curtin Robofair 2010 was not introduced until three weeks ago. Originally we were supposed to organise a smaller event, but due to the slow response from outside university participants we've decided to throw a bigger event with more activities. So on the 4th of December 2010, not only there will be a national robotics championships in Curtin University, there will be a career fair, education fair, junior robotics performance and a possible launch for the new Engineering Pavilion building. Moreover, our team plans to approach Scitech to participate in the event.
Before the idea of Curtin Robofair was born, we were preparing for the iNexus robotics competition. Our first task was given to us in August. We (my team mates and myself) were busy preparing for the launch event. The launch is to invite all past sponsors, competitors, university staff and industry representatives and give the audience an overview of 2009's competition as well as introduce this year's competition structure. Our supervisor Tim told us to make research on engineering companies and search for possible sponsorship for the event. We compiled all of the contacts in a list.
Pictures above: the launch's invitation designed by one of our sponsors, M3 Design.
Making calls and sending out invitations via email is just as important as making follow up calls / emails. My team mates and I learned a valuable lesson in making follow up calls because people tend to easily forget on what's going on and what they've RSVP for - this is mainly because of today's fast pace technology and working world.
On the 23rd of September, our team succeeded in organising the launch. It was held at Curtin's Bhp Billion Chemistry building around 7pm. It went well because the team did a fantastic job in delegating responsibilities. I had the opportunity to speak with a couple of industry representatives. That night, I used up all the networking skills that I’ve been learning as a PR student. It was an interesting night because our team got to see how our effort has paid off. People that we've contacted actually turned up the event.
I was also impressed with the display of robots and machines that the engineering students and guests prepared. I grew a new appreciation for the engineering sector that night. It was certainly a different process in growing respect for a completely new industry, especially when you witness it with your own eyes.
Below are some pictures taken during the launch event!
Venue
One of my supervisors Tim Keeley, giving the photographer a thumbs up!
Scitech proudly displayed its famous 'Spider Robot'
I hope you have enjoyed reading this post. Will return with my third one soon!
Liyana
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