Our exciting Agent Speed-Dating events will start in Hong Kong with a powerful set of savvy, pre-vetted agents specifically working with Boarding Schools, and then followed by other similar Agent events in Shenzhen, Shanghai, HCMC and Tokyo.  Each of our Agent Speed-Dating events will have 40+ agents so that you’ll have a large selection from which to choose for your individualized 20-minute meetings.  You will also meet the other agents at coffee breaks and the networking luncheon.

 

The Boarding School Recruitment Fairs begin in Shenzhen and Shanghai and will be followed by fairs in HCMC, Hanoi and Tokyo. Our fairs are ONLY for Boarding Schools,  Other groups (universities, language schools etc.) are not allowed to attend.  We are extremely proud of our ability to recruit exceptionally well-qualified families who have the academic and financial abilities to attend an overseas Boarding School.

These events are a series of strategic and important fall recruitment programmes which are not to be missed (and the Spring ’25 events in Dubai, Istanbul and other cities will also be strategic for our schools).   As a not-for-profit, we  pledge to give you exceptional events at the very best pricing. All events are run by professionals who have been in the international student recruitment industry for decades, and have lived, worked, and studied abroad throughout their lives.  Join us, and experience the difference we will make in the enrollment of happy students across your campus.

Q. How do I register for EMA's Fall 2024 Recruitment Events?

A. Registration is currently open. You may use the registration button above to view the events' dates, times, and costs before registration.

 

Q. Do I need to be an EMA Member School to participate?

A. Schools which are not members can join the Enrollment Management Association to be eligible to join the Recruitment Fairs & Agent Speed-dating events. You can find out more information here.

 

Q. Do I receive all student/family contacts from Recruitment Fairs?

A. Yes! In each city where you are registered, you will receive two spreadsheets which contain a.) all students who registered for the event and, b.) all students who attended the event.  These spreadsheets will be sent to you within 48 hours after each event. 

 

Q. Do I receive all Agent Contacts from the Agent Events? 

Yes! When you log into the Marcom Agent portal, you are granted access to all agents and their contact information in the cities you are registered.  You will have all of this information approximately 3 weeks prior to the event should you also wish to arrange additional meetings with them, and their families, at the hotel or their offices.

Q. How do I pay for the events?

A. When you submit your fair/ agent event registration, you may pay by Credit Card, or opt to send a wire or check. You may also tick to pay a non-refundable deposit, which will hold your place in the events until September 30th, when all balances are due.

 

Q. Why are some cities bundled for Schools to participate?
A. Shenzhen, Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh and Tokyo are bundled (Fair & Agent Fair) for attendance. Registering for both the fair and the agent event is mandatory when attending any of these cities. The reasoning is that it would be financially difficult for Schools to join for one singular event should one of the two events in a city fill unevenly.

 

Q. What types of visas should I be obtaining?

A. Since EMA members have passports from numerous countries, please check country regulations based on your passport. Begin the visa process early, and review regulations specific to your case throughout the months before your arrival. Dr. Mary O'Connor and John Williamson are standing by to help, so feel free to reach out.

 

Q. When should I arrive in Hong Kong if I'm doing all of the events?

A. We suggest you arrive at least one full day before each event. Many members will arrive 2 days before their first event to acclimate to the time zone, print last-minute translated brochures, and visit with agents, families, schools, etc.

 

Q. How early should I arrive at a fair/ event?

A. We suggest setting up your table one hour ahead of the event start time. You should allow 45 minutes to find your table, unpack, ask questions, and ensure you have everything before families or agents enter the venue. We have requested for electricity to be at all tables, as well as access to hotel wi-fi.

 

Q. Do you recommend any specific airlines?

A.  Most schools want their teams to fly as economically as possible but on recognized international carriers. If you have concerns about a particular airline, please contact John Williamson with any questions or concerns directly via email jwilliamson@enrollment.org.

 

Q. Do you recommend any ground transport companies?

A. In most of the airports using in-airport desks can obtain a driver for you. You can often book a car/driver through your hotel or find an official taxi queue. 

 

Q. What is the best way to fly between cities in China and Vietnam?

A. Several reliable carriers have service late and early from Shenzhen to Shanghai and Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi. Some fair members will fly immediately after the fair in Shenzhen, while others will fly early the next morning to Shanghai.  This also applies to Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi.

 

Q. My school needs are unique. Is there someone I can call/ meet with for additional help?

A. Mary and John are on deck to help you with needs should they arise. Specifically, if you have recruitment & fair questions or want market intel, please contact John Williamson directly at jwilliamson@enrollment.org. Or if you have agent speed dating/Marcom questions, please contact Dr. Mary O'Connor directly at moconnor@enrollment.org. If it's a combo of needs, email them both, they are here to assist you! 

 

Q. How many materials should I bring?

A. You should count on approximately 150 families at each recruitment fair. Similarly, you can bring materials for agents you'll meet and send e-brochures to those who have agreed to participate since you will have their contact information.

 

Q. What grades will the students be entering next Fall?

A. Students could be looking for 6th grade (year 7) and up. Historically, schools have seen the largest number of rising 9th graders (year 10). However, we also market to younger students as we will have Jr/ Prep schools traveling with the team.

 

Q. What level of English will the parents/agents possess?

A. Some parents will be fluent, and others will have no English abilities. For this reason, we recommend having a translated one-pager brochure. The same holds true for agents. Though an agent's language skills are usually strong, some newer agents may be solid in basic English skills but may not have the language acumen to grasp complex ideas, ethos, and ideologies. However, newer agents can be beneficial, as they are hungry to place students, patient, compassionate, and go the extra mile.

 

Q. Why should I have a translated piece of marketing from my school?

A. A translated one-pager is extremely helpful to your families and agents. Remember that choosing a school is a family decision, and it may be the matriarch of the family who heavily influences this decision. Agents will also want to show your translated piece to families, so include it along with your e-brochures. Do you have a translated poster for their offices? Please contact John Williamson or Dr. Mary O'Connor for a professional translating service. One translated page of info. costs approx. $100 USD / $135 CAD / € 92 Euros / £80.

 

Q. Can I have current families behind my table?

A. You may have as many as 3 representatives staffing your table (this includes your translator). If you're traveling with a friend or family member, unfortunately, they are prohibited from coming to the fair while it's in session.

 

Q. When will I receive my Marcom/ Agent Event log-in and send scheduling requests?

A. The Marcom system will open approximately three weeks before the events. It will also close for agents and schools approximately 48 hours before each event.

 

Q. Is there a Networking Lunch during the Agent Speed-Dating?

A. Yes! You can sit with agents and network during the luncheon, so bring your translated brochures. Also, when conversing with Agents through the Marcom platform, feel free to schedule quick chats during coffee breaks and luncheons. It's another way to see more agents. 

 

Q. Will EMA offer more fairs in the Spring of 2025?

A. We plan to offer fairs & agent events in Dubai, Instanbul, etc., and we are reviewing a few new exploratory markets for our members. Registration will likely be held February 2025. 

 

Q. Will there be further details on the fairs, events, hotels, etc.?

A. The EMA staff are continually working on details for all events. Notices will be sent to all registrants with updates, best practices, and how to engage in-country before you arrive. Most importantly, there is no need to wait for an update when you have full access to the EMA team. No question is too small, so reach out to us anytime!