Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Bachelor of Commerce Business Luncheon

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ’s

1. What is considered “Business attire”?
   • Business attire is meant to look classy and professional. Suits for both women and men are suitable options when dressing for business. For a more business casual look, dress pants (black pants, slacks, etc.) with a tucked in collared button down shirt (a dress shirt) and a tie are also acceptable. However, for men especially make sure the shirt is long-sleeved.  For men, always wear a belt, and it should match your shoes for the proper effect. For women, skirts are appropriate as long as they are the right length (any skirt shorter than 2 inches above the knee is not acceptable. If you are wearing a skirt, make sure to wear pantyhose or stockings with it. Sweaters, blouses, and vests for women can also be worn, but should not be revealing (make sure the neckline and waistlines are conservative), and you have to be careful to pair them with the right bottoms (black pants, or a skirt usually work well). Dresses for women are usually not worn for a business look, unless accompanied by a matching jacket and are conservative looking. For footwear men should have clean shoes that can be polished. The appropriate shoe for a woman is a low heel. For a business casual look flats are acceptable. Sandals are not appropriate.
      
2. How will this lunch benefit me?
   • Believe it or not, by the time you finish business school you will have attended a good handful of these types of events. For example, The Business Banquet, which hosted every year by the Commerce Students’ Association, is attended by hundreds of Commerce students. It is a formal dinner where you are given the chance to interact with business leaders in hopes of gaining professional experience, and maybe a job. These lunches and dinners help to fine tune your soft skills (i.e.. skills you are supposed to have for when you enter the working world that are not taught in the classroom). This lunch is unique in that it will be attended solely by students who are in the same position as you are (just entering the business community) and will help you get used to this aspect of business school, while also give you a chance to meet Asper faculty, Winnipeg business leaders, and other students entering the faculty. Because the Asper School of Business is very intertwined with the larger business community in Manitoba, these connections you will make are extremely valuable. 
3. How do I get to the Fairmont Hotel?
   • The Fairmont Hotel is located at 2 Lombard Place, just off of Main St., near the corner of Portage Ave. and Main St. 
4. If I drive, where can I park and how much does it cost?
   • The most convenient place to park is the Richardson Parkade, although it is not the cheapest. You can enter the parkade on Lombard Place (just past the Fairmont Hotel on your right hand side), and there will be a sign directing you. This will cost you $5.00 for the two-hour time of the lunch. If you wish to find a cheaper alternative there are some outdoor parking lots a long Lombard Place as well as metres along the street, but these fill-up quickly during the day.
5. Can I bring a guest?
   • No, we are unable to accommodate anyone other than students who have just been accepted into the Asper School of Business. This is an exclusive event strictly for the benefit of new students entering the faculty and is a great chance for you to meet your new classmates, the faculty, and supporters of the school. 
6. Who do I notify if I have any dietary restrictions or allergies?
   • Please make note of any dietary concerns (allergies, vegetarian, vegan, etc.) when you RSVP to the event online or contact Scott McCulloch via E-mail at Scott_McCulloch@umanitoba.ca or via phone at (204) 474-6482. If you forgot to do so when you sent in your attendance you have until August 29th, 2011 to let them know by sending your information to the above email or phone.
7. I already have business cards, should I bring them?
   • Yes! If you have business card through your current job feel free to bring them. You may make some business connections, and a business card is always a great way to get your information to your new contact.
8. How long will this lunch be?
   • The Business lunch program starts at 11:30am with the lunch being served just before 12 noon. The entire event should be wrapped up by 1:30pm at the latest.
9. Is there any basic table etiquette I can come prepared with?
   • There will be no expectations on your table etiquette while at this lunch, as it will be the first time at a lunch of this type for the majority of students. Don’t stress if you are not sure about what is appropriate behaviour at a lunch like this, but below are a few tips that you can come with if you wish:
     • Do not chew gum
     • Always shake hands with your right hand when meeting someone
     • Always stand up when you are being introduced to someone
     • When in doubt remember “BMW” meaning: Bread plate- Meal plate – Water glass (ie. The order, from left to right, of your plates and cup)
     • Do not start eating until everyone at your table has been served their food
   • ***Again, don’t stress about this information, you will have plenty of time to perfect your eating skills while in the Asper School!
10. Why should I be excited about hearing Laurie Kepron speak?

    • After graduating from the Asper School of Business in 1992 Laurie began her career with the Winnipeg Jets and spent three years facilitating corporate partnerships, game day event promotions, and brand marketing.  Her work at the Jets continued until they moved to Phoenix, at which point she moved to continue her sports marketing career with the League Office.

       Today, Laurie is the Vice President, Integrated Marketing for the NHL.   Her current responsibilities include optimizing the League’s marketing and promotional platforms through the development of national programs, partner activations at League events and special projects focusing on opportunities to grow League revenues.  These initiatives include working with key partners such as Bell and LG in the League’s digital media space to further the NHL’s technology platform. Additionally, Laurie works with all thirty NHL clubs to improve overall business practices and strategic policies. She is accountable for the development of strategic initiatives with the Clubs that include aggregate reporting systems for corporate partnership and ticketing revenues, Club inventory valuations, as well as local sales, marketing and promotional best practices.

11. If I have additional questions, who should I contact?
    • For any questions you may have do not hesitate to call (204) 474-6482 or email at Scott_McCulloch@umanitoba.ca.
12. What do I do when I arrive?
    • When you arrive at the Fairmont Hotel (prior to 11:30am) make your way up to the banquet hall on second floor. There is an escalator near the entrance that will take you directly to the hall. A group of current Asper School students will be there to greet and direct you when you arrive.
13. The mail out mentioned two days of events? What is going on Wednesday, September 7th?
    • “Buddy Day” is taking place the day after the Orientation Lunch on Wednesday September 7th. This day will take place at the Asper School of Business and is a day organized by current students. The purpose of this second orientation day is to introduce you to the school and the happenings of the faculty. This day will answer any questions, concerns, or fears you may have about entering the faculty and will be a fun, relaxed way to get used to your new school and meet your new peers.