LIVE Conference w/ Jessica Orellana!

As a management student, we are exposed to numerous events from MESA, but among all, the LIVE Conference is one that requires the most work and needs the most allocated time, but it is also among the finest executed events the University of Toronto Scarborough has to offer. The LIVE executives--whom are a subsidiary team to MESA--put forth a great deal of effort in bringing the LIVE Conferences to life each year.

LIVE Conference is a two-day national business conference hosted by the University of Toronto Scarborough. Held in downtown Toronto, LIVE brings together the brightest and most ambitious undergraduate business students from across Canada. A significant component of the conference is an intense competition spanning all major areas of business, which challenges delegates to apply their knowledge in a real world simulated business environment. 

Jessica Orellana, the curriculum manager for the 2012 LIVE Conference, was pleased with how the event turned out and was more than happy to answer a few questions on behalf of the hard-working 2012 LIVE Conference team. Here's what she had to say!

      1.  As a LIVE executive, how do you feel the event turned out?

Being a past Delegate, I was very anxious to see how the conference played out now that I was an executive; it was beyond my expectations. Delegates and supporters our conference gave us great feedback. I had many people tell me how unique our curriculum was, how much fun they had at the socials and how happy they were to take time off school to experience LIVE. It was specifically during the end of curriculum that I saw how proud everyone was for having completed two days of conference. I knew then, we had done a great job.

2.  How was this LIVE event different from past ones? 

This LIVE Conference is different because of the diversity in our team. Coming from a business program, it is sometimes hard to find different mindsets contributing to an innovative project. However, many new ideas came to play; some of these included new telecommunications rounds, a new Corporate Connections set-up and seating arrangements for more delegate interactions. These contributions from our team definitely made LIVE 2012 different than previous year’s conferences.

3.  What is/was your favorite part about LIVE?

From a curriculum perspective, my favorite part was interacting with the delegates. I loved seeing how entrepreneurial and strategic the delegates were. Every time I was asked questions during curriculum was not only guidance to them but a learning opportunity for me.  I would say it is definitely the 150 delegates that makes LIVE come to life!

4.  Why should students attend LIVE 2013?

Students should attend LIVE 2013 because the conference gets better by the year. Each year a new team comes with new ideas and the previous teams come in to support them; it is combination of innovation and experience. From the curriculum to networking and social opportunities, this experience is a must-do at least once during a student’s university career. I strongly encourage people to experience LIVE 2013; they will not regret it!

For more information about LIVE 2012, or a place to keep updated for what is in store for LIVE 2013, click here. 

  

Jessica Orellana