It’s orientation season at Iowa State. Thousands of incoming freshmen and transfers are taking their first look at what Ames has to offer. With the new students come thousands of parents, some of whom have never been to Ames.

For the Ames Chamber of Commerce and the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau, orientation is an opportunity to introduce a wide variety of individuals to Ames businesses.

One of the ways they accomplish this is through a booth hosted by the two groups at the orientation resource fair.

“We have, for a number of years, shared a booth with the [Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau] to just kind of promote Ames happenings,” said Megan Backman, program manager with the Ames Chamber of Commerce.

The resource fair offers local businesses and student clubs a chance to connect with incoming freshmen and give away promotional items.

Part of the payoff for the Chamber is short term, informing students and parents of what they can do and where they can eat while visiting Ames.

However, there’s also the long term incentive of introducing students to local businesses, hoping to recruit regular patrons during their tenures at Iowa State.

“Our membership and then the [Convention and Visitors Bureau] membership is given the opportunity to donate flyers and promo items,” Backman said.

Many of the items offered by the Chamber are promotional coupons or gift certificates. Backman said the Chamber has gift certificates for a wide variety of Ames businesses, which include spas, cell-phone dealers, hotels and Iowa State’s Reiman Gardens.

Backman also said the Chamber booth catches the attention of new students by giving away city maps.

For local businesses, it’s a great point of contact with the estimated 4,000 people expected to attend the resource fair.

“It’s been a great partnership event,” Backman said.