CollegeFest(R) 2011, Presented by BlackBerry, Celebrates 26 Years as the Nation's Biggest Back-to-School Festival

Featured Artist Performances by We The Kings, Chris Webby and Hoodie Allen; Entertainment, Free Giveaways, Prizes and Celebrity Appearances Define Nation's Longest Running College Festival


BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - Sep 28, 2011) - CollegeFest®, the premiere back-to-school event in the U.S.A., returns to Boston for the twenty-sixth consecutive year on October 1st and 2nd at the Hynes Convention Center. Presenting sponsor, BlackBerry®, joins associate sponsors Ford Motor Company, Verizon Wireless, Walmart Gamecenter, Symantec, f'real and Xbox LIVE & Kinect alongside media partners, The Boston Phoenix, JAM'N and KISS for the most anticipated back to school event in the city.

CollegeFest®, owned and organized by Mr Youth®, the Nation's premier youth and social marketing agency, has become a staple in the culture of Boston's collegiate life. The festival, held at Boston's Hynes Convention Center, attracts more than 17,000 college students from more than 50 New England-area colleges and universities. Attendees will be treated to live performances, free giveaways, and prizes from more than 90 exhibitors and sponsors, including local businesses, non-profits, and national corporations.

CollegeFest® 2011 will feature performances by nationally renowned recording artists, including We The Kings, Chris Webby and Hoodie Allen. Popular Boston-area DJs, dance crews and artists will perform, including The Dean's List, Stereo Telescope, and Kap Slap amongst other artists selected through SonicBids.

"This year's CollegeFest® will celebrate 26 years of America's longest running college festival," said Vincenzo Saulle, President of CollegeFest Promotions and a graduate of Boston University. "There is nothing quite like CollegeFest and we are thrilled to once again bring this experience to Boston, the best college town in the world."

CollegeFest®, part festival and part trade show, has become one of the Nation's foremost opportunities for major brands to connect with young, brand-loyal consumers. Among the exciting exhibitions this year:

BlackBerry - Learn more about new BlackBerry® 7 smartphones and the BBM™ Challenge Council -- an opportunity that gives ambitious youth a chance to connect with their passions, peers and celebrities.

ReadyU - When it comes to scoring high at higher education, academics are just a fraction of the equation. College is about finding your swagger, putting it out there, getting by on peanuts and making it out alive (dignity intact). Step right up for a chance to win some sweet prizes.

The Ford Motor Company - Score free CollegeFest event tickets on university campuses leading up to the event, and check out the all new 2012 Focus and Fiesta at Hynes.

Xbox & Kinect - Want to check out the latest games live and in person? Demo the hottest Xbox and Kinect games before they release and experience awesome tournaments, giveaways, and cool prizes.

Marley Beverage Company - Makers of Marley's Mellow Mood, an all-natural relaxation beverage, and One Drop, an all-natural ready to drink coffee beverage, Marley Beverage will be offering samples of their popular drinks, as well as chances to win cool prizes.

The House of Marley - The brand new collection of premium sound, eco-friendly personal audio gear brings the sound to soothe the soul to CollegeFest. Sweet music, awesome giveaways, and tons of chances to win prizes will be going on all day, including a chance to sing "One Love" for a video, and a chance to get free headphones.

Powerbag - No charge on your cell? No problem! Powerbag is setting the bar for all other bags out with their ultimate charging system disguised as the coolest bag you'll ever use. The Party Bus will arrive with tons of giveaways and things to do, including: Plinko, Cornhole, a Video Game Lounge, DJ booth and more.

Seamless - Seamless is the best way to order food online from local restaurants. Sign up for one of four food eating contests and a chance to win free gift cards.

Additional exhibitors include Verizon Wireless, Black Water, Boston Red Sox, Sperry Top-Sider, Contiki Vacations, Massachusetts Air National Guard, Nightmare New England, Sabra Dipping Co., Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boston Student Arts Network and Live Nation amongst many others!

For the latest information on CollegeFest®, please visit www.collegefest.com or 'Like us' on Facebook for opportunities to receive free and discounted tickets www.facebook.com/collegefest.

CollegeFest Facts

When:
Saturday, October 1st, 12pm - 7pm
Sunday, October 2nd, 12pm - 6pm

Where:
Hynes Convention Center
900 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02215

Admission: $10 admission with valid college ID -- Cash, MasterCard, Visa, AMEX, or Discover. Tickets are available at the door and online at http://collegefestboston.eventbrite.com/

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited.

Contact Information:

Contact:
Jill Huelser
212-584-4206
info@collegefest.com