A small team of twitter and tech-savvy individuals spent six weeks monitoring the digital fan conversation right at the heart of spring break activity in Panama City Beach, Florida. They delivered constant updates on “what’s happening now” and responded to various queries, chiming in as needed via Twitter and Facebook.

With some 500,000 students expected to flock to the world’s most beautiful beaches during Spring Break, the ‘command center’s’ core function was to act as an innovative personal concierge service to spring breakers, in real-time, who were looking for some much needed area information and needed a timely response.

“We were quite thrilled to see that students were taking advantage of the service,” said Carm Giardina, who headed up the project on behalf of Collegiate Marketing Group.

Although the emphasis was on Twitter in order to promote Panama City Beach’s official spring break Twitter handle @springbreakpcb, the number of individuals interacting with the official Facebook page was an incredible amount.

“Throughout the month of March and early April, we had three percent of our 72,000 Facebook fans ‘talking about us’,” said Giardina. “That’s a very positive number considering the fact that the average fan page only achieves one percent on its best day.”

The popular fan page featured regular updates; including photos, hot news topics, blog links, and responses to questions.
Although Facebook engagement was great, Giardina was even more excited to comment on the Twitter results. “We achieved over 1,000 interactions per week via the @springbreakpcb handle, and 42 percent of our total follower base communicated with us at one point or another during the spring break season. We couldn’t be more thrilled as those are staggering numbers.”

Giardina also said that, by not only monitoring the online fan conversation, but also prompting certain feedback questions via Twitter and Facebook, his team was actually able to learn about what social topics and trends students on spring break found most engaging.
“The night time attractions were by far the hottest topic of discussion,” said Giardina. “We’d get tweets and Facebook posts asking where the place to be was on any given day.”

Examples of some of those tweets and their responses looked something like this:

“@LaLaLa_Lex: What’s PCB bout to do for me and my girls?! @springbreakpcb” Huge  Party foam party tonight at Hammerhead Fred’s!
“@TaylorCherie: where’s the best place to be this saturday night?” Saturday we have a big party at Spinnaker

People also used Twitter to voice their satisfaction, sounding off on the great time they had – even acknowledging the twitter team for their efforts.
“@toriabel11: Had so much fun in PCB, I really wish I never had to leave #somanymemories @springbreakpcb” Glad you made it count Tori!
“@alimartin_ : @springbreakpcb made my spring break the BEST spring break EVER! Best week of my life!” Glad you had such a great time!
“@C1DeSantis : Special s/o to @springbreakpcb for taking the time to make every1′s spring break the best time possible!” Thank you!
The team at Collegiate Marketing Group hopes to use the information collected during Spring Break as a baseline for future projects.
“We’re really excited about what we’ll be able to accomplish in the future, based on this year’s results,” concluded Giardina. “We’ll be able to analyze these interactions further and fine tune the program for future events, including Spring Break 2013!”

For information on Collegiate Marketing Group, please visit their website at www.collegiatemarketinggroup.com

PANAMA CITY BEACH SMASHES GUINNESS WORLD RECORD

FOR WORLD’S LARGEST bikini parade

450 women paraded to bring the record to the U.S.

Tweet it! – @springbreakpcb has gone down in history with 450 women breaking Guinness World Record for largest bikini parade

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla., March 6, 2012 – Lining up on the sugar-white sands of the Gulf of Mexico in Panama City Beach, 450 women broke the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Bikini Parade today. The event successfully shattered the current record held by Gold Coast, Australia, where 357 women paraded last year, and also benefited local charity Beach Care Services.

Registration began at 9:00 a.m. at Harpoon Harry’s Gulf front restaurant, where spring breakers and locals signed up for the parade. Participants were given official Bikini Parade hats to wear that signaled to officials which women were part of the march. The hats were in compliance with the rules of the event, which stated that bikinis of all colors and design were welcome, but tankinis, one-piece suits, shorts or cover-ups would not make the count. Additionally, event organizers provided complimentary SoBe beverages, admission to the celebration event and a memento T-shirt in appreciation of participants’ efforts to bring the record stateside.

Following the one-mile march, an official Guinness World Record adjudicator announced that the record had been broken at 1:30pm.

“We are thrilled to have challenged and broken the record for the World’s Largest Bikini Parade” said Dan Rowe, president and CEO of the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Many thanks go to the wonderful participants who helped bring the record where it belongs – our beautiful beaches.”

For more information on Spring Break or to book a stay in the destination, please visit www.pcbeachspringbreak.com Students can also follow Panama City Beach Spring Break on Twitter @springbreakpcb to receive up the minute news and details on special offers and deals.

About Panama City Beach:

Panama City Beach is situated on 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering clear, emerald-green waters where the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay converge.  With more than 300 days of sunshine annually and attractions such as St. Andrews State Park and Pier Park, the region has long been favored by travelers seeking an affordable beach vacation with year-round offerings for families, couples, groups and adventure-seekers.  These include championship golf courses, spas, sporting events, award-winning dining and diverse recreational activities. Panama City Beach recently opened the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, offering non-stop flights on Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

Walmart

The Walmart in Panama City Beach is joining in the Spring Break excitement this March. The supercenter, located on 10270 Front Beach Road, will be a hub spot for a whole slew of activities, events, and some top-rate performances, including their very own Luke Bryan concert!

Collegiate Marketing Group has partnered with the Walmart team to create a designated “Spring Break Welcome Center” which will be located right in front of the main entrance way. There, spring breakers will be able to visit the booth and get their fill on what’s happening – not just at Wal-Mart, but all over the beach.

Spring breakers will also be able to track events and performances via the official Facebook page of Spring Break in Panama City Beach and also the official Twitter handle @springbreakpcb. ???

Wal-Mart in Panama City Beach also invites everyone to check out and “like” their very own Facebook page in order to get updates on Spring Break discounts and other necessities that can come in handy during a week-long stay. Please check out their page at http://www.facebook.com/Walmart818.

The following is a confirmed listing of all events and performances, slated for the Walmart Supercenter this month:

March 3rd-4th – Master Illusionist Rick Gerber 10am – 1pm

March 5th – Country Music Artist – Canaan Smith in concert 11:00 am

March 5th – Country Music Artist – Kip Moore in concert 11:00 am

March 5th – Master Illusionist Rick Gerber – 1pm-4pm

March 8th – Keith Stone look-a-like contest 10:00 am

March 9th – Country Music group – The “Tobacco Rd Band” in concert 11:00 am (group is from Tallahassee, FL)

March 10th – White Castle Slider Sampling Event – 10,000 free sliders 1:00 pm-4:00pm while supplies last

March 10th – UFC heavyweight contender Shane Carwin autograph session 10:00 am-1:00pm

March 11th – PS3 videogame challenge with UFC fighter Shane Carwin 10:00 am – 1:00pm

March 12th – “Iron Dorm Room Chef Challenge” with Chef Jason Ellis from reality show Hell’s Kitchen Season 7 10:30am

March 12th – Country Music Artist – Canaan Smith in concert 1:00 pm

March 12th – Country Music Artist – Kip Moore in concert 1:00 pm

March 13th – Luke Bryan in concert 11:00 am

March 17th – UFC fighter Chris Camozzi autograph session 10:00-1:00 pm

March 18th – UFC fighter Chris Camozzi autograph session 10:00-12:00 pm

March 23rd – Country Music Artist Collin Raye in concert 4:30 pm.

Organizers for Spring Break in Panama City Beach are confirming several performance dates ranging from February 28 through April 1.

As previously announced, country singing superstars Eric Church and Luke Bryan will be performing free concerts at Spinnaker Beach Club. Eric Church and his “Church Choir” will be live on March 11, while PCB favorite Luke Bryan will perform on the 13^th and 14^th.

DJ Unk will be in town for three weeks, performing at The Sharky’s World Famous Celebrity Beach Bash on March 7, 14, and 21, and will also accompany Yelawolf on March 20 at the Chateau Motel.

In addition, MTV Real World’s Dunbar Merrill is confirmed to once again make appearances at the Beach Bash on March 7, 14, and 21. Other Real World celebs are expected, but are not yet confirmed.

Maxim’s resident DJs will also be performing at this year’s Foam Party events. DJ Dirty and DJ Supa Skip will be at Hammerhead Fred’s on March 8, 15, and 22.

Get your Panamaniac Club Card and receive free cover at five of the major clubs in Panama City Beach, including Spinnaker Beach Club, Harpoon Harry’s, Sharky’s, and Hammerhead Fred’s. Go online right now and save $5.00 on a card, or get one when you arrive in town. Either way, you need to get a card if you want to save big money.

Here is a full list of performers who are confirmed as of right now:

Spinnaker Beach Club Concert Listing:

- Chasing Scarlett: March 2-7

- Top of the Orange: March 30 – April 1

Other Concerts:

- Twista: February 28

- Ying Yang Twins: April 3

Sandpiper Beacon & Tiki Bar

Welcome to the Party! The Tiki bar at the Sandpiper Beacon is the place to be – day and night!

Enjoy:
- Beachside Contests & Games with awesome prizes and sponsors!
- College Vs College Tournaments & Games!
- Beach Volleyball Tournaments
- Panama City Beaches Hottest DJs playing day and night

When the sun goes down, the party doesn’t stop… It just gets going!

- Party all night on the beach in the World Famous Tiki Bar!

Chateau Motel

The Chateau Motel is the home of “The Best Deal on the Beach.” Spring Break Vacation Packages as low as $49.00 per night. Meet and greet your favorite Real World cast members each week during Spring Break. Enjoy their great location in the heart of the miracle strip…near bars, clubs, food and more.

- DJ Unk: March 8, 15

- DJ Elements & Trust N Sane: March 10, 12, 14, 16, 17

- Yelawolf & DJ Unk: March 20, 2012

Hammerhead Fred’s

Located across from The Summit on Thomas Drive, Hammerhead Fred’s is one of Panama City’s wildest Spring Break destinations. DJs perform all spring break long and Hammerhead Fred’s is sure to host plenty of contests and giveaways! Just like your favorite college bar back home…with a few thousand Spring Breakers thrown in!

- Top College DJs Spinning til 4am – Every Sunday

- World Famous Fred’s Foam Party – Every Wednesday

Sharky’s Beach Club

Sharky’s Beach Club is celebrating their 22nd year in Panama City Beach this year. Come party at Sharky’s, home of the World’s Largest Tiki Hut. Enjoy live music and a wonderful view of the beach. Sharky’s is sure to host a number of spring break events, concerts, and contests!

- Welcome Party 7-9pm: Every Saturday

- “Last Chance to Romance Party” 7-9pm: Every Friday

Harpoon Harry’s

Come Party with Spring Breakers from all over the USA and the World daytime and night time! Inside, outside, upstairs, downstairs, everywhere you turn it’s one party you will not forget. Harpoon Harry’s has been hosting the best party on the beach for over fifteen years now.

- DAYTIME, the massive beach is open for fun in the sun all day

- NIGHTTIME is when the sun goes down and the dance party heats up – America’s favorite DJ “Smiley Jay” plays your favorite music to dance to till 4am every night!

For more information on Celebrity News and Events, please stay tuned and check back regularly…

SPRING BREAK 2012 GETS A SOCIAL MEDIA COMMAND CENTER

Social Media Hub Will Promote a Fun, Exciting, and Safe Spring Break

Spring Break 2012 in Panama City Beach, Florida will be introducing something new to the half a million students who will flock to the sugar sand beaches this March. The Spring Break ‘capital of the world’ is getting its first-ever social media command center.

So what exactly does that mean?

A team is being assembled to specifically monitor the digital fan conversation primarily via Twitter and Facebook from a designated location right in the heart of Panama City Beach. The communication center will open on March 3 and will run through April 15. The team’s purpose is to act as a personal concierge service to students, in real-time, who are looking for some much needed area information and want a response in a timely manner.

“Social media is how we interact now, especially students attending Spring Break,” said Carm Giardina, a representative of Collegiate Marketing Group, the marketing firm that handles the majority of events in Panama City Beach each year, and will manage the communications hub. “We feel it is absolutely necessary to capitalize on this immediately and take Spring Break to a new level of social interaction.”

As mentioned, in upwards of 500,000 students are expected to hit one of the world’s most beautiful beach locales over a six week period – more people than any other Spring Break destination, domestic or foreign. Many students are visiting for the first time, and so, the necessity for informed communication will be front and center.

In addition to responding to general questions such as directions to the hotel or shopping areas, the team will tweet regular updates regarding Spring Break events, provide information on Panama City Beach’s best attractions (both daytime and nighttime), and will of course be on stand-by to direct people in case of an emergency situation.

“Spring Break is the most exciting week-long adventure of the year for these students, and we want to ensure that their stay is fun, safe, and informative,” said Giardina. “In a way, through doing this, we’re building customer service by keeping students informed and under control.”

Specific twitter hashtags (listed below) will help the social media team identify students in need of help. For example, saying “Where is the closest Wal Mart?” and including the hashtag #PCB2012 will automatically be picked up on and will generate a timely response. Of course, direct messaging @springbreakpcb is always going to work best as that is the official twitter handle of Spring Break in Panama City Beach.

Facebook messages will also be answered, however the team is recommending that students follow the official twitter account and communicate via tweets and direct messages to promote efficiency.

“We will be using Facebook more for posting pictures of daily events and activities, and of course, to show off this absolutely gorgeous destination to all our fans,” said Giardina. The official Facebook fan page for Spring Break in Panama City Beach has amassed nearly 70,000 ‘likes’ to this point, and is steadily increasing. “We have more Facebook fans than any other dedicated Spring Break fan page by far,” continued Giardina. “Therefore, we have a responsibility to feed our fan base the information they crave and to direct traffic to the official Panama City Beach Spring Break website, which will be visited by a record amount of students this year.”

It won’t be a simple operation. The command center will run 15-17 hours per day, seven days a week, and will utilize mobile devices and stationed computers to provide its services.

“We realize we’re entering something new here with this,” said Giardina. “We don’t know any exact numbers of what we’ll be dealing with, but we do know that there is definitely going to be a demand for this service.”

Giardina concluded by saying that “A big part of our mission is to give this idea a shot and establish a really good baseline that future Spring Breaks and (our own marketing) events and programs can learn from.”

For more information on Spring Break in Panama City Beach, please visit http://www.pcbeachspringbreak.com

What to follow and what hashtags to use:

When using Twitter, the best and most efficient way to get a response is to simply follow @springbreakpcb and send a direct message or to include the @ in your tweet.

The following hashtags that the team will pick up on are:

#springbreakpcb

#PCB2012

#PCB

#pcbspringbreak

#ILoveSpringBreak

Please also become a fan of the official Panama City Beach Spring Break Facebook page by logging onto to http://www.facebook.com/pcbeachspringbreak

Coors Light & Miller Lite Will Provide Free Shuttle Service During Spring Break in Panama City Beach, FL

Spring break is all about having fun and staying safe. And so, in an effort to promote safe and responsible partying, Collegiate Marketing Group has partnered with both Coors Light and Miller Lite to provide free shuttle service during spring break in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Using the slogan “Ride the Bus on Us”, shuttles will be available from March 4th through 25^th and will be at the ready between 7pm and 2am. A full schedule of all the pick-up locations and stops are listed on a soon-to-be-updated website and spring breakers will also have access to a toll free phone number (1-800-FREE RIDES) which they can dial if there is a need for a pick-up.

Most shuttles will be arriving at the busiest locations frequently, especially from the hours of 12am to 2am (arguably the busiest hours for students wanting to get back to their hotel).

Panama City Beach, Florida is expected to host more than half a million students in the month of March, and continuous efforts are being coordinated in order to ensure proper safety for all spring break attendees. Both Coors Light and Miller Lite have taken a big step in wanting to help and ask that spring breakers be patient, wait for the shuttle, and make sure that you don’t drink and drive.

When you’ve been touted as the Spring Break Capital for the past 15 years, it generally means you’re able to deliver the goods 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Unlike other Spring Break destinations that may have two or three prime time attractions, Panama City Beach has such a variety it is likely improbable that one can discover and experience everything in one week – and that’s why Panama City Beach has the breakers coming back for more year after year.

The following should help narrow down what will surely be 2012’s best attractions and bang for your buck.

1. Panamaniac Club Card

The first thing you need to do when you get into town is to be sure to purchase your Panamaniac Club Card (if you haven’t already purchased one online). This card is designed to save you money, and seeing as it works for five of the hottest and busiest clubs in PCB, you won’t regret spending the $50 to get one. (Remember, you only have to be 18 in order to get into the clubs in PCB.) Simply follow the schedule, which comes with the card, and you’re guaranteed to party with thousands of spring breakers every night of the week!

1. World Famous Sharky’s Beach Bash

Wednesday in PCB is by far the best day – and might go down as one of the best days of your life! The Sharky’s Beach Bash starts at noon and ends at 5pm. It’s the biggest daytime beach party in Florida and it’s jam packed with live music, a massive stage set-up, bikini and dance contests, party games, and of course, tons of free swag. Tickets usually hover around the 25 dollar amount, which is an absolute steal. Don’t miss this event.

1. The Hammerhead Fred’s Foam Party

The Thursday night foam party at Hammerhead Fred’s is an experience you just have to see for yourself. The massive tent literally gets filled with foam, and then the games begin. Make sure you attend this party.

1. The Tiki Bar at The Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort

When the sun goes down, the Tiki Bar at this very popular hotel transforms into one of the hottest Spring Break spots in PCB. Thousands come to party at the Tiki Bar each week. Your Spring Break isn’t complete until you Get Freaky in the Tiki!

1. Free Concerts at Spinnaker

Come see Luke Bryan and Eric Church, both confirmed for FREE concerts at Spinnaker Beach Club. Always a great time at Spinnaker’s, you won’t want to miss one of Spring Break’s hottest entertainers Luke Bryan. He’ll be performing both March 13 and 14. Eric Church will be at Spinnaker on March 11, also a free show.

Panama City Beach, Fla. – The Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau is working with marketing firms StudentUniverse Media and Collegiate Marketing Group in order to set the Guinness World Record for the largest bikini parade.

The anticipated record will be set during Spring Break this coming March in Panama City Beach, Florida. The Guinness Book of World Records will be present to make the record official. More than 357 women dressed in bikinis will be needed in order to break the record. The current record was set in October 2011 at the Surfer’s Paradise event, which took place in Australia’s Gold Coast.

In an interview with Panama City Beach’s The News Herald, Dan Rowe, president and CEO of the Panama City Beach CVB, said: “It’s a way for the students to come down and participate in a fun activity. It is something that is good clean fun.” (Read full article)

“StudentUniverse Media will be in Panama City Beach for the event and we look forward to an exciting challenge,” said Paul Tedeschi, General Manager of StudentUniverse Media. “The parade will bring international attention to the community, which has been such a pleasure to work with.”

StudentUniverse Media is managing the record attempt along with Collegiate Marketing Group. Both firms will also be putting on other promotions during Spring Break.

Collegiate Marketing Group currently manages and administers the largest Spring Break destination website and Facebook fan page for Spring Break in Panama City Beach. You can follow the World Record news and unfolding events at http://pcbeachspringbreak.com and at http://www.facebook.com/pcbeachspringbreak.

About Panama City Beach:

Panama City Beach is situated on 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering clear, emerald-green waters where the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay converge.  With more than 300 days of sunshine annually and attractions such as St. Andrews State Park and Pier Park, the region has long been favored by travelers seeking an affordable beach vacation with year-round offerings for families, couples, groups and adventure-seekers.  These include championship golf courses, spas, sporting events, award-winning dining and diverse recreational activities. Panama City Beach recently opened the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, offering non-stop flights on Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

For more information, call 1-800-PCBEACH (850-233-6503) or visit the official Web site of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, http://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com. You can now follow us on Twitter @PCBeach to receive up to the minute news and details on special offers and deals.

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If you’re heading to the spring break capital of the world this coming March and you’re not yet familiar with where the best places are to party, look no further. This is the definitive list of the best places to be at while on spring break.

SPINNAKER – The Club that started it all

Boasting an amazing atmosphere, this is one awesome place to party at. Sitting right on the stunning, sugar-white sands, Spinnaker is the perfect destination – with an open-air deck surrounded by a sparkling waterfall, outdoor concert stage, and shaded bar stations. And you haven’t even been inside yet! Enter into a sophisticated club atmosphere, sure to make anyone feel like a VIP.

Spinnaker is part of the Panamaniac Club Card Network. 8795 S. Thomas Dr. 850-234-7882.

SHARKY’S BEACH CLUB – Home of the world famous Beach Bash

Take a bite out of spring break. You‘ve read about it in Rolling Stone magazine and you’ve seen it on MTV – so don’t waste another minute and go experience it for yourself! The dance floor is packed every night with DJ “J” and the party wheel. Get there early for the FREE KEG PARTY NIGHTLY and the always entertaining and wild contests. Sharky’s is also the venue for the biggest daytime beach bash in PCB!

Sharky’s is part of the Panamaniac Club Card Network. 15201 Front Beach Rd. 850-235-2420.

HARPOON HARRY’S – The College bar on the beach

Everything about ‘Harpoon’s makes you feel like you’ve walked into your favorite bar back on campus. Only this bar is right on the Gulf of Mexico. Hang out all day to take part in daytime beach contests and receive tons of free giveaways. The place really shines, however, when the sun goes down and the party heats up. After dark, Harry’s becomes a full tilt party bar with DJ Smiley Jay spinning all your favorites.

Harpoon Harry’s is part of the Panamaniac Club Card Network. 12627 Front Beach Rd. 850-234-6060

HAMMERHEAD FRED’S – Party like a shark star at Fred’s

Always thinking like a spring breaker, Hammerhead Fred’s gets the party started with 40 FREE KEGS of ice cold draft nightly. Dance all night with America’s top college DJ’s and get lathered in foam at their weekly foam party extravaganza! You’ve never seen an event like it. Come to party or don’t come at all.

Hammerhead Fred’s is part of the Panamaniac Club Card Network. 8752 Thomas Dr. (across from The Summit) 850-233-3907

TIKI BAR – Tropical by day, world famous by night

The Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort is the only Spring Break Hotel in Panama City Beach with one of the hottest clubs in town, right on the property! All week, thousands of spring breakers come to party at the Tiki Bar – begging the question: why stay anywhere else? Your spring break simply isn’t complete until you ‘get freaky in the Tiki!’

17403 Front Beach Rd. 1-800-488-8828

COYOTE UGLY – Party Ugly

You’ve seen the movie about the bar, but have you experienced it? Yes, hot girls do dance on the bar. And yes, they will hose you down if they don’t like your choice of drink. It’s wild, rowdy, and best of all, it’s ugly. Get there early, this place gets packed fast.

Coyote Ugly is a part of the Panamaniac Club Card Network. 10512 Front Beach Rd. 850-236-5965

COUNTRY SINGERS LUKE BRYAN AND ERIC CHURCH TO PERFORM LIVE AT SPRING BREAK 2012

Country music is definitely a sure thing when it’s performed live in Panama City Beach, Florida during Spring Break. Just ask Luke Bryan, whose music video for the smash hit single “It’s a Shore Thing,” was actually filmed in Panama City Beach during Spring Break 2010.

Bryan’s spring break concerts have become so successful; event organizers have asked him to return for a fourth straight year! He’ll perform free shows once again at Spinnaker Beach Club on March 13 and 14.

Bryan released Spring Break With All My Friends in 2009 and Spring Break 2: Hangover Edition in 2010. In addition to the two free shows at Spinnaker, he’ll perform at WalMart, the date still to be determined.

Keep checking back for all the latest updates concerning Spring Break performances and celebrity appearances.

SURVIVING THE RUSH – Some helpful advice when deciding on which Sorority or Fraternity to choose… and how they choose you!

It may not look like it yet, but spring is just around the corner. And just as spring break is a steadfast college tradition, so too is the spring sorority and fraternity rush. It’s to be certain that anxious times are ahead, but don’t let that stand in your way of what should be considered a positive and memorable chapter in your college career.

Making the decision to join the “Greek Life” is a big step, and deciding which house to join can be a real challenge. Potential New Members (PNMs) should therefore practice due diligence and get informed before making a decision that will heavily impact their college experience.

The other half of the anxiety is the personal stuff. What if they don’t like me? Will they talk about me when I leave? How do they vote on me? What if the only sorority/fraternity I know anybody in drops me? What the heck should I wear?

The rush experience is a definite thrill (or as some might describe, a roller coaster ride of ups and downs) but can be totally different depending if you’re a guy or a girl. In fact, the recruitment process couldn’t be more entirely opposite in terms of structure and organization.

Sorority recruitment follows the Pan Hellenic Association (PHA) and their rush is very serious and strict on formality. Consisting of house tours, multiple meet and greets with members, charitable activities and various other performance related examinations. As for the frat rush, their mandate is simple, informal, and relies on whether or not a brotherly bond can be established over a tall pint and greasy food. Choosing not to follow any real set of rules, the International Fraternity Council (IFC) controls the process.

In terms of questions that should be asked when house visiting – It’s recommended that PNMs have a pre-made list of five questions for the first round of parties. Those questions could include: How many hours per week do the sisters/brothers typically spend together? What is your involvement in the community? What is an event that you look forward to each year?

You may also ask more personal, but still sorority or fraternity-related, questions such as: What made you pledge this sorority? And how did you get over being nervous?

Avoid asking intrusive questions and follow their lead. Just like your attire sends a message about who you are, so does your mouth. Keep it clean. The best guide is your campus’ rush handbook. It gives detailed information about each day’s parties and their degree of formality.

It’s important for any PNM to remember and respect the fact that the sisters and brothers of each house have also been busy – organizing members, decorating, ordering food and ensuring their events run as smoothly as possible in order to spark the attention of their recruits.

It is easy to get wrapped up in the stereotypes for each Greek house, but it’s important for PNMs to base their decision solely on his/her personal experience with the visit and level of comfort with the brothers or sisters.

In the end, the house you choose has to fit you. It’s kind of like finding the perfect pair of shoes, as soon as you put them on, you just know. There will probably be a certain feeling you get from each house (are they bookish, snobby, too party driven, socialites, etc). Just look for a place that makes you feel most like yourself and most of all, keep things in perspective.

Stay focused and calm throughout the process. Bring a journal and take notes, as things can become a blur after it’s all over. Remember that the members you talk to have been in your position before.

Have fun, and good luck!

BEER PONG OR FLIP CUP? – It’s a question every Spring Breaker asks.

Beer Pong and Flip Cup: The quintessential games of the student generation. Played at many a college party, fraternity, football tailgate, and spring break – both games involve drinking and should under no circumstances be attempted by the lightweight.

But which game is the better game? Having been a raging debate for some time now, most students are partial to one game over the other. It’s like being a Republican or a Democrat – you can’t be both.

Below we break down each game and yes, we determine the winner of this very important debate.

Flip Cup: Essentially a team relay race, the game focuses on the ability to chug a cup of beer while maintaining hand-eye coordination, flipping your cup before the next teammate can begin. The first team to make it through all its players wins. The appealing factor of the game is that it’s a team game and can create a very competitive spirit. Imagine two teams representing two different schools, squaring off for ultimate supremacy. March Madness has nothing on this new sporting rivalry.

The flaw with the game is that there is a high percentage chance that your female opponents can actually beat you consistently, and no self-respecting man should ever consider this to be a “fun” thing.

Beer Pong: The true sport of men. Generally played in pairs of two, players attempt to toss or bounce ping pong balls into cups, each of which is filled with 1/3 of a beer. When a player makes a shot into a cup of the opposing team, a player from the opposing team drinks the contents of the cup and removes it from the table.

The flaw to this game is that it is, well, the true sport of men. Not very many girls enjoy the game nor feel that they really can compete, thus ignoring it, which can only mean one thing – when playing the Pong, be prepared to be in a room full of dudes. Hey, if that’s your thing, then that’s your thing.

The Winner: Beer pong is still king… on the basis that the guys can convince the girls to play – which shouldn’t be hard if you substitute, say, vodka coolers in for beer. Having a female contingent can also increase the chances that there’s going to be some wild and crazy cheerleading shenanigans, which should be all the motivation you need to get that ball in the damn cup (how many times can you yell “flash”?).

Flip Cup will always be a relay race style game. The rules are simple and limited. Beer Pong however, is open to many rule alterations. Just look up Beer Pong online and you’ll find that there’s dozens of styles and formats for the game. And for that reason alone, we can crown Beer Pong as the game of college champions!

How to turn your Christmas wish list and your New Year’s Resolutions into a quality Spring Break 2012 trip

The Holidays have arrived. You’re a student. Therefore, the best Christmas gifts are going to be the ones you can parlay into New Year’s resolutions, which can further be parlayed into an awesome Spring Break trip. Not following? Trust us; You’ll understand once you’re done reading.

1. Get Fit

What’s the number one New Year’s resolution, year after year? Hint: It has something to do with losing weight.

We always say we plan on cutting down on the sweets and that we’re never going to binge drink ever again… especially while we’re practically comatose with our New Year’s hangover – which can last up to a week if you’ve partied hard enough. And yet usually by the third week of January, we’ve all given up and waved our white flag in defeat… once again.

This year, how about we all use the excuse to get fit because Spring Break is around the corner? Guys want to be buff. Girls want to look sexy in their beach wear. You all have two months to tone up. Ask for a gym membership and get to the gym and start working out!

2. Earn Good Grades

Good grades = convincing parents that spring break is a great idea!

High on the list of resolutions should be to get serious about the schoolwork and grind it out for the sake of feeling like you’ve earned what will be the best party week of your college life! Perhaps, ask your parents for some money to buy some study notebooks or something…

3. Spend less money

Another resolution we seem to just ignore and forget soon after New Year’s is our promise to spend less money and start putting some of that hard earned cash away.

If you’re planning to head to a spring break destination this coming March, the best way to save is to book now and book directly with your hotel. Most hotels will offer an early bird discount if you book early enough, and by doing so, you’re cutting out the middle man fee you would be paying to a booking agent. Do this and you’ll save money so that you can tuck some away… perhaps for that spring break concert ticket you’re desperate to attend? Hey, what do you know – a Christmas gift for yourself!

Choosing the right swimsuit is all about highlighting and accentuating your body in the best possible way.  We aim to make every customer feel comfortable and confident in their UjENA swimsuit and we’re always available to make that happen.    Here are a few quick suggestions to help you find the suit of your dreams!

If you’re large busted you’ll want to look for suits that offer structure and support.  Top styles that feature built in underwire will give you the lift and support you need.  At UjENA.com, we have more than 30 different underwire selections to choose from.   If you’re small busted, focus on a suit that plays up your bust-line.  Triangle shaped tops, and tops with ruffles are very popular for 2012 and even our underwire styles with push up pads would be another excellent option.  If you are looking to show off your “backside”, definitely consider one of many scrunch back style bottoms.  The scrunch back style is one of the hottest trends in swimwear design and will definitely shape you in all the right ways.

For the plus sized women, suits that offer support and coverage while still being sexy are a must.   Swimwear companies worldwide, including UjENA Swimwear are offering more and more options that work for the plus sized woman.  The Swimdress and Tankini are great examples of suits that offer support and coverage while still being sexy.

For all you athletes, consider a suit that adds an element of femininity while still giving you a fit that allows you to move with ease.  Halter tops and sport tops paired with boy shorts offer a great look and are also very popular for 2012.

No matter what size and shape you are, buying a swimsuit should be fun and exciting.  As you get ready to hit the beaches of Panama City Beach Florida, think UjENA Swimwear.  Handmade swimwear in the USA since 1984, UjENA.com has something for everyBODY.  Click here to get FREE SHIPPING on all online orders!