FAQs

1. Where is the first place to go when we arrive in Hamilton?
2. How will I know what time my event is?
3. Where can I find out more information about my event and what exactly to expect on that day?
4. How will people know I'm a competitor?
5. Where can I park my car when I get to the hotel?
6. What should I bring to wear?
7. Are meals provided?
8. I understand it is lots of fun watching the Quiz Bowl. Can we bring noisemakers?
9. Can I invite a family member to an event?
10. How many judges will watch my presentation?
11. How soon after the competition will I get my results?
12. How long does the Awards Banquet last?
13. What time is check-out from the hotel on Saturday morning?
14. Is there a hotel registration deadline?
15. Do I need to put a deposit on my room?
16. What amenities are available at the hotel?
17. What if we want to stay the weekend after OCMC?
18. Do I need a car to get around?
19. When will the bus transportation be available to move to Mohawk for the Thursday afternoon event?
20. What are some shopping experiences in Hamilton?
21. What are some good tourist destinations for our downtime in Hamilton?
22. I have dietary restrictions. Who should I tell?
23. Did any of the previous OCMC students have a part time job while preparing for OCMC ?
24. What are some great local spots to grab a bite to eat?
25. Can I speak to a judge after my presentation?

1. Where is the first place to go when we arrive in Hamilton?
Mohawk College will be registering teams at the Sheraton Hotel in down town Hamilton at 116 King Street West from noon until 3pm, November 19, 2009. From 3:30 to 4:30, Busses will transport participants to the Fennell Campus of Mohawk. At the college, Mohawk will host the Thursday night dinner in the Gym and the Quiz Bowl event in the McIntyre theatre. Back to Top

2. How will I know when my Event is?
When you sign-in to register at the Sheraton Hotel, you will receive an OCMC Event Guide listing everything you need to know to be part of OCMC '09. Be sure to check out the time and room of your event in the program booklet. Back to Top

3. Where can I find out more information about my event and what exactly to expect on that day?
Be sure to read the rules & procedures posted on the website that correspond to your event. Also, your OCMC Event Guide will provide all of the information you need. Back to Top

4. How will people know that I am a competitor?
Participants must wear their OCMC provided name tag for all of the OCMC events including competition events as well as meals. Back to Top

5. Where can I park my car when I get to the hotel?
Park in the underground parking at the hotel: 116 King Street West. The cost is $9.99 per day, per car.
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6. What should I bring to wear?
The Thursday night dinner and the Quiz Bowl are casual events and all students and faculty wear their team uniforms. If you are competing on Friday in the job interview, sales presentation, or any other case event, you should dress in business attire. The Awards Banquet on Friday night is semi-formal. Back to Top

7. Are meals provided?
Thanks to the generous contributions of our corporate sponsors, students and faculty will be provided with dinner on Thursday night and dinner on Friday. If you have special dietary needs, simply list them on the registration form that is submitted to Mohawk College. Back to Top

8. I understand it is lots of fun watching the Quiz Bowl. Can we bring noisemakers?
Quiz Bowl is a blast, but remember the students on stage competing are going for the gold!! They need to concentrate. You may clap and cheer the students on, but noisemakers of any kind are not allowed at Quiz Bowl. Back to Top

9. Can I invite a family member to an event?
Due to space limitations, we cannot allow non-registered spectators at the Quiz Bowl dinner or event on Thursday night. Friday case events are always closed and no spectators are allowed. Due to space limitations, only registered participants, faculty, judges and sponsors may attend the Gala Awards Banquet. Back to Top

10. How many judges will watch my presentation?
There will be 3 to 5 judges evaluating the job interview, the sales presentation and each of the case presentations. Back to Top

11. How soon after the competition will I get my results?
The OCMC planning committee will endeavor to send out the detailed case ranking results within 2 weeks after the competition. Back to Top

12. How long does the Awards Banquet last?
The Awards Banquet should be finished by 10pm. Back to Top

13. What time is check-out from the hotel on Saturday morning?
11am. Back to Top

14. Is there a hotel registration deadline?
Yes, college rooming lists must be submitted by Friday October 16th 2009. Back to Top

15. Do I need to put a deposit on my room?
Individuals will provide a valid credit card or cash at the time of check-in to cover any anticipated incidental charges. Back to Top

16. What amenities are available at the hotel?
The hotel has a fitness room, pool, and business centre. The hotel is part of the Jackson Square complex which houses shopping facilities and an attached Farmers Market and Hamilton Library. Back to Top

17. What if we want to stay the weekend after OCMC?
If you would like to extend your stay we have arranged for the discounted room rates to be available two( 2) days pre the event and a limited number will be available two(2) days post the event. Back to Top

18. Do I need a car to get around?
No. When you arrive on Thursday you will come right to the Sheraton Hotel where you will register for the competition. On Thursday afternoon, participants will be bused to Mohawk College, Fennell Campus for the evening meal and the Quiz Bowl. The rest of the competitive events will take place on Friday at the Sheraton Hotel. There are plenty of sights to see and restaurants within walking distance from the hotel.

Bus transportation is available from the Gore park area for many areas of Hamilton, including our Major Shopping Centre with over 200 stores – Lime Ridge Mall. Back to Top

19. When will the bus transportation be available to move to Mohawk for the Thursday afternoon event?
Buses will be available from 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm outside the main lobby doors of the Sheraton Hotel on King Street. Back to Top

20. What are some shopping experiences in Hamilton?
Both Jackson Square and Hamilton City Centre are part of the Hotel location.  The Hamilton Farmers Market is also within walking distance.  Hess Village has an array of interesting restaurants and is a few blocks to the west of the Hotel.  On the Hamilton mountain resides one of the area’s largest Shopping Malls – Lime Ridge Mall with over 200 stores in the complex.  Bus transportation is available from Gore Park to Lime Ridge Mall. Back to Top

21. What are some good tourist destinations for our downtime in Hamilton?
Hamilton has the unique distinction of becoming well known as the city of Waterfalls. Over 50 of them are located in and around the city. The city is made up of a Mountain, a lake and a bay. The view of the city from the top of the mountain is breathtaking. Back to Top

22. I have dietary restrictions.Who should I tell?
Make sure that you inform your faculty members who are processing the registration forms for the Host colleges. There is a space on the registration form available to inform the Host college of any dietary restrictions. Back to Top

23. Did any of the previous OCMC students have a part time job while preparing for OCMC?
Manyof the previous OCMC students have had part time jobs while preparing for their experience in the competition. Back to Top

24. What are some great local spots to grab a bite to eat?
There are a number of them in the downtown core. Slainte Irish Pub, located at 33 Bowen is an interesting experience and there are also a number of good restaurants in Hess Village. Jackson Square also houses some quick takeout food establishments as well as sit in restaurants. The Hamilton Market is also a good opportunity to obtain some fresh produce. Denningers, located inside Jackson Square boasts a German flavour menu. Back to Top

25. Can I speak to a judge after my presentation?
You cannot ask your judges how you preformed in the competition.The judges have been given strict instructions to not reveal how each participant has done so that the integrity of judging is maintained until the banquet and announcement of the winners is over. Back to Top