Record number of exhibits planned at Imagine RIT

Where can you see the latest electric vehicle technology, have robots conversing with you, feel the heat from molten glass being made into works of art, or go backstage in a brand-spanking-new theater to try on costumes?

It’s all at this year’s Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 25, with more than 450 exhibits, 2,800 student exhibitors, and 300 volunteers ready to assist visitors on campus.

The festival, in its 19th year, is free and open to the public, with free parking on campus and free parking and shuttlebuses from Monroe Community College.

“It’s an event for all ages,” said Lisa Stein, executive director for events and conferences. “There are countless hands-on activities that anyone can enjoy, including children. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of problem solvers and spark excitement around science, technology, engineering, and math. At the same time, we continue to see strong engagement from alumni and retirees who enjoy the festival just as much.”

Stein said school districts from outside New York are planning to attend, highlighting the festival’s growing reach and impact on young learners.

Visitors can prepare in advance by scanning the exhibits featured this year by categories, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, assistive technology, gaming, sustainability, entrepreneurship, art and design, robotics, computing, photography, and performing arts.

New this year is the RIT Performing Arts Center, which opened on April 10. Visitors at Imagine RIT can take a tour, or register for “a quick, playful and exciting journey where the audience is guided through the backstage areas of the theater to put on costumes, make a set, and be part of a show.”

Some of the exhibits are the culmination of class projects. Some are startup businesses, and some are demonstrations or performances from student clubs. There are many hands-on, interactive opportunities, and often, visitors may take their creations home.

Because there are hundreds of exhibits scattered throughout the campus, visitors are urged to start the day at a welcome station, where they will receive, while supplies last, a tote bag, poster, and a map of campus.

Dining areas will be open throughout campus, and several food trucks will also be available.

The festival is also popular with employers, who are often wowed as they keep an eye out for prospective talent. Several sponsors who have collaborated with students in their Multidisciplinary Senior Design projects also come to the festival to be with their student teams and exhibits.

“Some of our students have been offered jobs right on the spot,” Stein said. “It’s so amazing to have this festival that, as far as we are aware, no other college in the world has that promotes the ingenuity of our students.”