Congratulations to NIST International School Bangkok, who were recognised as winners in the 2026 educate+ Excellence Awards
Category: Marketing and Communications Campaign
When NIST International School opened its new Elementary buildings in August 2025, it wanted families to experience more than a tour of the facilities. The school saw an opportunity to introduce the learning spaces, ease the transition into a new academic year and show its educational philosophy in action.
The result was the Discovery Hunt, a self-guided experience held the day before classes began. More than 900 families took part, exploring the buildings at their own pace. Each received a Discovery Passport with 11 clues leading to classrooms and specialist learning spaces. Students solved challenges, completed short, age-appropriate activities and collected a custom-designed stamp at each stop.
Staff were stationed throughout the buildings, giving families the chance to meet teachers and ask questions in an informal setting. For new and returning students alike, the experience helped make unfamiliar spaces feel welcoming before the first day of school. Spreading visits across several hours also reduced the congestion and pressure of the usual first-day arrival.
The Discovery Hunt gave NIST a way to tell the story of its new buildings. Instead of hearing about how the spaces would support learning, families discovered their purpose firsthand. Parents and students photographed and shared their experiences, extending the story through their own voices. NIST’s Marketing and Communications team supported this with a two-minute video produced in-house, showing the buildings through the eyes of students and families. Parents widely shared and reposted it.
The project cost approximately THB 50,000 (USD 1,600) and engaged more than 2,000 students, parents and staff, bringing the cost to less than USD 1 per participant. Family feedback was overwhelmingly positive, particularly about the freedom to explore, meet teachers and settle in before classes began.
Key Takeaways
- Make the audience part of the story. Families experienced the buildings through exploration, rather than a formal presentation.
- Give each interaction a purpose. Clues and activities helped students understand how the spaces would be used.
- Connect Communications with practical needs. The event supported orientation while easing the first day for families and staff.
- Create something people want to share. Family photos and the in-house video extended the reach of a modest investment.
Why It Matters
NIST turned a campus milestone into an experience that served students, families and staff. By bringing Marketing, Communications, Admissions and school operations together, the Discovery Hunt strengthened connections, built confidence and made the school’s approach to learning visible from the moment families arrived.
Thank you to Global Philanthropic for sponsoring the 2026 educate+ Excellence Awards
