Talking face-to-face with admissions officers is a great way to learn more about boarding schools. You can do this in a number of settings:

• Boarding school fairs bring together representatives from dozens of boarding schools, making it convenient to learn about a number of schools in one day. During the fair, a general information session is provided for families, giving information on choosing and applying to schools. Each school will also have a booth where you can talk to an admissions officer and pick up informational materials. Fairs also sometimes feature speakers (e.g., a panel of parents might be featured, giving further insight into the experience of sending children to boarding schools).
• Open houses let families meet students and faculties on campus. The value of a school visit can't be overemphasized, and open-houses are one of the best ways to learn about schools and meet other prospective applicants as well. Interviews can also be typically arranged during open houses.
• Receptions are events hosted by each particular school in certain geographic areas, sometimes a rented room in a function hall, or the home of an alum or parent. Usually an admission officer is present, and will do a presentation, slide show, or show the school video before answering questions.

Also note that even if you cannot attend a particular function, you can still contact admissions officers if they are still in your area. Admissions officers can usually set up a home visit or interview if circumstances permit. Go find boarding school events!