Award-Winning HipMaps Launches Collaborations with Colleges, Universities And Independent Schools

SONOMA, CA – March 23, 2026 – HipMaps, the custom mapping company specializing in personalized concierge-style maps with an app component, has expanded its portfolio to include partnerships with educational institutions including colleges, universities, private boarding schools, and other independent schools.

Schools invest heavily in events and experiences that are crucial to their ability to grow and succeed; Campus Visits that convince prospective students to enroll, Parents Weekends that deepen a family’s connection to the school, Alumni Weekends that reconnect graduates and inspire meaningful donations, and Sports and Scholastic Events that showcase the campus and community as a leading venue for elite competitions. HipMaps transforms these experiences into a personalized, interactive itinerary.

HipMaps creates interactive, visually engaging maps for college and university campus events, athletics, and visitor experiences via custom-designed maps and a companion app that serves as a 24/7 digital concierge. ​ Each HipMap is styled to match the school's unique colors, fonts and mascots, and features event logistics as well as the school's curated recommendations for local businesses, lodging and key points of interest. The HipMaps app allows guests to see their real-time location, access the school's curated information, link directly to websites, and obtain directions.

HipMaps Founder Rachel LeRoy stated “We are thrilled to collaborate with schools, especially those who may lack funds to build their own school-specific app, because HipMaps allows them to provide a digital experience to students, families, alumni, and visitors. Versatile in its uses, schools can feature their HipMap on their website, social media posts, email campaigns, brochures, and event programs, deepening their community connections and opening the door to potential sponsorships and alumni bequests.”

The University of California at Irvine was first to partner with HipMaps and offered the following feedback: “HipMaps has been an amazing addition to our admitted student open house, Celebrate UCI, these past two years. When planning such an event that spans over a mile of our campus and hosts 12,000-14,000 people, there never seems to be an absolute solution when it comes to wayfinding. However, HipMaps changed the game with their digital map which allows us to pinpoint event elements and include walking directions in real time so students can easily navigate their event day. Since using them, our guest event satisfaction rate has dramatically increased and we as an Office of Undergraduate Admissions staff are answering less wayfinding questions which frees up our time to engage in meaningful conversation and interactions with these admitted students and their families. We LOVE the entire HipMaps team from sales to design, and would absolutely recommend them to other campus events.

About HipMaps

HipMaps helps schools, municipalities, Chambers of Commerce, sports organizers, meetings and events organizations and lodging hosts around the world create unique and engaging visitor experiences via custom-designed maps and a companion app. For more information visit HipMaps.com.

Media Contact:
​Carrie Shepeard
​Phone: (888) 307-2232
​Email: Carrie@HipMaps.com
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