Recipe for a successful Satellite Event

View the Satellite Event Directory and Map

Here are some ideas for you that have worked for us:

1. Figure out what you want to do (for example: a one-day Expo with hands-in science activities, a Science Scavenger Hunt, a Star Gazing Party, a Lecture or Workshop, Lunch with a Scientist etc.)
2. Find a location/venue
3. Your date(s) will be some time in April 2012, ideally the same weekend as the USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo: April 27-29, 2012
4. Invite local organizations, schools, colleges and universities, and scientists and engineers to participate by putting on fun, hands-on, interactive science activities for children (we typically provide a 10x10 festival tent to each organization, but depending on your location and the number of exhibitors you might be able to make the space bigger, or not need tents at all)
5. Ask each participating organization to provide you with a catchy title and short description of their activity so you can add it to your website
6. Market your event to the local community by:

• asking participating organizations to spread the word to their communities through their e-newsletters and websites
• asking local school districts and universities and colleges to help you spread the word to their student body
• sending out a press release to local media mentioning that you are part of the USA Science & Engineering Festival
• sending out email announcements
• listing your event on local online community calendars
• adding your event to our online directory and map

Linking Festivals across the Nation

Then join the fun by having your event attendees participate in a nationwide activity to take place at all locations. While we are exploring several options in terms of what this activity might be, we do welcome your ideas! It will have to be something science-related that is easily replicated in many locations. If you have an idea, please send it to Ruth Kiefer at rkiefer at mindspring.com

Why host a Satellite Event in your community?

• It’s fun to organize!
• Get people in your community excited about science and engineering!
• Be part of the biggest celebration of science & engineering in the World!
• Get media coverage in your community by linking your activity to the USA Science & Engineering Festival.
• Increase awareness of your organization by having your event listed on the USA Science & Engineering Festival website.

Our promise to you:

• We will list your event information in our online directory and map so people can find you
• We will announce the Satellite Events on our homepage and in our newsletters with a link to the listings on our site
• We will keep you up to date on the national community activity and other relevant information to make your event a success
• We will provide USA Science & Engineering Festival graphics for you to download from our website so you can use them in your own marketing materials
• We will provide you with the opportunity to buy USA Science & Engineering Festival T-shirts at a discounted price for use at your event
• We will host conference calls with Satellite Event organizers to answer questions and share best practices

Your commitment:

• You will organize the Satellite Event in your community
• Your event must be free of charge for attendees
• You will participate in the national USA Science & Engineering Festival activity (details to be determined)
• You will provide a post-event report through an online form we will provide, so we can track how many people participated in the USA Science & Engineering Festival nationwide