The weekend this year (21st & 22nd July) focussed on Engineering and the opportunity for IET to exhibit was suggested and agreed during our April visit to the NS&MM to discuss the possibilities of holding a West Yorkshire LN "Engineering Extravaganza" event there during November this year.
Robin Dark their 'Partnerships and Learning Projects Manager' was our contact and it was agreed that the IET WYLN have a stand alongside the ICE & IOM3 stands in a marquee dedlcated to engineering PEI's and some of the Manufacturers also exhibiting at this widespread event.
The event is all about engaging families and young people. Its prime objective is to promote Science that is all around us and the celebrate Science, Technology and Engineering and their impact on all our lives.
Simon Dobson the WYLN SLO set up the IET stand on Saturday the 21st July with a variety of Tomorrows Engineers handouts along with small personal giveaways such as LED torches, IET branded Pens and Bookmarkers,etc....
Because there was a relatively sparse response for STEM Ambassaor support probably due to holidays, I went along to support Simon on Sunday the 22nd and really enjoyed the interaction with many members of the public, parents and schoolchildren, who came to the stand to chat about who we were and what we were there to promote.
Simon logged some metrics down which I can share with you as follows:-
Saturday : 59 enquiries / literature distribution.
50 pens given away.
32 book marks given away.
Sunday : 74 enquiries / literature distribution.
50 pens given away.
50 book marks given away.
54 assembled torches given away.
Majority of enquiries seemed to be from females - (from memory.)
Majority of enquiries were from parents seeking advice about career options.
Bearing in mind this was a relatively small stand located remote from the main NS&MM building, the footfall was quite pleasing and the opportunity to discuss career options with interested parents most satisfying
The opportunity to revisit the BSF again next year is very much recommended and if possible, consider a larger presence with more exhibits and promotional material to increase attendance proportionally and showcase the wide range of IET resources.