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How to Build a Stellar STEM Display

Explore the tips and resources below to help you create an engaging exhibit booth and develop a proposal that aligns with the event's goals and guidelines.

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CONSIDER THE BASICS

✔️ Is it safe?

✔️ Is it a driver of engagement?

✔️ Is it accessible to all?

✔️ Is it repeatable?

✔️ Is there good throughput?

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HANDS ON ACTIVITY

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Exhibitors engage directly with the public, providing hands-on, interactive STEM-learning opportunities for all ages.

Here are tips on how to pick an activity and stock your booth.

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• INSPIRE - Pick a simple task that teaches people of all ages about a specific topic and allows them to be active participants so they can see themselves as scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and doctors!
• COLLABORATION - Choose a simple activity that 3-5 participants can do at one time.
• ACTIVITY DURATION - The activity should last about 5 minutes to ensure that a steady stream of visitors can move in and out throughout the day.
• VISITOR ENGAGEMENT - Expect about 500 visitors to your booth each day – be sure you have enough supplies to last the day. </aside>

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All materials and activities must be safe and appropriate for a family audience

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PRESENTATION STYLE

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If you are an event presenter, the ability to invite and initiate conversation with passerbys is essential.

Your presentation should be special and fun!

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BE AS INTERACTIVE AS POSSIBLE - whether it is a hands-on activity or simply asking questions during your presentation. Your presentation should be more of a conversation than a lecture.

ASK YOUR AUDIENCE QUESTIONS - (e.g., Are they familiar with the subject?). Connect the topic with relatable, real-life examples, and how it relates to your work or field of study. Speak as though you are conversing with a friend, who isn't a scientist.

BRING PROPS OR DEMOS - Inclusion of an activity is great for all presentations, and essential for events. Show interesting pictures of your workplace, bring tools of the trade to show, and share real examples of research. If you offer a PowerPoint, opt for pictures instead of graphs or text.

HIGHLIGHT KEY CONCEPTS - What do you want the attendees to take away from your presentation? Take away items are popular- even website recommendations on how they can learn more are great!

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STEM EVENT AUDIENCE

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The age and background of your audience members could range widely.

Most of your audience will be non-scientists, so basic ideas will be your foundation, with layers of complexity added to offer something for everyone.

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• SPARK IMAGINATION - Present a topic you and your visitors will have fun sharing, discovering and exploring together!
• CREATE CURIOSITY - Share a science idea, research, advancement, or application: identify a clear take-home message.
• STIMULATE LEARNING - An interactive/hands-on component is essential. Information is received, understanding improved, and dialogue increased with hands-on activities.
• BE ACCESSIBLE - Present your topic so it is easily accessible, relatable, and without jargon or words easily misinterpreted (e.g. "green"). Keep things as simple as possible with just a couple of points. Have content appropriate for all ages; something for everyone.
• INSPIRE OTHERS - Have fun sharing your common interest! Share what inspires you! -- what are you passionate about?

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EASY WAYS TO ATTRACT VISITORS TO YOUR BOOTH

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We understand that engaging with the public can be intimidating and difficult to know how best to plan (especially if it’s your first time exhibiting).

Here are some suggestions to help ensure your success:

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• CREATE AN OPEN ATMOSPHERE - Eliminate all other physical and psychological barriers to your booth by making it open and inviting. Create an interactive space for attendees to come into your booth for discussion. Don’t sit behind your table. Stand up; greet people as they pass your booth. Make eye contact. Give them a pleasant invitation to stop and chat with you.
• MAKE SOMETHING MOVE - Provide movement to attract attendees’ eyes and in turn their bodies toward your booth. Activity attracts people’s attention and piques their curiosity. Your exhibit doesn't move? Toss a giveaway in the air, create skit or an impromptu competition to draw people in!
• PERSONALIZE YOUR EXHIBIT - Use props or decorate with items you plan to give away – all to attract attention and initiate conversation.
• PRE-SHOW PROMOTION - ******Help promote your participation and share a sneak peek about what they will experience at your exhibit. </aside>

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