engineers week event organiser meet up
TRANSCRIPT
STEPS team: Sylvia Leatham
Marketing team: Kelley Cousins
AGENDA • Overview – what/why, stats, support & resources
• PR overview
• 2014 case studies
• Q&A
• Communication & event planning tips
• Networking
WHAT IS ENGINEERS WEEK? Annual celebration of engineering
Aims
• celebrate & raise awareness of the engineering profession
• grow awareness of engineers in the community
• showcase engineering as exciting & diverse career for students
Target audiences
• students (primary, second level & third level)
• teachers, parents, guidance counsellors
• general public
WHY GET INVOLVED?
Companies & third-level institutes
- Enhance reputation
- Support CSR
Volunteer engineers
- Communication skills
- CPD credits
Outreach & government
- Boost image of engineers
- Invest in future pipeline
SURVEY RESULTS Teacher Survey
Do you feel your students were more informed about science, engineering or maths after Engineers Week? 100% said Yes.
“Huge learning for all. Organisation and delivery just excellent. Students loved it and I believe the seeds of future engineers/scientists are sown at these events.”
– Teacher comment
Student survey – primary
Did you enjoy this event? 99% said Yes
Did you learn anything new today? 92% said Yes
Student survey – second-level
“Very interesting and informative; the speaker was brilliant.” – Student comment
2015 THEME
• Engineering impacts all our lives - showcase positive impact of engineering on your community.
• Diversity of discipline / people
• Engineering as a career open & accessible to all interested students.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED Companies / outreach Individual engineers
Host an event, e.g. • Company tour / exhibition / treasure
hunt• Workshop / group activity / quiz • Engineer talks• Activities for adults / parent & child?
Take part / help run events
Upload your event to engineersweek.ie
Coordinate school/library visits Visit local schools or libraries
Tweet your activity - #engweek15 Tweet your activity - #engweek15 or #engineeringselfie
Take photos / video – get permission first
Evaluate your event
AVAILABLE RESOURCESWWW.ENGINEERSWEEK.IE
Activity resources - workshop ideas, quizzes & trails, presentations
Event resources – posters, certs, stickers, evaluation forms, photo
consent forms, press release template
Event advertising - links with schools nationwide & other audiences
Merchandise - ** List your event/activity by 19th January ** - & prizes
Event advice & support - event planning guide, communications tips
National media campaign
SCHOOL VISITS
Visit schools you already have links with (but let us know)
OR
Check out listings on engineersweek.ie • Search list of requests from teachers• Contact school direct to make arrangements (let us
know when set up) • Use volunteer resources on steps.ie/volunteer
PR OVERVIEW Key messages for media
Primary message:
• Choose engineering!
• It is a career that offers excitement, success, flexibility, diversity, travel
Secondary messages:
• Skills shortage i.e. lots of employment opportunities
• Need for more women in engineering
PR OVERVIEW Communications Mix:
• Sate of Ireland report • Online survey• Support events• Media relations • Advertising• Social media
PR OVERVIEW
How you can help
• Stay in touch• Keep us in mind • Think media• Profiling opportunities• Event opportunities
#engweek15
#engineeringselfie
CASE STUDIES
• IBM - Frances Humphreys
• Abbott – Sinéad Hickey
• South Dublin County Council – Caitríona Lambert
• National Transport Authority (preview) – Claire Cummins
EVENT PLANNING TIPS
• Plan ahead• Recruit key personnel• Decide target audience & plan appropriately• Plan logistics • Read Child Protection policy on steps.ie• Anticipate challenges; double-check details• Take care of volunteers
COMMUNICATION TIPS
• Invite questions • Ask questions• Be jargon-free• Tell a story/make it personal• Relate topic to the real world• Use visuals or metaphors• Dress casually if possible• Be yourself• Enjoy!