BIG Event 2013
About the BIG Event
The BIG Event invites its 500-or-so members to this three day get-together every summer to share skills and experiences, develop professional links and keep up-to-date with the STEM engagement field. This is the place to hone your skills and recharge your professional batteries, pick up great ideas and show off your talents to peers.
How much is it?
| Conference Fees |
Early Bird Rate |
Standard Rate |
|
Registration before 31 March |
From 1st April |
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| Full Conference for non-speakers* |
£250 |
£295 |
| Full Conference for speakers* |
£180 |
£230 |
| One Day only |
£100 |
£100 |
| Conference Dinner & Best Demo only |
£35 |
£35 |
|
|
|
| *Rate includes conference dinner |
|
|
Who is it for?
Around 150-200 people usually come along, who are existing members or those that have joined through coming to the BIG Event. We don’t like the Event to get too big because the emphasis is on meeting and exchanging ideas with like-minded people. Too big a crowd can dilute that experience.
The BIG Event is relevant for designers, presenters, educators, students, front of house staff, evaluators, educationalists, funders, and anyone involved in the public engagement with science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Many people working in the STEM engagement field have little opportunity to cross paths with their peers, so the BIG Event was designed with exactly this in mind.
What’s it like?
It’s not quite like a conference – we don’t like it to get too structured, but we do like it to be organised and professional. So, it’s like a good party with the kind of people you like to work with but like a good conference too, where you can expect to know what’s going on and when. However, creativity and spontaneity are encouraged so you should be relaxed enough to go along with a little controlled chaos.
What goes on there?
BIG is all about skills sharing so the more you put in, the more you get out. The members dictate the direction the Event will take. Almost all of the sessions are proposed and run by members who would like to show their work to others, to get useful feedback, to invite others to use their findings and to create new collaborations. BIG invites some contributions from outside its membership, especially where there are skills we can learn from other industries. If you would like to read more about this year's sessions, click on the draft programme at the bottom of this page.
Is it any fun?
Oh yes. As well as the two-and-half days packed full of sessions, we like to have a bite to eat, a drink and a good chat too, wherever possible.
On the Wednesday evening we’ll be retiring to the Oran Mor and other members in the Glasgow area are encouraged to join us. Food is not provided but is available for you to purchase.
On Thursday evening, those who have purchased a ticket will be enjoying the hospitality of Glasgow Science Centre for evening dinner, wine, and Best Demo Competition. Some folks like to dress up, others don’t – it’s up to you entirely. More information will appear - including the call for Best Demo Competitors - in early summer.
Can I afford it?
BIG is a not-for-profit organisation and relies heavily (but not totally) on volunteers - you can rest assured that your Event fee goes towards the BIG Event and support to the members to attend.
Bursaries
The application process for a bursary to attend the BIG Event has now closed.
If you’re still not sure if the BIG Event is for you, you can get in touch to find out more: event@big.uk.com
BIG Event Programme DRAFT Mar13.pdf
