From the Chair

Since it's inception in 1992, BIG has run occasional special- interest meetings (one-day meetings for 'Explainers', and week-long 'Fabricators' work-shops among them), but 1996 was the year of the very first BIG event. All had been quiet on the meetings front a bit too long for comfort, and the Committee resolved to do something. "Let's have a meeting for all the special interests - make it bigger and a bit of a jamboree - do it in summer - call it the BIG event, and hold it at Herstmonceux, with a BBQ and camping." This was the pronouncement of then Chair Stephen Pizzey, fully endorsed by the Committee of the day. And so the BIG event began.

Since '96, we've reconvened at Herstmonceux annually, as no one has yet been able to suggest an alter-native venue as magical (ref. ancient telescopes of the former Royal Greenwich Observatory), as informally welcoming (ref. Jenny Crouch's transformation of a visitor centre into a visitor centre doubling as a conference venue), and as revivingly democratic (ref. Professors, Explainers, Directors, Managers sharing in animated conversation and hands-on exploration).

So 2001 was the 5th BIG event. Once more, some 100 hands-on communicators descended on Herstmonceux Science Centre, attracted by the informal atmosphere - (The Glastonbury of conferences) - a programme of sessions including digital interactives, hands-on study support, and promoting good practice amongst front-of-house staff, together with a lively programme of demonstration shows, workshops and social events: "atmosphere electric, conversation convivial, shows telling, sessions sensational" was the summary-feedback from one participant! Following the founding in April of ECSITE-UK, the science and discovery centre network, one session was chaired by ECSITE-UK chair, Colin Johnson (Techniquest), introducing BIG members to the new network's people and aspirations, and outlining the ways ECSITE-UK intends to complement the activities of BIG in networking amongst the institutions as well as the individuals.

Building on last year's international outlook, the 5th BIG Event was the most international ever, allowing a special session entitled 'Touring Europe' on Saturday morning. Three speakers turned the spotlight on the recently opened Glasgow Science Centre. Elbert-Jan Achterberg of Northern Light CoDesign, Axel Hüttinger (Hüttinger Exhibition Engineering) and Stephen Pizzey (Science Projects) were all contractors in Glasgow, with three different perspectives to share and many common and amusing (in hindsight!) stories to tell. The spirit of BIG is in the social stuff as much as the sessions and shows, though it must be noted that 'best demo' was remarkable this year: more competition entrants than ever before, and still Gillian Pearson won... making it twice in a row! For me, BIG2001 is memorable for Friday's gourmet Wok 'n Roll evening, the participation of so many 'Millennium Project' people (free to network now they're up and open), and the fierce competitive streak revealed in the 'Scrapheap Challenge' to build and launch a water rocket in 45 minutes. A BIG (and big) thank you to all the Herstmonceux team - we couldn't do it without you!

Melanie Quin, BIG Chair 2001

Newsletter Autumn 2001 Contents

From the Chair
Universeum. Sweden
Explainer report
ECSITE in the UK
Convenor at the BIG Event
An explainers' Big Event