Tacita Nye & Amy MacQueen Public Engagement Manager & Post-Doctoral Researcher

Our Exhibit ‘Your body is under attack! All around you are pathogens that can cause disease. But don’t panic- your immune system works day and night to defend you.’ -Immunology basics -The ageing immune system -Commercialisation of immunology research Exhibit, iPad games, roaming props, microsite, video, take- homes

Plan, prepare, get ready…building your exhibit Think about: -Your audience – lots of people, all ages -Space – not very big -Work with professionals -Attend the training day

Plan, prepare, get ready…building your exhibit Not as big as it looks (not to scale…!)

Plan, prepare, get ready…the video -Find a company that ‘gets’ your Institute/research -Work with your communications team (be careful with branding) -Keep it short, have a clear brief -Finalising the script can take a long time – lots of opinions! -Consider legacy

Plan, prepare, get ready..preparing your team - Get as much support as you can -Provide enough information, practice before the event -Celebrate!

Plan, prepare, get ready….budget It’s expensive – get sponsorship! 45 volunteers Book accommodation early, bulk buy catering Exhibit updates (not full build) Think about storage before you order too much stuff (and consider events post RSSE)

Plan, prepare, get ready…media -Work with communications teams -Prepare text/images for RS website, as well as web items, Facebook posts, tweets -Live tweet, look for opportunities for your audience to engage via social media The Babraham Institute

Enjoy it! The week goes fast! Look out for additional opportunities! Take regular snack breaks!

Lessons learnt -Get sponsorship -Get organised – now! -Sign up your supporters soon (get them invested in it) -Too much stuff – can be a blessing or a curse -Go to the pub afterwards (to celebrate)

Any Questions? Tacita – Find out more about your immune army: Immunearmy.babraham.ac.uk