Event(s) Summary
Number of Events Organized During Brain Awareness Week:
4
Year:
2018
Type of Events Held:
- Conference/Forum
- Exhibit
- Lecture/ Briefing
- Open House
- Press Briefing
- Symposium
Target Audiences:
- General Public
- High School students(9-12)
- Middle school students(6-8)
- Patients & Caregivers
- Professionals
- University students
Approximate Number of People Reached:
1000
Details of Major Brain Awareness Week Events/Activities:
The Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute hosted three public forums and an outreach exhibit during Brain Awareness Week, focusing on the theme of things that can influence the brain during development and through the lifespan. The first panel included leading experts on addiction, the second lecture was about parasites and led by Dr. Michael Fox of the VTCRI, the third panel was on how electronics can help and hinder development. The talks were crafted to communicate highly scientific information to the general public, including high school and college students. Program objectives included starting conversations about the current state of neuroscience and future directions of the field, and, based on the feedback from attendees, we achieved that goal. Also, based on feedback, we started those conversation at a more digestible and inclusive level for the general public. We improved our outreach scope and included more interactive elements (attendees could hold a real human brain, as well as participate in the much-loved Q&A sessions). We updated the pure lecture style from last year to include panels and more audience discussion, which went over very well. We’ll definitely continue this trend in future years.
Event Planning & Publicity
Publicity Methods Used:
- Calendar Listings (newspapers, radio, television)
- Emails
- Posters/Flyers
- Press Release/Media Advisory
- Website
- Social Media
Which of These Publicity Methods Was The Most Successful?
Resources
Of the Dana Foundation publications/resources distributed at your event(s), if any, please indicate the three most popular. Please choose up to three. If "other," please indicate below:
- Staying Sharp Bookmark
- BAW Stickers
- Brain-shaped Erasers
Feedback & Keys to Success
How do you feel BAW participation benefited your organization and the local community?
Participation in BAW brought our organization and community together. Our “Brain School” is one of the most popular events we host, and this year was no exception. By varying the format from lecture to discussion, we brought the community in even more.
Did/do you like our Facebook page?
Yes
Was the information provided on Facebook useful?
Yes, it was very helpful.
