The Big Bang Fair 2016:

• 70,000+ visitors

• Three school days

• One family day

• 30,000sqm+ showfloor

• New showfloor layout

• 150 interactive exhibition stands

from business, industry and the

STEM community

• Interactive theatre shows across

several stages

• Tailored events for new audiences

• Over 200 projects in the

National Science + Engineering

Competition finals

Inspiring our future scientists and engineers The UK’s biggest celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) returns to The NEC, Birmingham, from 16–19 March 2016. Welcoming almost 70,000 visitors in 2015, The Big Bang Fair is an established calendar event for young people, teachers and parents.

The UK needs more scientists and engineers and equipping young people with STEM skills is key to their future employability. Bringing science and engineering to life with a bang, The Fair features:• leading business and industry from a wide range of sectors• universities and STEM educators• exciting theatre shows• interactive workshops and exhibits• careers information, resources and activities

Over an action-packed four days, thousands of young people, their teachers and parents will: • be amazed by the science and engineering all around them• learn about the importance of studying science, technology,

engineering and mathematics (STEM) • discover the wealth of exciting career opportunities available

to them in science and engineering

The Big Bang UK Young

Scientists & Engineers Fair

The NEC, Birmingham, 16–19 March 2016

The Big Bang Fair is an unprecedented and unparalleled collaboration between Government, education, industry and the wider STEM community. Working together, we provide the introduction and inspiration that puts young people on course to follow rewarding careers in science or engineering. In partnership, we are inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

“ Shows such as this help inspire children to pursue a career in STEM sectors.” The Sunday Telegraph

The Fair continues to engage influential supporters and the

media alike. The Prime Minister, David Cameron, followed

up his 2013 visit with a trip to The Fair again this year;

Schools Minister, Nick Gibb MP opened The Fair; and Science

Minister Greg Clark MP spent most of The Fair’s family day

enjoying The Fair’s STEM exhibits and hands-on activities.

Broadcast coverage during the Fair included BBC Midlands

Today, ITV West Carlton News, ITV Central Tonight, BBC Breakfast

and Newsround. Fast becoming an annual feature, the UK Young

Engineer and UK Young Scientist of the Year, were once again

invited to the BBC Breakfast sofa to discuss their award winning

projects. The Fair also created a real buzz on social media,

with #bigbangfair reaching over 15 million Twitter accounts across

the four days. At the last count there had been almost 2,000 pieces

of media coverage across the whole of The Big Bang Fair media

campaign, which seeks to ensure The Fair’s messages reach beyond

those who attend.

Highlights of 2015

Almost 70,000 visitors came to The Big Bang Fair

in 2015, with an equal number of boys and girls.

The Fair boasted a wide variety of jaw-dropping shows,

hands-on workshops, exhibits and careers resources.

Almost 200 organisations came together to make The Big Bang

Fair a success. Young people visited the eight themed zones,

enjoying, amongst other things, augmented reality technology

and rocket car competitions, exploring the human body and

cycling to power cooling machines.

The Careers Cabin, the central hub for careers information,

hosted just short of 18,000 engagements with young people.

Volunteers from across industry, from senior management to

graduates and apprentices gave their time to provide young

people with valuable inspiration and to share their experience.

The finals of the National Science + Engineering Competition

are held at The Big Bang Fair, leading to a prestigious awards

ceremony hosted in 2015 by Gadget Show presenter Jason

Bradbury and science and engineering presenter Fran Scott

along with Peter Dickson of X Factor voiceover fame.

The winners were among more than 500 talented students

chosen to showcase their work to a world-class panel

of judges, including Nobel Prize winning biochemist

Sir Tim Hunt, Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut and

Race Engineer, Leena Gade.

Colum McNally, from St Colman’s College in Newry,

was named UK Young Engineer of the Year for his

‘agri-hammer’ – a hydraulic machine to prevent farm

accidents. Sarah Sobka, from Sheffield High School

became UK Young Scientist of the Year after impressing

judges with her project to develop a treatment for

cystic fibrosis.

The impact of

The Big Bang Fair

Among visitors aged 11 to 19

significantly more than the

national average felt that

a career in engineering was

desirable (61% compared to

43%). 85% of the key audience

of 11 to 14 year olds learnt

a lot and nearly 60% of young

visitors used the opportunity

to speak to someone

about careers.

“ The Big Bang Fair encourages young people to understand what science and maths and technology can mean in life as well as in the classroom.” David Cameron, Prime Minister

National Science +

Engineering Competition

The Big Bang Fair:

a high profile

“ Seeing engineering in a real life environment is helpful because it makes you think about how you’re going to use it.” Visitor

“ Both visitors and exhibitors make a lasting impression on each other.” Emma Bartley, The Times

The Big Bang UK Young Scientists

& Engineers Fair is an unrivalled

opportunity to inspire thousands

of young people and help them

learn more about careers in

science, technology, engineering

and mathematics.

Would you like to play

a part?

There are a number of ways to

share in this unique experience:

We offer different packages depending

on what size stand, additional onsite

activities and level of profile suits you.

Business packages are priced at between

£20,000 and £120,000, with discounts

available for universities and science and

engineering institutions. You can find out

more at thebigbangfair.co.uk/sponsors

or contact John Halton on 020 3206 0436

or jhalton@engineeringuk.com.

Volunteer

Use your experience and expertise to

guide visitors around the showfloor,

provide careers inspiration or help out

with an activity. Autumn sees the open

call for volunteers. Find out more and sign

up at thebigbangfair.co.uk/volunteers

Come to The Fair and bring your

family and friends

The Big Bang Fair, from 16–19 March 2016,

will have three school days and one family

day. The Fair is completely free, but you

will need to register early to avoid

disappointment.

Play your part in

The Big Bang Fair 2016

The trade mark BIG BANG is the property of Big Bang Limited and is used here under licence.

Inspire the next generation

youtube.com/thebigbangfair

facebook.com/thebigbang4u

twitter.com/bigbangfair

“ You can feel the buzz. This is igniting students’ interest.” Teacher

Building your Big Bang

Our main exhibition delivery partner, Fresh, can support with

the design and build of your stand. Fresh can advise on what

works well for our audience and work with you to create

your perfect stand. Onsite to support The Fair, they offer

cost-effective build support.

thebigbangfair.co.uk/build