How Did Conexkt Help Establish and Grow a Science Festival?

Engaging the Public with Cutting-Edge Research

Location:
Valais, Switzerland

Industries Served:
Science Communication
Public Engagement and Education
Event Management
Media and Public Relations

Services:
Event Management
Communication
Media Relations
Social Media Campaign Management
Speaker Recruitment and Coaching
Audience Engagement

Overview

Science Valais, an organization committed to making science accessible to the public, aimed to establish a new type of science festival in Valais, one that could reach new audiences beyond traditional scientific conferences.

In 2022, they introduced the globally renowned Pint of Science Festival, which brings scientists out of their labs and into local bars to discuss their research in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. Conexkt organized the festival for Science Valais from the very beginning to bring this unique festival to the region, ensuring its success right from its inception.

Objectives

For the 2024 edition of Pint of Science, building on previous successful years, Science Valais and Conexkt set clear goals to continue expanding and improving the festival:

  • Expand Audience Reach: Increase participation and broaden the demographic by making the festival accessible and engaging for all.

  • Strengthen Communication Efforts: Amplify the festival’s visibility across multiple platforms, targeting a diverse audience beyond the academic sphere.

  • Enhance Public Engagement: Ensure scientists effectively communicate their research to non-experts in an informal, interactive setting.

The Challenge

The concept of Pint of Science—bringing science to local bars—was exciting but presented challenges. Engaging the public in casual venues required a different communication approach compared to traditional academic conferences. Additionally, connecting with both French and German-speaking regions of Valais required careful cultural and linguistic adaptation.

Visibility was another key challenge. The festival needed to attract not only scientists and academics but also members of the general public who might not typically engage with scientific content.

Our Approach

As the organizer of the festival in Valais for Science Valais, in collaboration with Pint of Science Switzerland, Conexkt worked to overcome these challenges and create a local adaptation of the global concept that would resonate with the community.

Comprehensive Planning and Localization
From the outset, we tailored the festival to the local audience. In Brig, where previous editions had lower turnout, we continued improving engagement by introducing events in Walliserdeutsch to better connect with local culture. This localization was a game-changer, significantly increasing engagement. In Sion, we chose topics and researchers based on the expertise available at local scientific institutions, such as the Energypolis campus, focusing on areas like artificial intelligence in healthcare and the impacts of climate change on alpine landscapes.

Effective Communication Strategy
To reach a wide audience, we designed an extensive cross-media communication plan that included social media, local media partnerships, printed flyers, posters, and community mobilization. Collaborations with outlets like Canal 9 and Rhône FM boosted visibility, ensuring awareness across Valais. Our bilingual promotional campaigns on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn attracted participants from both French and German-speaking regions.

Training Scientists to Engage the Public
Conexkt provided coaching sessions for scientists, equipping them to present complex research in a simple, engaging manner. This ensured the talks were accessible to non-experts while maintaining scientific accuracy. We also introduced interactive elements—such as live quizzes and audience Q&A—to break down barriers between scientists and the public.

Creating an Inclusive Atmosphere
We ensured each event maintained a welcoming, informal atmosphere, inviting people from all walks of life to explore scientific topics in an enjoyable, accessible way. Carefully chosen local bars served as perfect venues for fostering casual yet meaningful conversations.

Pint of Science 2024

The Solution

Conexkt’s organization of the festival for Science Valais resulted in the seamless execution of the festival. From managing logistics to delivering impactful communication campaigns, we ensured each aspect of the event was well-coordinated and engaging.

Results

Boost in Participation: The 2024 Pint of Science festival in Valais exceeded expectations, with an average of 40 attendees per night across three nights in multiple bars. The localized approach in Brig significantly improved turnout, demonstrating the power of tailored communication.

  • Expanded Media Reach: Effective social media campaigns and outreach efforts helped the festival reach a broader audience, generating buzz in both scientific and public circles.

  • Engaged and Satisfied Public: Attendee feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the festival’s informal yet educational format.

Impact

Conexkt’s involvement from the start helped establish Pint of Science as a cornerstone event for public science engagement in Valais. The success of the 2024 edition demonstrated that informal science festivals can effectively bridge the gap between researchers and the public, fostering greater understanding and interest in local scientific initiatives.

Ready to engage your community with science?

Contact Conexkt to learn how we can help you organize a successful, impactful event that connects people with the wonders of science.