Arizona SciTech Festival Releases 2014 Community Report; Engaging and Inspiring Events Attract Increasingly Larger Attendance and Sponsors

PHOENIX, Oct. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Releasing the findings of its 2014 Community Report, the Arizona SciTech Festival today announced over 320,000 people of all ages attended the combined 2014 events, an increase of 23 percent from last year.  Total number of events, venues, newsletter subscribers and sponsors were also reported to have significantly increased as the Festival tallied the results of its third year. Held annually in February and March to inform Arizonans of all ages about how science, technology and innovation affects their everyday lives and will expand their economic future, this years' festivities included over 500 expos, workshops, exhibitions and tours and included 65 sponsors.

"This report is validation that the exceptional efforts made by Arizona's business and economic development communities to create a network of STEM advocates is paying off," said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council. "As the Festival continues to grow in size and importance, it will continue to raise awareness that science and engineering are the keys to a prosperous future for Arizona."

"What's increasingly clear to me is that our annual events are catalysts for broader community conversations such as rethinking economic development strategies and reassessing K-12 priorities," said Jeremy Babendure, Ph.D., festival director. "This could be the most important long-term contribution of the Arizona SciTech Festival."

In addition to the Arizona Technology Council Foundation, the festival's Foundational Partners include the Arizona Board of Regents, the Arizona Commerce Authority, the Arizona Science Center, Arizona State University, and the University of Arizona.

The Famous SciTech Gecko Coloring and Art Contest

This year's hands-on activities designed to excite and engage Arizona citizens about science and technology included The Gecko Coloring and Art Contest, where over 160 artists in four age groups were challenged to decorate the famous science STEM Festival symbol in the most creative way possible.

The following winners will have their art pieces promoted and displayed at high-visibility venues in a one year trek across the state and published in print and online through August, 2015:

Ages 18 & Over: John Drury, Scottsdale; Ages 12 – 18: Yamilex Nieves, Phoenix, and Dawn Cruz, Phoenix; Ages 6 – 11: Vivian Pfleger, Scottsdale; and Ages 5 & Under, Madeline O'Neill, Phoenix.

The rotating exhibit times and where the general public can enjoy and view the artwork during official venue/organization's hours are:

• September 15 – October 17, 2014: Arizona Technology Council & Foundation Offices: 2800 N. Central Avenue, Suite 1920, Phoenix
• October 24 – January 9, 2015: Arizona Commerce Authority Lobby: 333 North Central Avenue, Suite 1900, Phoenix
• January 12 – February 27, 2015: City of Chandler City Hall Lobby: 175 S Arizona Avenue, Chandler, Downtown Chandler
• March 2 – April 3, 2015: City of Tempe: Youth Library - 3500 S. Rural Road, Tempe
• April 6 – May 8, 2015: City of Mesa, THINKspot, Mesa Public Library | Red Mountain Branch, 635 North Power Road, Mesa
• May 11 – June 12, 2015: City of Scottsdale, Scottsdale's Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90^th Street, Lobby Entrance, Scottsdale
• June 15 – July 17, 2015: City of Peoria City Hall, Foyer of City Hall offices, 8401 West Monroe Street, Peoria
• July 20 – August 28, 2015: City of Prescott: Children's Museum Alliance, Inc. Sponsor, Northern Arizona Children's STEM Museum, Prescott Gateway Mall, 3250 Gateway Blvd, artwork in Museum window, Suite 1240, next to Dillard's, Prescott

AzTEC Awards

The hard work and creativity that went into the 2014 Arizona SciTech Festival was enthusiastically recognized at the 2014 AzTEC (Arizona's Talent in Event Concepts) Awards held September 12.  The Festival took home the prize in three categories for its abilities to distinguish itself in the most attractive and innovative ways possible. The awards bestowed upon the Arizona SciTech Festival included:

• Outstanding Volunteer: Tracy Rexroat, state supervisor, Engineering/Manufacturing for the Arizona Department of Education, took the responsibility for over 15 Arizona SciTech Festival events for the 2014 season. After lifting heavy boxes, setting up tents and tables, and tirelessly greeting and engaging exhibit visitors, Tracy was recognized for personifying the true meaning of selfless giving.
• Best Eco-Friendly /'Green' Element: The Festival's three-tiered Solar Challenge Festival activity sponsored by Chandler-based Sun Valley Solar Solutions, along with the use of recyclable newsprint paper stock for the festival's 780,000 printed "Schedule of Events" were recognized for reducing the carbon footprint.
• Best Shirt: The Festival's colorful event specific shirts were recognized for their originality.

For more information about ongoing available sponsorships of the Arizona SciTech Festival, please contact Babendure at (480) 250-7764 or [email protected].

About the Arizona Technology Council Foundation
The Arizona Technology Council Foundation is dedicated to further promoting and growing technology in Arizona through the raising of funds, leadership, collaboration and innovation.  The Foundation is home to Science, Engineering, Technology and Math (STEM) programs including the Arizona SciTech Festival and the Arizona Middle School Science Bowl. In addition, the Foundation is home to the Tech Terra Recycling program in partnership with Westech Recyclers, providing a resource for Arizona Technology Council members to have their older computer and electronic equipment picked up and recycled throughout the year at no cost.

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SOURCE Arizona Technology Council

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