Discovery Center wins award for Tennessee STEAM Festival

The Discovery Center was recognized by the Southeast Festivals and Events Association (SFEA) for its inaugural Tennessee STEAM Festival, held last October at locations throughout the state.

The museum won the bronze Kaleidoscope Award for “Best New Event in the Southeast” at SFEA’s 15th Annual Conference, where top festivals and events throughout the southeast were recognized for their outstanding contribution to the events industry.

“It’s truly an honor to be recognized by a regional organization such as SFEA,” said Tara MacDougall, president and CEO of the Discovery Center. “I’d like to congratulate our entire team along with all the volunteers, sponsors and partner institutions across the state that made the Festival possible. It was a herculean effort from everyone involved, and we received tremendous feedback from the community and beyond. We’re looking forward to presenting the 2nd annual STEAM Festival this October!”

According to SFEA, the organization examined originality, creativity, media impact, volunteer programs, and the overall impact to the community.

“The quality of submissions continues to increase each year, making it more difficult for the judges to select the winners,” Brenda Pierce, executive director for SFEA, said in a release.

The Tennessee STEAM Festival was developed by the Discovery Center, in partnership with the Tennessee Science Alliance. The Festival incorporates events at a wide range of museums, schools, community centers and other attractions throughout state to celebrate science, technology, engineering, art and math. In 2017, more than 80 sites participated.

The 2nd annual Tennessee STEAM Festival is scheduled to take place Oct. 12-21, 2018. More information is available at www.tennesseesteamfestival.org.