The STEAM Room is a professional event designed to explore the unique challenges that founders of Queensland-based STEAM organisations face when delivering products or services across diverse sectors. Recognising the value in sharing first-hand knowledge, experiences and connections (including across different specialities), attendees will have the opportunity to participate in collaborative peer-to-peer learning, strengthen their professional networks, and to brainstorm solutions to sector-specific issues. To increase engagement and facilitate discussion, the event will also host digital or physical experiential installations created by local STEAM businesses. The STEAM Room forms part of the Spark Festival 2021 programming and will be offered in-person.

Who this event is for:

This event is primarily for current, previous, or future founders of STEAM businesses located in Queensland (including for-profit, non-profit, or social enterprises). However, other stakeholders interested in a thriving STEAM ecosystem, such as government bodies or professional associations and industry groups are also invited to attend.

Event overview:

2pm-2.15pm: Registration

2.15pm-2.30pm: Introduction

2.30pm-4pm: Facilitated discussions on sector-specific issues

4pm-5pm: Networking, light food/drinks (in-person) and Physical/ Digital Exhibits

About the Organisers:

The STEAM Room is organised by Chris Pymble (Graphics et al.) and Dr Ken Dutton-Regester (Excite Science). After meeting in early 2021 and having shared their challenges and difficulties whilst launching their companies, both realised there was immense value to be gained from connecting and learning from other science business founders. They hope the STEAM Room will form an ongoing collaborative community to help STEAM founders to share knowledge and connections to create a strong, sustaining, and entrepreneurial science sector.

About Spark Festival:

This event is part of the Spark Festival 2021; a technology and innovation festival hosted throughout Australia between the 13th and 28th of October. For more information and other programming delivered at this year’s Spark Festival, go to: https://sparkfestival.co/

Please note that aspects of the in-person event will be filmed and photographed.