Item/Min Ref: Title of Report: Officer presenting: Marketing and Communications Head of Culture Strategy for Science and Author: Innovation Project Lead Marketing Officer 1 Purpose of Report/Recommendations 1.1 To present Members with a comprehensive outline of marketing and communications plans for the Science and Innovation project. 2 Background 2.1 Members would be aware that approval was given for the initiation of the Science and Innovation project 2015. 2.2. To date the marketing and communications plan has focused on below the line activities and launch event. 2.3. The project programme is now finalized and a full marketing and communications strategy has been developed. 2.3. Funded through the Legacy programme, the Science and Innovation Project takes place throughout 2015 and 2016 incorporating a number of key events including: Event Date Formula Derr-E 20th April 2015 – 19th September 2015 STEM Ambassador Programme Curiosity Gallery @ Ebrington June 2015 – June 2016 Curious Community Programme July 2015 Women in Engineering Day 23rd June 2015 Let’s Get Curious @ Ebrington 11th July 15th August 19th September Space Camp NW July 2015 BT Young Scientist September 2015 Culture Tech Festival September 2015 Competition with Graham September 2015 IT Training and Outreach through the DCAL Cultural September 2015 Hubs Maths Week 11th – 19th October Launch 3rd Oct Brick Wonders & Lego Activities Feb 2016 3. Key Issues 3.1. The Science & Innovation programme campaign will target key market segments using a mix of on and offline tools with key messages profiled in each medium. 3.2. A full outline of all marketing and communications plans is included in accompanying appendices. 3.3. Key tools to be utilized will: Key local newspapers (Strabane Herald, Strabane Chronicle, Derry Journal, Londonderry Sentinel) Specialist publications (Primary Times and NI4Kids) Other newspapers (Letterkenny Post, Inish Times, North West News Group) Print o A5 Flyers o A3 Posters o Photographic Prop Event photography Video Big Screen Derry City Branding (branding plan) – flags, banners, balloons and road signage Guerrilla Marketing activities such as power washing stencils, biodegradable chalk, 3D stickers Digital - Website & Social Media Sites: Social Media – using existing City of Culture platforms: Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube and incorporating a presence on Instagram once set up. Social media campaign will consist of a number of paid, promoted and boosted advertising to the target audience. (Social Media content plan) Website – dedicated URL http://www.scinnovate.co/ redirected to section within DCSD council website. Complete with sliding header image, side menu bar navigating to individual events and clear call to actions of key events on the homepage. (Website layout attached). Banner Ads on key websites such as: Dayoutwiththekids.co.uk, Donegal Daily, WhatsonNI, Visit Derry Ezine – premium placement within DCSD council new monthly event Ezine due to commence June/July. Associated advertising within specific Ezines and ENewsletters such as: Irish National Teachers’ Organisation INTO, Tourism Ireland and WhatsonNI along with promotion to sponsors/partnership databases. Listings - Brick.ie, The Brickish Association, Discover NI, WhatsonNI, industry bloggers and relevant online publications. PR Activities 4. Financial and Other Implications 4.1. The campaign has been allocated a total marketing and communications budget of £20,000, which has been accounted for in existing approved budgets. 5. Recommendations 5.1. It is recommended that Members approve the initiation of the marketing campaign outlined, with a budget of £20,000. Background Papers Appendix 1 : Marketing & Communications Plans for Science and Innovation Project. .