Siemens Competition National Finals – Design, Event Production, Experiential
The Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology brings together some of the brightest high school students in the country to present original research and compete for scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $100,000. As the nation’s premier research competition, the program is designed to foster individual growth, recognition, and academic achievement.
JDC Events was engaged to manage the National Finals in Washington, D.C., a five-day, multi-venue program supporting more than 200 attendees. The event was designed around three key elements: Design, Collaboration, and Relationship-Building, creating an environment that supported both academic excellence and meaningful engagement.
Objective
Coordinate and deliver a multi-day national competition that supports student research presentations, judging, and recognition, while ensuring a seamless experience across multiple venues and program elements.
The program required careful organization and flexibility to manage a dynamic schedule, diverse audience groups, and a wide range of event formats.
Design
The design of the National Finals focused on creating a structured and intuitive experience across a complex, multi-day program. With constant movement between venues and a variety of event types, clarity and coordination were essential.
JDC Events provided full coordination and set-up services, managing logistics for students, families, partners, and stakeholders. Each component of the program, from poster presentations to formal ceremonies, was designed to flow seamlessly within the overall schedule.
Materials, schedules, and event environments were developed to support both formal evaluation and public engagement, ensuring that participants could navigate each stage of the competition with ease. The design approach balanced structure with adaptability, allowing the program to respond to evolving needs while maintaining a consistent and organized experience.
Activation
Experiential elements of the National Finals were designed to encourage collaboration and build relationships among students, educators, partners, and industry leaders.
JDC Events coordinated a wide range of activities, including photo shoots, parent receptions, poster presentations, and public project exhibitions that allowed students to share their research with a broader audience. Interactive experiences such as Google Cardboard activities provided additional opportunities for engagement.
The program also included meal functions, an Innovation Summit featuring CNN anchor Fredricka Whitfield, and the Awards program, creating moments for connection, recognition, and shared experience.
Throughout the event, collaboration was supported through partnerships with organizations such as Discovery Education and George Washington University, ensuring that each element contributed to a cohesive and engaging program.
Impact
The National Finals delivered a well-organized and engaging experience that supported both the academic rigor of the competition and the broader goals of connection and recognition.
Through thoughtful coordination and design, JDC Events enabled a program that brought together students, families, and partners in a meaningful way, reinforcing the importance of innovation, collaboration, and future leadership in science and technology.
