Exhibit at the BSC

Exhibit at the BSC

Big Science Celebration

Taking place on May 3rd from 11 AM – 5 PM, it is the largest interactive STEAM event in Ohio, and the culminating event of the four- day COSI Science Festival. 

It is a large-scale, highly visible outdoor event where Ohio's STEAM organizations connect with thousands of youth and adults. Get ready for a fun day filled with engaging experiments and spectacular science, where your organization can showcase its STEAM opportunities.

 
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Join us for the Big Science Celebration (BSC), the largest interactive STEAM event in Ohio and the grand finale of the four-day COSI Science Festival. This high-energy, outdoor event brings together the nation’s top STEAM organizations to connect with thousands of youth and adults. Prepare for a day packed with exciting experiments and spectacular science displays, where your organization can showcase the amazing STEAM activities happening within. This free event is open to everyone, especially families with school-aged children and those with limited access to science education resources. Get ready for an unforgettable day of discovery and fun!

Explore the 2024 BSC
exhibitor map

View 2024 BSC map

Check out past exhibitor experiences below!

All exhibitors must create interactive, hands-on spaces and activities focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and/or mathematics. Be creative and show the public what your organization does for our community and beyond. Help bridge the STEAM skills gap and inspire our community’s children to see themselves as future scientists. Let’s make science fun and accessible for everyone!

Interested in exhibiting at the BSC?

2025 Big Science Celebration exhibitor applications are open now.

Click here to apply
BSC exhibitor timeline:

An event of this scale and magnitude involves many costs, (including, but not limited to: permitting fees, equipment rentals, security, labor, etc.). The exhibitor fee allows us to recoup some of these costs so that the festival is sustained for years to come.

We are aware that these costs may prohibit participation for some exhibitors, and we want to work with all groups to make entry possible. If the cost of participation is prohibitive, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Want more in-depth information?

View our COSI Science Festival partner guide.

CSF Partner Guide

Frequently Asked Questions:

Ohio, especially central Ohio, faces a STEAM skills gap. By participating in the Big Science Celebration, your organization has a unique opportunity to connect visitors with careers in your industry in a fun and engaging way. This interaction helps attendees, from students to families, gain a better understanding of the job roles available in STEAM fields. Exhibitors have found that visitors leave with a greater appreciation for STEAM and its positive impact on daily life, as well as the many exciting career opportunities it offers.

Submit an online application here.  Applications are open until February 7, 2025. Accepted exhibitors will be charged exhibitor fees. 

Standard exhibit amenities are listed above, in either 10 x 10′ or 10′ x 20′ tents, including chairs and tables. Electricity is available for an additional fee. Larger size spaces are available via sponsorship.

Your exhibit activity should be hands on, engaging, and easy to understand. Try to incorporate an activity that is centered on what your organization does. 
 

The Big Science Celebration will be on May 3rd, 2025 from 11 AM – 5 PM at COSI in Columbus, Ohio. Exhibitor applications will open in Fall of 2025. 

Typically we see between 25,000 – 45,000 people. Attendance depends on the weather, but good weather = more people. 

Individual community STEAM events will be decided on a case by case basis, but the Big Science Celebration will be rain or shine. We’ll put in a request for sunny and 72, but we all know how Ohio weather is. 

COSI is still open on the day of the Big Science Celebration, general admission rates apply.

Applications will open in January of 2025.

Yes, there will reach a point where we aren’t able to accept any more exhibitors. Apply early.