Science at Phoenix ComiCon: Connecting with a Science-Attuned Audience

English Abstract:

The Phoenix ComiCon (PCC) is a rapidly growing annual four-day pop culture event, featuring guests, costuming, exhibits, and discussion panels for popular sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and anime franchises. The 2014 show, which drew 77,818 attendees, featured 30 hours of science programming, which were coordinated and organized by Horodyskyj. Programming consisted of discussion panels, mixers, and signature events on topics ranging from planetary sciences to biotechnology to artificial intelligence. Activities were staffed by industry specialists, early career and established scientists, and STEM outreach enthusiasts.

Some panels were surveyed to determine audience reception of the scientific topic and panel scientists. Preliminary results indicate that the audience who attended the science programming were enthusiastic about science and walked away with an extremely positive impression of the presenting scientists. Attendance at science panels was statistically indistinguishable from non-science panels, indicating that "science" was as big a draw for the attending audience as Star Trek, Doctor Who, or Game of Thrones. Anecdotally, a number of attendees, panelists, and PCC management tracked down Horodyskyj and other scientists to praise the science programming, some even months after the convention ended. For some attendees, the science programming was their exclusive reason for attending the PCC.

PCC and other events like it provide a unique opportunity for scientists to connect with a science-attuned audience through pop culture. Public outreach at these events may not convey deep content knowledge, but may be useful in connecting enthusiasts more deeply with the scientific endeavor and scientists themselves.