INNOVATION May-June 2017

Behind the Scenes at an NEGM Event The Final Hours Unfold Before Tri-City Branch’s Annual Popsicle Stick Bridge Building Competition

Karen Chan, P.Eng., Jane Guo, P.Eng. April 8, 2017 – After more than three months of planning, the Big Day has finally arrived. Tri-City Branch is holding its annual NEGM Popsicle Stick Bridge Building Competition. Jane Guo, P.Eng., 2016/2017 Chair of Tri-City Branch, reviews her "to do" list. She has updated it continually since planning began. Like all APEGBC branches, Tri-City Branch relies on dedicated to make events like this happen. Her list details each volunteer’s responsibilities at this event. Jane counts 20 volunteers * on the list, including three former Tri-City Branch chairs. Cam, Stella and Gloria each

have led NEGM popsicle stick bridge building competitions before. This

coordinators, many entries this year are supported by teachers. Through her neighbor, Sarah connected with SNAPD and The Tri-City News to promote the NEGM event to community organizations, including Under the GUI – Coding for Kids, Science Al!ve at SFU, Robokids and UME Academy. Coquitlam Library employees at City Centre Branch have also been awesome, Jane thinks. They helped pre-register participants and held bridge kits for pickup by contestants.

year, the organizing committee relied heavily on Cam’s brochure, rulebook, and construction tips. An FAQ website also saved time by anticipating and responding to questions from parents, contestants, teachers and sponsors. Jane thinks of Inn, who spent hours contacting School District 43 and teachers, assembling bridge building kits, obtaining sponsorship pledges, and managing event email inquiries. He also distributed the kits to participating schools. Thanks to Sarah and Dan, the branch’s school outreach

*Sarah Alloisio, P.Geo., Ovi Almasan, P.Eng., Anett Briggs, P.Geo., Karen Chan, P.Eng., Stella Chiu, P.Eng., Ana Coady, P.Eng., Doru Cornescu, P.Eng., Jing Du, P.Eng., Cam Finnigan, P.Eng., Jane Guo, P.Eng., Christopher Homes, P.Geo., Michael Jewett, EIT,

Lenka Kral, P.Eng., Gloria Kwong, EIT, Dan Meldrum, P.Eng., Michael Meslin, EIT, Sean O’Sullivan, P.Eng., Yue (Michael) Qiu, P.Eng., Inn Tang, P.Eng., Stefanie Teo, EIT, Owen Wou.

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