National Geographic recently hosted two premier events in Europe: the National Geographic Science Festival in Rome; and the National Geographic Summit in Lisbon, Portugal. The two events were opportunities to connect thousands of adults, children and institutions to the National Geographic brand, as well as a number of featured speakers, including iconic primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall.
National Geographic Science Festival (May 11-14)
The National Geographic Science Festival in Rome, the result of a sponsorship and partnership agreement with the 11-year-old Rome Science Festival, was hosted in the prestigious Auditorium Parco della Musica. Dr. Jane Goodall and singer-songwriter Patti Smith were among the international science and pop-culture luminaries featured during the four-day festival, which attracted over 25,000 visitors across the event.
The festival opened with the Italian premiere of National Geographic’s critically acclaimed and EMMY® nominated series “Genius,” for 500+ guests, including one of the series’ lead actors, Samantha Colley.
“The National Geographic Festival of Science was a unique opportunity for us to showcase the brand and the company’s mission bringing together some of the world’s most brilliant minds to inspire and educate, to celebrate human ingenuity and scientific exploration. Over four days, 25,000 people, including 4,000 school children attended lectures and exhibits and participated in workshops at Rome’s Auditorium. The response was overwhelmingly positive from the scientific community and public institutions as well as from the general public and the media. We are already working on next year’s event with an ambition of making it even bigger,” said Kathryn Fink, Managing Director, FNG Italy.
National Geographic Summit (May 25)
The inaugural National Geographic Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, brought together scientists, explorers, children and the inquisitive to discuss exploration while sharing stories and knowledge. The event, which was hosted at the Tivoli BBVA Theatre, also featured Dr. Jane Goodall, National Geographic photojournalist Jodi Cobb, and researcher and activist Tristram Stuart.
Dave Schacht, Vice President of Global Initiatives at National Geographic Society, opened the summit by talking about the active role the institution plays in supporting the exploration and dissemination of projects such as Pristine Seas and Photo Ark. “The inaugural Summit brought the best of National Geographic to the benefit of both the public and our explorers in Lisbon. The keynote speakers inspired the audience to value cultural and biological diversity, with an interactive dialogue on the active role we can all play in sustainable solutions. As National Geographic Society expands its commitment to supporting explorers from around the world, including Europe, this event serves as a wonderful case study of the power of our collective organizations to engage and inspire at a local level,” said Schact.
In addition to her presentation at the summit, Dr. Jane Goodall also led a Roots & Shoots session for children the following morning. Roots & Shoots is her educational program, now reaching 99 countries.
Watch the videos below to learn more about this year’s National Geographic Science Festival and National Geographic Summit:
