PLANNING AN OPEN HOUSE 

Organizing an Open House is similar to organizing a public display although in a public display you take your accomplishments and knowledge out to the public and in an open house you invite the public to come to you to view your accomplishments and share your knowledge. Basic logistical arrangements apply to both activities. After going through this information you may want to review the information under the section Public Displays and Demonstrations. 

Colleges, universities, industrial sites and research facilities are encouraged to open their doors to the public during NCW. Many departments are already holding Open Houses on an annual basis and have found this exercise to be beneficial and worthwhile. 

Why an Open House? To develop a positive public appreciation of chemistry. Bright young students need to feel positive about chemistry and be encouraged to pursue careers in the chemical profession. The future health of the chemical profession and the economic well being of the chemical industry depend on this. 

Keys to a Successful Open House: Planning, Participation and Publicity 

Planning: Set up a planning group. You cannot expect one person to do all the work. Identify your target audience and decide what you want to highlight. Test your program or exhibits with members of your targeted audience well in advance of the opening. 

Ensure you draw up a budget, a staffing plan and a schedule with assigned responsibilities. People work best when they know exactly what is expected of them. Prepare a checklist of things that need to be done from well ahead of the Open House up to opening day. 

Participation: Successful Open Houses need ample participation. Pull in enthusiastic volunteers to form your planning group. Involve one or two local teachers (elementary and high school), recruit people working in your operation, add a person from the local media or a local public relations firm and bring in some secondary school students to help plan. 

Publicity: The best Open House in the world still needs publicity. Talk to your local media and invite them to tour before opening day when there are no crowds. 

Advertise your Open House in the local newspaper a week ahead of time and then again during the week of the event. Since your event is free take advantage of free public service announcement services on radio and cable television. 

Talk to teachers and/or send flyers to school for children to take home. 

Where applicable, when you or your staff are participating in other public functions, talk about your up­coming Open House.