Beakerhead

Where Science, Art & Community Collide

Beakerhead isn’t just a festival—it’s a playground for the curious, the bold, and the brilliant. It’s where science and art fuse into larger-than-life installations, electrifying performances, and mind-bending experiences. But bringing this spectacle to life? That takes more than wild ideas. It requires strategic planning, sustainable growth, and a commitment to pushing creative boundaries.

When I stepped in as Executive Director, Beakerhead was in the midst of a significant transition—moving from an independent organization to operating under the umbrella of TELUS Spark Science Centre. This shift required not only preserving the festival’s unique identity but also integrating its operations with a larger institution. Over my tenure, we expanded Beakerhead’s reach, fortified its financial foundation, and delivered some of the most unforgettable experiences in its history.

Alchemy in Action

Unprecedented Engagement

  • 72% increase in interactive engagements, bringing hands-on science and art experiences to 57,645 attendees in 2023.

  • Expanded programming by 281%, delivering 114 unique activities in collaboration with 511 partners and organizations.

  • Created record-breaking marketing impact, securing 129M media reach and a 201% boost in social media impressions.

Volunteer & Community Building

  • Increased volunteer participation by 71%, totaling 1,197 hours of engagement—a 92% jump over the previous year.

  • Strengthened community ownership by creating meaningful engagement opportunities for local artists, engineers, and educators.

STEAM Access for All

  • Partnered with educational institutions to make STEAM learning more engaging and inclusive.

  • Increased gift-in-kind contributions to offset direct costs, ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

  • Hosted free public events including interactive installations, panel discussions, and immersive art experiences.

Operational Efficiency & Growth

  • Secured $567,683 in funding through sponsorships, grants, and self-generated revenue.

  • Aligned Beakerhead’s brand with TELUS Spark Science Centre, maximizing collaboration and resource-sharing.

  • Introduced a project management system to better capture and refine the production process, ensuring a seamless and efficient workflow for all aspects of the festival.

  • Leveraged Google Workspace to centralize information, improving accessibility for volunteers, stakeholders, and partner organizations.

  • Improved collaborative planning with partners and sponsors, ensuring alignment and shared success across all festival components.

  • Black and white portrait of Jay Ingram, a science broadcaster, author, and musician. He has white hair, a short beard, and is wearing a dark button-up shirt. He is smiling warmly and looking slightly to the side against a textured, neutral-toned back

    “As both a Beakerhead veteran and a participant, I can attest to Parker's exceptional leadership. They are personable, energetic, wise, and endlessly creative. If you're seeking someone to elevate your project to new heights, Parker is your go-to."

    Jay Ingram (he/him) Science Broadcaster, Author and Musician

    Website
  • Erin Melnychuk, smiling and looking down with joy. She has short, curly dark hair styled to one side, wears clear-framed glasses, and has black statement earrings. She is dressed in a blue top against a clean white background.

    "Parker has a broad range of talents, everything from team and organizational leadership to entrepreneurship and business development to fund development to event planning and beyond. They are a schemer, dreamer, and collaborator. "

    Erin Melnychuk (she/her)
    Co-Founder, Evolved Organizational Development

    LinkedIn
  • Jennifer Merio, smiling warmly in a softly lit indoor setting. She has long, dark brown hair with bangs, striking blue eyes, and is wearing a subtle red lip color. A yellow decorative vase and greenery are visible in the blurred background.

    "Parker's projects are successfully executed with attention to detail, clear expectations, and manageable deliverables. They communicate clearly and effectively, and explore the tools necessary to support ease in the workflow. They collaborate with confidence, curiosity, compassion, and so much enthusiasm - essential skills for a leader to bring out the absolute best in their team."

    Jennifer Merio (she/her) Strategic Brand Designer, Catalyst Creates

    Website
  • Kris Schinke, smiling in a professional setting. She has short, layered blonde hair and is wearing a black blazer over a red top, accessorized with a silver brooch. The background features a modern indoor space with greenery and sleek architectural d

    "Parker is a high energy, creative and enthusiastic manager who works for their customers, both internal and external. They are focused on driving results through employee morale and solid training. Parker’s savvy and humorous demeanor makes them very personable; an asset to their leadership skills."

    Kris Schinke (she/her) Vice President - Integration - X5 Management

    Linkedin
  • Steve Klintberg Nagy, co-founder of Virtu Venture, RocketHouse, and Spin For Life, wearing a white button-up shirt with a company logo. He has dark hair, a beard, and a warm smile. He is seated in a bright, modern setting with a sleek, black structur

    "Parker has the ability to juggle more production elements than I have seen in almost any producer. They have a depth of creativity and community that shines through all of their work."

    Steve Klintberg Nagy (he/him)
    Co-Founder at Virtu Venture, RocketHouse & Spin For Life

    LinkedIn
  • James G. Foster, smiling outdoors with a city skyline in the background. He has short, neatly styled hair, a well-groomed beard, and is wearing a light-colored dress shirt with a blazer. The setting includes a green sports field and urban high-rises

    "Parker is an exceptional human being. They are an outgoing, personable and dedicated member of the team. Parker's strength lies within their ability to produce large scale festivals with amazingly successful results all the while advancing organizational relationships. Parker is one of a kind."

    James G Foster (he/him)
    Fund Development Professional

    Linkedin
  • Kaely Beisiegel, smiling in a cozy indoor setting. She has blonde hair, blue eyes, and is wearing a checkered newsboy cap along with a warm-toned striped sweater. The softly lit background adds to the inviting and relaxed atmosphere.

    "Parker has been a collaborative partner who offers a fresh perspective and breadth of experience to organizational strategy and leadership."

    Kaely Beisiegel (she/her)
    Principal Consultant at Bird Creatives

    Website
  • Shone Thistle, smiling warmly in a professional setting. They have short, silver hair and are wearing a dark-colored top. The softly blurred background suggests an indoor environment, creating a polished yet approachable portrait.

    "Parker is equal parts passion and competence, with a willingness to learn and an open heart to show up for our community when and where they're needed. Parker works diligently to meet the evolving business demands of a growing organization, including the creation of meaningful partner engagement opportunities that allow for unique connections and synergies between all stakeholders."

    Shone Thistle (she/they)
    Executive Director, CQAS & Calgary Poert Laureate

    website
  • Hasina Juma, smiling confidently against a dark background. She has short, black hair styled upward and wears distinctive orange and brown-framed glasses. She is dressed in a vibrant pink and black patterned top, adding a bold and energetic touch to

    "Parker is a big ideas person who translates that into strategic revenue generating initiatives that are sustainable and bring stability to an organization. As a business professional, they are extremely creative, quick thinker who brings functional business solutions to the table that take into account the nuances from the challenge at hand. They have an unique ability to anticipate where a team needs support and then doesn't hesitate to pitch in on the task no matter how big or small it is. I wouldn't hesitate to work with them in the future."

    Hasina Juma (she/her)
    Relationship Manager

    linkedin
  • Kathryn Kolaczek, smiling warmly in a bright, professional setting. She has shoulder-length blonde hair, striking blue eyes, and is wearing a white turtleneck sweater under a camel-colored coat. Her elegant earrings and polished look complement the c

    "Always the consummate professional, Parker has the innate ability to not only manage complex, large scale events, but more importantly, continually delivers and exceeds expectations. Whether it be employees, volunteers, board members, contractors, Parker uses their skill and tact to not only achieve growth for Calgary Pride but also inspires and brings out the best in their colleagues, often during high pressure, high sensitivity situations. Parker's work seeks to ensure that the voices of those who are most marginalized and vulnerable are considered and heard."

    Kathryn Kolaczek (she/her)
    CEO, Alchemy Communications

    website
  • Heather Shaw, smiling in a professional headshot. She has shoulder-length silver hair, wears brown-framed glasses, and is dressed in a mustard-colored blouse with a black blazer. A small pin adorns her lapel, adding a touch of personality. The clean

    "Parker is consistently creative, thoughtful, passionate and inclusive. Their commitment to the 2SLGBTQ+ community and unwavering belief in the inherent power of grassroots change makes them a fierce and compassionate leader. Parker usually knows someone who knows someone which makes possible broad-based and far-reaching projects possible."

    Heather Shaw (she/her)
    Marketing Director & Digital Media Strategist

    linkedin
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