DATE
8 November, 2021
CLIENT
Service
PR Support, Media Relations
Category
Science and Technology
Overview
SPRING PR, as the trusted PR partner of the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST), was responsible for the full-scale media relations and coordination for the visit of the US Office of Naval Research Global (ONRG) and the US Army International Technology Center (ITC) to Armenia. Initiated by FAST, this visit aimed to explore potential scientific collaborations and funding opportunities, reinforcing Armenia’s position as a hub for cutting-edge research and technological advancements.
A key component of the visit was the press conference, held on November 8, 2021, at Holiday Inn Yerevan – Republic Square, co-organized by FAST and the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport (RA MoESCS). The event gathered key stakeholders, including Suzanna Shamakhyan, Vice President of Strategic Programming at FAST; Patrick Rose, Chief Scientist at the US Office of Naval Research Global; and Karen Trchunyan, RA Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport. Discussions focused on the importance of international cooperation in advancing scientific research and the opportunities available for Armenian scientists to access global funding for pioneering, high-impact projects.
Beyond the press conference, the delegation engaged with Armenia’s leading scientific and educational institutions, visiting key research hubs and meeting with scientists, academic leaders, and innovative tech companies. These engagements provided a platform for meaningful discussions on potential partnerships and funding opportunities.
Strategy
To ensure maximum visibility and engagement, SPRING PR took charge of all press conference-related activities, including media accreditation, event management, on-site coordination, and extensive post-event media coverage. Leveraging its expertise in media relations, SPRING PR managed the full cycle of media engagement—from outreach and follow-ups to the development and distribution of key content.
All major media outlets received official invitations through the MoESCS press team and FAST, generating strong initial interest. Despite logistical challenges, including remote work arrangements within media organizations and a crowded event schedule, SPRING PR successfully secured commitments from multiple outlets to cover the event, either through direct participation or post-event reporting.
The team facilitated seamless execution of the press conference, ensuring that media representatives had access to key speakers, relevant materials, and a well-organized environment for effective coverage. Following the event, SPRING PR distributed a comprehensive press release, high-quality event photographs, and a professionally edited video report, enabling media outlets to produce well-informed and visually engaging content.
The media coverage extended beyond the press conference itself, with additional reporting on the delegation’s visits to Armenia’s leading scientific and educational institutions. Some media outlets published content in two languages, further amplifying the reach and impact of the event.
Through its strategic approach to media coordination, content distribution, and event management, SPRING PR successfully maximized the visibility of the ONRG and ITC visit. The results underscored the agency’s ability to generate high-impact media coverage, strengthen FAST’s positioning as a key player in science and innovation, and ensure that Armenia’s research potential was effectively communicated to both local and international audiences.
Outcome
- 36 media publications in total
- 27 articles based on the post-release
- 8 additional reports on delegation visits to scientific and educational institutions
- 50% of publications in leading and target media
- 1 exclusive interview
- Higher-impact coverage from non-attending media
