Like lab tours, exhibits have visual impact. Unlike tours, you can take them "on the road" and choose among a number of interesting locales where you know you will find your targeted audiences.

An exhibit can be:

• Active—a hands-on demonstration or a cholesterol screening
• Dramatic—a museum quality display that could become permanent
• Simple—a poster or two and a table for materials

Museums are a natural spot for exhibits. Other likely, high-traffic locations are: shopping malls, schools, libraries, clinics, government offices, senior citizens centers, and, of course, the lobby of your local hospital.

Exhibit Tips

Arrange your exhibit with the appropriate contact early and allow for maximum exposure for both time and location, adequate space, necessary furniture and equipment, electrical needs, locked storage areas and similar security.

There are many topics suitable for your display. For example, you can design an exhibit to show the effectiveness of various laboratory tests in treating specific diseases such as diabetes or leukemia. The exhibit could feature a photo display of laboratory personnel performing specific tasks, as well as opportunities for hands-on demonstrations. Be sure to include information like the volume of tests, instruments used and education required.

Or set up a blood typing display so visitors can find out their blood type and learn about the procedures used in the laboratory.

How about a bit of history—display old-fashioned analytical equipment and contrast it with the highly automated and reliable equipment of today.

For a school career day, you could create an exhibit that explains the role of technologists, technicians and pathologists—include the education required and employment outlook.

Bring an exciting message to viewers. Video tapes have been used successfully at many exhibits because it opens dramatically—then delivers a clear, easily understood message. Demonstration is a great teaching method. Let your audience peer down the microscope and examine slides or actually cut tissue with a microtome. Vendors may be willing to lend or donate equipment and supplies.

Keep your message alive with a "take-away" piece such as a brochure, fact sheet, puzzle, or labeled pen, pencil, or key chain from your institution. Add an element of luck to your exhibit with a drawing for appropriate prizes. You might get donations of movie tickets or dinners for two from local theaters and restaurants.

Be sure exhibit staffers are well trained, can answer questions on whatever topic you have chosen, and have the patience, enthusiasm, and charisma for dealing with guests.