Caterpillar Brings Expertise in STEM and Skilled Trades to Festival 2014 as a Major Sponsor!

USA Science and engineering festival sponsor CATUnder the theme of "Start Your Journey," Caterpillar, as a major Festival sponsor and leader in STEM and skilled trades, is set to wow audiences at the Expo this month with a dynamic array of interactive exhibits and presentations designed to demonstrate the breadth of opportunities that exist at Caterpillar and Cat Dealerships around the country in STEM-related frontiers and career paths.

Says Gwenne Henricks, Caterpillar's Vice President of Product Development & Global Technology & Chief Technology Officer: "We want attendees to leave with the impression that Caterpillar is an enthusiastic supporter of STEM education and to know the actions we're taking to build a sustainable pipeline of STEM talent around the world."

Now more than ever, she says, Caterpillar and Cat Dealer employees must possess the right balance of academic knowledge, technical ability and critical thinking skills to keep up with the rapid changes in processes and technologies used to develop, manufacture and support their products around the world. "For that reason," Gwenne adds, "we need to encourage development of STEM and vocational skills as well as cultivate an environment where innovation is rewarded and can flourish. The Festival, combined with our long-standing partnership of Mike Rowe's initiatives in skilled trades, is the perfect outlet to communicate this mission."

Don't miss these and other exciting hands-on exhibits and presentations featuring Caterpillar:

-- Robotics Race Challenge: This is the main event in the Caterpillar booth. See first-hand the amazing accomplishments of STEM students with their built-from-scratch robot that can move with a remote control and even shoot baskets! Then test it for yourself, and with a handheld remote control, race the robot around the track and compete for the fastest time. All participants are eligible to win an iPad mini or iPad Air given away daily.

--Arm Wrestling Challenge: How tough are you? Test your strength in this exciting event, where it's man versus machine!

--Start Your Journey: Come talk to one of our Caterpillar and Cat® dealer experts about the endless opportunities available with a career as a Cat dealer technician. Caterpillar is committed to the success of STEM skills and employs over 10,000 STEM jobs worldwide. Learn how you can join this rewarding field and make an honorable living. While you're there, spin the prize wheel and get a prize just for stopping by.

--Center Stage Performance: Caterpillar is bringing magician Benjamin Corey to the center stage of the Mike Rowe Pavilion. Be there to see Benjamin perform his spellbinding gravity defying acts and so much more. This phenomenal show starts at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 26.

--Photo Opp: Capture exciting memories of your Expo visit with the Caterpillar photo wall. Get your picture taken by our professional photographer in front of a Hollywood-style backdrop and Caterpillar machine.

The Festival wishes to thank Caterpillar and our other valued Sponsors and Partners for helping to inspire the innovators of tomorrow.

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