Melissa Nardiello, director of talent and culture with Rebellion Group, and Jacqueline Laramee, with NDC Commercial Construction, preview the event.
Exploring Sacred Heart University’s Discovery Science Center spotlighted a central challenge facing regional tourism and education: making hands-on STEM learning and top-tier family attractions accessible while driving local foot traffic.
Hosted by CT’s leading brand marketing agency, Rebellion Group, and featured on NBC CT’s CT Live, the segment explored how cross-sector collaborations and digital tourism initiatives can connect local families with world-class educational experiences across Connecticut.
The conversation highlighted how cultural and educational institutions must innovate through immersive, interactive experiences—from Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)-aligned exhibits to high-tech planetariums—to engage young learners in an evolving, technology-driven world.
During the broadcast, Erika Eng (Executive Director at S.H.U. Discovery Science Center and Planetarium) and Tim O’Shea (Content Creator at Rebellion Group) discussed the impact of the CT Season Pass on regional tourism. The discussion explored how a centralized digital pass connects travelers and residents with discounts across top Connecticut destinations while empowering local institutions to expand their reach and community engagement.
“When you put your hands on it, when you’re in control of the outcome, that’s the sticky stuff—that’s what kids are learning. It’s a totally different way of learning now,” said Eng.
“The CT Season Pass is a program designed by Rebellion Group to put all of Connecticut’s best tourism and travel destinations in one local hub and offer discounts, vouchers, and coupons to anyone who signs up,” added O’Shea.
If you want to learn more about the CT Season Pass and regional tourism initiatives, head to ctseasonpass.com.