The Association of Science and Technology Centers 2024 Annual Conference is a major event for leaders of science and technology centers and museums as well as allied organizations across North America and around the world.
Dates: September 28* – October 1, 2024
Format: In person
Location: Chicago, IL
*Pre-conference intensives and experiences begin on Friday, September 27.
Registration is now open. Early bird rates available through August 12. See the link for details on ticketing, from single-day access to student pricing, to group options.
ASTC 2024 Annual Conference
The main conference activities, including registration, plenary and concurrent sessions, and the Exhibit Hall, will be held at McCormick Place, Chicago’s convention center. Check out the ASTC schedule overview for up-to-date information and programming.
Program Highlights
Evaluating with Purpose: Using Data for Audience-Driven Decision-Making
Whether you’ve tried your hand at evaluation or are brand new to the field, this intensive will offer actionable insights and skills to grow your evaluation practice. Bring your own questions about your audiences or visitor data for a dynamic work session with lessons that can directly guide your work.
Exploring and Planning for Digital Immersive Exhibits at Your Museum
Museums are creating digital immersive exhibitions, with some museums working to understand how these experiences can fulfill their missions. In this workshop, learn about different museums’ digital immersive exhibitions, and engage in discussions about the specifications and visitor interactions you might employ to make your spaces compelling, interactive, and flexible.
Mistakes WILL BE Made: Balancing Success, Failure, and Opportunity Cost in Experience Design and Beyond
Although failure can be the perfect learning tool, it’s often NOT an option. The acceleration of change has created interesting dilemmas for nonprofit leaders, impacting business models and creating chaotic circumstances where the “right” decision isn’t always clear. Learn to “fail forward” gracefully and choose the best options for success.
People and Policy: Strategies to Leverage Public Partnerships to Advance Organizational Goals and Museum Priorities
This session explores the symbiotic relationship between museums and public policy, showcasing strategies that advance individual institutional goals and contributes to the broader development of the industry. Through interactive discussions and real-world case studies, we will elucidate the power of engaging elected officials in shaping policies that directly impact museums.
This is just a tiny sample of the many fantastic education sessions taking place over the course of the event. Explore all the options, create your personal schedule, and connect with other attendees at the ASTC conference here.
