September 16–19, 2026
Phoenix, Arizona
Sustainability
ASTC is committed to making the ASTC Annual Conference as sustainable as possible. We recognize that hosting a large event that draws attendees from around the world has numerous global and local effects. We also recognize the irreplaceable value to our field of convening annually to exchange insights, build relationships, and generate new ideas.
With these factors in mind, here are some of the steps we are taking to maximize the positive impact of the conference on planetary health:
To maximize the value of attending the conference in person, ASTC has prioritized the selection and curation of sessions and experiences that take full advantage of the ability to come together physically.
This includes selecting learning sessions that promise interactivity, exchange, and co-creation that benefit from being in the same space. Our Conference Program Planning Committee carefully evaluates hundreds of proposals to ensure that content is aligned with the in-person format.
It also includes thoughtful planning for the networking, informal, and social events that maximize the ability of our community to come together and connect, which is an important goal of the conference. In fact, attendees cite the in-person networking and connectivity opportunities as the top reason for attending the conference.
These are just some of the steps that ASTC is taking to minimize the environmental footprint of the conference:
- Many conference events will be held in a small geographic area and participants are able to walk or take public transportation between events. In general, conference buses will only be available when traveling to more distant locations for offsite expeditions and A Night Out in Mesa.
- Minimizing the use of paper, including encouraging use of the conference app instead of a full printed conference program.
- Any printed materials will make use of recycled and sustainable materials where possible. This includes the use of recycled materials for badges, badge holders, and lanyards wherever possible. We will also provide opportunities to deposit these materials on site for reuse or recycling at the conclusion of the conference.
- Vendors will be asked to reuse and recycle materials, as well as upcycle and donate useful materials to schools and other nonprofits at the end of the conference.
- Minimizing the use of carpets in the Exhibit Hall.
- Avoiding single-use disposable items to the extent possible (e.g., provide water stations to refill your water bottle rather than single-use bottles).
- Partnering with the Conference Program Planning Committee to identify available opportunities for sustainable practices at the conference.
In addition to direct impact, the conference is an opportunity to learn and share about planetary health practices that attendees can take home to their organizations. Some of the ways you can maximize this effort include:
Participating in the Planetary Health Showcase, which will highlight the ways that science centers, museums, and other public engagement organizations are supporting action for a healthy planet.
Attending sessions with a focus on planetary health and sustainability—we know that talking about planetary health issues and action encourages others to do the same.
Connecting with participants and members of ASTC’s Seeding Action initiative and learning how to get involved yourself.