The Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) is requesting proposals to host the ASTC Annual Conference in the Fall of 2026 and/or 2027.
The ASTC Annual Conference is one of the premier professional development events for science and technology centers and museums, as well as the broader science engagement field. With more than 1,500 attendees, the ASTC Annual Conference brings the full diversity of our membership together with other professionals working in science communication, science engagement, informal STEM learning, and the broader intersection between science and technology and society. The world’s largest conference for science engagement professionals, the 2023 conference attracted participants from 33 countries on six continents.
Proposals may be submitted by any ASTC Science Center and Museum Member(s) in good standing, including science centers, technology museums, natural history museums, children’s museums, aquariums, planetariums, zoos, nature centers, and botanical gardens in the United States, Canada, or Mexico. Proposals are generally jointly submitted by the host institution(s) and the local convention and visitors bureau, which coordinates conference and hotel facilities.
We welcome proposals from a single host institution, a primary host institution with collaborators, or a host consortium where multiple institutions share responsibility. Proposals may be submitted for consideration for either or both 2026 and/or 2027.
Because ASTC endeavors to have the conference location move around North America to highlight different regions and members—and to maximize convenience for geographically distributed participants—we hope to receive a diverse geographic range of proposals. Hosts located in the Southern United States, Northeastern United States, Canada, and Mexico are especially encouraged to submit!
A completed proposal will include a questionnaire completed by the convention and visitors bureau, a questionnaire completed by the host institution(s), and letters of intent from host institution(s). All items should be submitted by June 24, 2024.
For more information, including specific requirements and responsibilities, see the complete Request for Proposals. Please contact conference@astc.org with any questions.