The Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) is requesting proposals to host the ASTC Annual Conference in the Fall of 2028 and/or 2029.
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. This 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.
Why host? Hosting isn’t just an honor, it’s a golden opportunity! It’s a moment to shine– host organizations use the conference as an opportunity to take center stage, showing off their facility, your team, and the incredible work you do. They strengthen relationships with donors, sponsors, policymakers, and media; bolster local presence, profile, and partnerships; and get some well-deserved buzz and boost your impact. Plus, ASTC will be your partners-in-conference and help shape the convening to fit your unique goals and aspirations.
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 2028 and/or 2029.
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, Mountain West, or Midwest regions of the United States, as well as 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 August 31, 2025.
For more information, including specific requirements and responsibilities, see the complete Request for Proposals. Please contact conference@astc.org with any questions.