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| Association of Science-Technology Centers Conference | |
|---|---|
| Name | Association of Science-Technology Centers Conference |
| Caption | Annual convening of science centers and museums |
| Genre | Professional conference |
| Founded | 1970s |
| Organizer | Association of Science-Technology Centers |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Location | rotating North America and international sites |
Association of Science-Technology Centers Conference is the principal annual meeting hosted by the Association of Science-Technology Centers that gathers professionals from museums, science centers, aquariums, planetariums, and science communication organizations. The conference functions as a forum for exhibition developers, educators, researchers, fundraisers, and directors to exchange best practices, showcase innovations, and build partnerships across institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution, Exploratorium, and Science Museum, London.
The conference traces roots to gatherings that paralleled the emergence of institutions like the Exploratorium, Ontario Science Centre, and New York Hall of Science during the postwar expansion of cultural institutions in the 1960s and 1970s, and it evolved alongside networks that include the American Alliance of Museums, Museum of Science, Boston, and Cité des sciences et de l'industrie. Early iterations intersected with initiatives from the National Science Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and programs influenced by figures associated with the World’s Fair tradition and the legacy of the Great Exhibition. Over decades the conference has reflected shifts seen in institutions like the California Academy of Sciences, Field Museum, and Natural History Museum, London as well as policy discussions connected to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the European Science Events Association.
The conference is organized by the Association of Science-Technology Centers and governed by a board that includes leaders from institutions such as the Franklin Institute, Muzeon Science Center, Boston Children’s Museum, and representatives with ties to funders such as the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Carnegie Corporation of New York. Planning committees collaborate with partners including the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Royal Society, Institute of Museum and Library Services, and regional bodies like the Asia Pacific Network of Science & Technology Centres and European Network of Science Centres and Museums. Governance documents reference standards promoted by organizations such as the International Council of Museums and legal frameworks familiar to entities like the Internal Revenue Service and city authorities of host sites like Chicago, Toronto, and San Francisco.
Typical formats mirror professional gatherings such as the International Congress on Education, incorporating plenaries, breakout sessions, hands-on workshops, and exhibit halls used by institutions including the Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago), California Science Center, and Science Gallery Dublin. Program tracks often reflect priorities highlighted at forums like the World Conference on Science],] the Global Learning Council, and collaborations with research bodies like MIT Media Lab, Johns Hopkins University, and University College London. Sessions cover topics drawn from practice at places like the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, and National Air and Space Museum, and vendors range from exhibition fabricators to digital partners used by Google, Microsoft, and Siemens. The conference frequently hosts poster sessions, pitch events, and networking receptions modeled on events such as the SXSW Interactive festival and the TED Conference.
Keynotes have featured leaders and thinkers associated with institutions and movements including the Exploratorium, TED Prize, Royal Society of Arts, and universities like Harvard University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Yale University, and Oxford University. Speakers have included museum directors from the Natural History Museum, London and the British Museum, technologists connected to Nobel Prize laureates, and communicators who have appeared on platforms like NOVA, BBC Horizon, and PBS NOVA ScienceNow. Notable presentations have showcased projects in partnership with agencies such as the European Commission, NASA, European Space Agency, and scientific collaborations with research centers like CERN.
The conference influences regional networks including the Pacific Science Association, Caribbean Science Foundation, and the African Science Museums Network, and it shapes collaboration between bodies such as the United Nations, World Bank, and regional development banks. Host cities like Los Angeles, Vancouver, Amsterdam, and Melbourne have used the event to catalyze museum revitalizations seen in projects like the Rebuild of the Science Museum (London) and capital campaigns similar to those at the American Museum of Natural History. International partnerships have linked to initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals forums and UNESCO science policy dialogues, facilitating exchange among institutions including the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.
Attendees and members represent institutions such as the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Copernicus Science Centre, Guangzhou Science Center, and Museo Interactivo Barranquilla, as well as corporate partners like IBM, Intel, and HP. Membership categories mirror those of organizations like the American Alliance of Museums and include directors, educators, exhibition developers, evaluators, and corporate supporters from regions represented by networks including the Asia Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO and the European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation.
The conference presents awards and honors modeled on recognitions from entities such as the Ludwik Fleck Prize, Museum of the Year (ArtFund), and accolades parallel to the MacArthur Fellowship in visibility—recognizing excellence in exhibition design, science communication, and community engagement. Past honorees have included teams from the Exploratorium, Science Museum Group, Ontario Science Centre, and innovative projects co-developed with research partners like Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Category:Science conferences