ASTC 2026 Annual Conference

ASTC Association of Science and Technology Centers logo

Date

-
Phoenix, AZ
ASTC

ASTC 2026 Annual Conference

ASTC 2026 conference logo

The ASTC Annual Conference is one of the premier annual events for science-engagement professionals and leaders in science and technology centers and museums as well as allied organizations across North America and around the world.

September 16-19, 2025
Phoenix, AZ
 

Learn more:

https://www.astc.org/astc-2026/

 

 

NISE Network Networking Event

Arizona Wilderness DTPHX outdoor garden for ASTC 2026 networking event
Courtesy of Arizona Wilderness

Please join fellow NISE Network members as we gather together informally, 
all are welcome! No need to RSVP

  • Wednesday, September 16, 2026
    5pm - 7pm  Arizona time
    Arizona Wilderness DTPHX Beer Garden
    201 E Roosevelt St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
    https://azwbeer.com/locations

    Food and drinks available for purchase
    We plan to be outside under the shade structure
    15 minute walk from the Phoenix Convention Center

     

  • Please note this location is across from the street from another evening event (so you can easily go to both events)
    "Two Scientists Walk Into A Bar Showcase
    Wednesday, September 16, 2026
    6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Arizona time
    Pedal Haus Brewing
    214 E Roosevelt St Suite 4, Phoenix, AZ 85004
    https://www.pedalhausbrewery.com/phoenix-location
     
Association of Children's Museums 2026 conference NISE Network booth

NISE Network Booth in Exhibit Hall

  • Thursday, September 17,  2026  10:00 am–5:00 pm
  • Friday, September 18, 2026  9:30 am–4:30 pm

  • Booth #714
     

     

Sessions and Posters

Related to NISE Network projects

  • Futures Thinking: How to Empower Audiences to Use Voices and Values to Shape Our World
    Thursday September 17, 2026, 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
    Location: North 224 AB
    • Christina M. Leavell, Project Manager, ASU; Community Manager, NISE Network
      Arizona State University, National Informal STEM Education Network, United States
    • Darrell Porcello, Director of National STEM Networks, Children’s Creativity Museum, United States
    • Peregrine Bratschi, Associate Program Manager: Humanity & Life Sciences
      Museum of Life and Science, United States
    • Nicholas Weller, Research Assistant Professor, Center for Innovation in Informal STEM Learning, United States
    • Rae Ostman, Research Professor, Arizona State University, United States
    • This session will provide an introduction to futures thinking, examples of integrating concepts, and the opportunity to get hands-on with STEM activities that integrate this approach. Strategies will empower participants to engage the public around emerging technologies, enabling everyone to use their voice and values to shape the future.
       
  • It Takes a Village: Science Center and Museum Roles in STEM Learning Ecosystems
    Thursday September 17, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    Location: North 232 AB
    • Christina M. Leavell, Project Manager, ASU; Community Manager, NISE Network, Arizona State University, National Informal STEM Education Network, United States
    • KT Todd, Director of Learning and Research, Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, United States
    • Beth Demke, Chief Executive Officer, North Dakota’s Gateway to Science, United States
    • Angela Damery, Director of Education, Sciencenter, United States
    • STEM learning ecosystems exemplify the village it takes to promote a lifetime of multidisciplinary learning. This session will explore the role of science centers and museums in STEM learning ecosystems, and is for anyone who wants resources and strategies to create stronger community-wide partnerships that foster authentic STEM learning.
       
  • Create Your Own Earth and Space Interactive Exhibits Using NASA Content
    Friday September 18, 2026, 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
    Poster in Exhibit Hall
    • Catherine McCarthy, PhD, National Informal STEM Education Network (NISE Network) Director, Arizona State University, United States
    • Timothy Rhue, II, Principal Informal Education Specialist, Space Telescope Science Institute, United States
    • Catherine McCarthy, PhD
    • Learn about free DIY exhibit resources you can use to create your own Earth and space science exhibits including print-your-own interpretive panels and graphics, digital interactives, immersive storytelling, and real-time data dashboards and scientific visualizations.
       
  • Rapids, Rocks and Revelations: retrospective journey mapping as a tool for informal STEM learning contexts
    Friday, September 18, 2026, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Location: North 222 AB
    • Cecilia Garibay, President, Garibay Group, United States
    • Rabiah Mayas, Principal, RMM Consulting, United States
    • Rae Ostman, Research Professor, Arizona State University, United States
    • This interactive session highlights the River of Life, a creative, adaptable reflective tool used across education, leadership, community partnerships, and evaluation. Presenters share diverse applications, then guide participants in experiencing the activity themselves, supporting reflection, dialogue, and future-oriented planning for individuals, organizations, and communities.
       

 

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