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Tue, Sep 15
Wed, Sep 16
Thu, Sep 17
Fri, Sep 18
Sat, Sep 19
Full Schedule
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Tuesday, September 15, 2026
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
MST
Registration
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
MST
Registration
Location: North 300 Level Lobby
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
MST
Registration
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
MST
Registration
Location: North 300 Level Lobby
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
MST
From Spark to Prototype: An Immersive MuseumLab for Museum Professionals (MLMP) Workshop
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
MST
From Spark to Prototype: An Immersive MuseumLab for Museum Professionals (MLMP) Workshop
Location: North 232 AB
Rachel Mastromarino
– Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
Amanda Fisher
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Debbie Coppula
– Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
Facility and Exhibit Design
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
MST
Community Relevance as a Business Strategy
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
MST
Community Relevance as a Business Strategy
Location: Children's Museum Tucson, Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, and Tohono Chul Park
Kellee Campbell
– Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium
Hilary Van Alsburg
– Children's Museum Tucson
Jamie Maslyn Larson
– Tohono Chul
Community and Partnerships
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
MST
A Tour of Lowell Observatory
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
MST
A Tour of Lowell Observatory
Location: Lowell Observatory
Todd Gonzales
– Lowell Observatory
Education and Events
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
MST
Dialogue and Deliberation in Action: AI and Planetary Health
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
MST
Dialogue and Deliberation in Action: AI and Planetary Health
Location: North 231 AB
Eve Klein
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Naomi K. Wallace, PhD
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Rose Hendricks, PhD
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Amanda Borth
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Education and Events
Planetary Health
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
MST
From Ideas to Impact: Co-Creating STEM Camp Curriculum and Resources
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
MST
From Ideas to Impact: Co-Creating STEM Camp Curriculum and Resources
Location: North 226 AB
Emily Lemonds, M.Ed.
– Saint Louis Science Center
Davis Tate
– Museum of Life and Science
Nick Joseph
– Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Education and Events
Data and Insights
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
MST
Integrating the Four 'C's in Natural History Institutions: Collections, Culture, Community, and Collaboration
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
MST
Integrating the Four 'C's in Natural History Institutions: Collections, Culture, Community, and Collaboration
Location: Arizona Museum of Natural History
Simon Tipene Adlam
– Arizona Museum of Natural History
Alison J. Stoltman, BS MS
– Arizona Museum of Natural History
Laura Benedict
– Arizona Museum of Natural History
Dani Vernon
– Arizona Museum of Natural History
Community and Partnerships
Natural History Network
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
MST
Play It Forward: A Network-Powered Dive into Learning Through Play
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
MST
Play It Forward: A Network-Powered Dive into Learning Through Play
Location: North 225 AB
Megan Ramer
– Connecticut Science Center
Laura Kramer
– Science Museum of Virginia
Carly Sahr
– Michigan Science Center
Nicole Rivera
– Orlando Science Center
Carla Katz
– Discovery Place
Organizational Culture and Workforce
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
MST
From Projection to Panels: Operational Realities and Creative Futures in LED Dome Theaters
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
MST
From Projection to Panels: Operational Realities and Creative Futures in LED Dome Theaters
Location: Arizona Science Center
Alec J. Warren
– Arizona Science Center
Alyson Smith
– Arizona Science Center
Nikki Diller
– Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Martin Fuchs
Trends and Innovation
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
MST
Behind the Science: Research-Science Center Partnership Tour of TGen's Genomics Laboratory and Research Facilities
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
MST
Behind the Science: Research-Science Center Partnership Tour of TGen's Genomics Laboratory and Research Facilities
Location: TGen Genomics Laboratory and Research Institute
Sari Custer
– Arizona Science Center
Beth Nickel
– Arizona Science Center
Alyson Smith
– Arizona Science Center
Kristen Kaus
– Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen)
Community and Partnerships
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
IF/THEN® Champions Network: Advancing Gender Equity in STEM Through Connectivity and Collaboration
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
IF/THEN® Champions Network: Advancing Gender Equity in STEM Through Connectivity and Collaboration
Location: North 221 AB
Shannon Sullivan (she/her/hers)
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Kata Lucas
– National Girls Collaborative Project
Brenda Britsch
– National Girls Collaborative Project
Audience and Inclusion
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
MST
Neurodiversity and Universal Design for Learning: Practical Strategies for Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Museum Experiences
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
MST
Neurodiversity and Universal Design for Learning: Practical Strategies for Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Museum Experiences
Location: North 227 AB
Susan Letourneau, PhD
– New York Hall of Science
Amelia Merker
– New York Hall of Science
Tara Henderson
– Explora
Danielle Linzer
– Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
Sam Tumolo
– EDC
Audience and Inclusion
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
MST
Useful and Feasible: A Realistic Approach to Evaluation Planning
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
MST
Useful and Feasible: A Realistic Approach to Evaluation Planning
Location: North 222 AB
Jessica Sickler, M.S.Ed.
– J. Sickler Consulting
Trends and Innovation
Data and Insights
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
MST
Navigation and Networking Gathering
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
MST
Navigation and Networking Gathering
Location: West 301 Prefunction
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
MST
Two Scientists Walk Into A Bar Showcase
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
MST
Two Scientists Walk Into A Bar Showcase
Andrea Decker
– Fleet Science Center
Thursday, September 17, 2026
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
MST
Registration
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
MST
Registration
Location: North 300 Level Lobby
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MST
Forward Together: Advancing Professional Learning for Informal Science Educators
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MST
Forward Together: Advancing Professional Learning for Informal Science Educators
Location: North 222 AB
Megan Ennes, PhD
– Florida Museum of Natural History
Alix Cotumaccio
– Wildlife Conservation Society
Jedda Foreman
– The Lawrence Hall of Science
Analisa Duran
– Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Daniel Zeiger
– American Museum of Natural History
Organizational Culture and Workforce
Data and Insights
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MST
Futures Thinking: How to Empower Audiences to Use Voices and Values to Shape Our World
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MST
Futures Thinking: How to Empower Audiences to Use Voices and Values to Shape Our World
Location: North 224 A
Christina M. Leavell
– Arizona State University, National Informal STEM Education Network
Darrell Porcello
– Children’s Creativity Museum
Peregrine Bratschi
– Museum of Life and Science
Nicholas Weller
– Center for Innovation in Informal STEM Learning
Rae Ostman
– Arizona State University
Education and Events
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MST
Getting Your Stuff Together: Materials Management in Science Centers
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MST
Getting Your Stuff Together: Materials Management in Science Centers
Location: Arizona Science Center
Katie Thomas
– The Lawrence Hall of Science
Erin Dal Ferro
– The Lawrence Hall of Science
Katherine Ziff
– New York Hall of Science
Jake Montano
– Exploratorium
Benjamin Smith
– Great Lakes Science Center
Suzanna Nozik
– Great Lakes Science Center
Janet Petitpas
– Exploratorium
Business Models, Operations, and Development
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MST
Lightning Session: Marketing, Fundraising, and Events
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MST
Lightning Session: Marketing, Fundraising, and Events
Location: North 231 AB
Joseph Quiñones
– Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Anna Deater-Deckard
– Virginia Discovery Museum
Kate A. Higbee
– Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Darin Villanueva
– The Tech Interactive
Katrina Stevens
– The Tech Interactive
Namyoung HEO
– Busan National Science Museum
suhyeon cho, N/A, Curator
– Busan National Science Museum
Jake Shin
– Triplet
Jinsun PARK
– Pusan National University
Lara Litchfield-Kimber
– Montshire Museum of Science
Business Models, Operations, and Development
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MST
Mapping Play: Building Playful Connections in Our Communities
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MST
Mapping Play: Building Playful Connections in Our Communities
Location: North 225 AB
Peter Wardrip, PhD
– University of Wisconsin-Madison
Tarah Connolly
– University of Wisconsin-Madison
Beth Vanderloop
– Building for Kids Children's Museum
Heather Davis
– Madison Children's Museum
Katey Kamoku
– Explore Children's Museum
Community and Partnerships
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MST
Museums and Civic Science: Building Community Partnerships for Environmental Action and Social Change
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MST
Museums and Civic Science: Building Community Partnerships for Environmental Action and Social Change
Location: North 228 AB
Jessica M. Vaden
– The Franklin Institute
Kal Mannis
– Arizona Science Center
Michaela Labriole
– New York Hall of Science
Nicholas Hartmann
– New York Hall of Science
Ashton Merck
– Museum of Life and Science
Community and Partnerships
Planetary Health
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MST
Nourish to Flourish: Opportunities for Science Centers and Museums to Connect Human and Planetary Health Through Food Systems
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MST
Nourish to Flourish: Opportunities for Science Centers and Museums to Connect Human and Planetary Health Through Food Systems
Location: North 226 AB
Rose Hendricks, PhD
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Chris Wharton
– Arizona State University
Corrie Whisner
– Arizona State University
Education and Events
Planetary Health
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MST
Using Data to Investigate Visitor Identities and Experiences
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MST
Using Data to Investigate Visitor Identities and Experiences
Location: North 227 AB
Ryan Auster
– Museum of Science, Boston
Cecilia Garibay
– Garibay Group
Allison Anderson
– Museum of Science, Boston
Mallory Pennington
– Museum of Science, Boston
Katrina Bledsoe
– Strategic Learning Partners for Innovation (SLP4i)
Audience and Inclusion
Data and Insights
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MST
Well, That’s Not What We Thought Would Happen…
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MST
Well, That’s Not What We Thought Would Happen…
Location: North 232 AB
Elizabeth Fleming
– Roto
Dana Schloss
– New York Hall of Science
Heather M. Norton
– The Discovery
Chip Lindsey, M.Ed
– Scott Family Amazeum
Facility and Exhibit Design
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MST
Words Matter: Language as Infrastructure for Trust
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MST
Words Matter: Language as Infrastructure for Trust
Location: North 221 AB
Alison J. Stoltman, BS MS
– Arizona Museum of Natural History
Shane Anton
– Salt River Pina-Maricopa Indian Community
Kimberly Minard
– Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Dani Vernon
– Arizona Museum of Natural History
Sarah Goedicke
– Mesa Arts Center
Audience and Inclusion
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
MST
Plenary Session: Opening Keynote
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
MST
Plenary Session: Opening Keynote
Location: West 301
Data and Insights
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
MST
Exhibit Hall
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
MST
Exhibit Hall
Location: North Hall C-E
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
Professional Learning for Informal Science Educators
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
Professional Learning for Informal Science Educators
Location: North Breakout Overlook B
Megan Ennes, PhD
– Florida Museum of Natural History
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
Human Resources Meet-up
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
Human Resources Meetup
Location: Exhibit Hall - Gathering
Lauren Howard
– Science Museum Oklahoma
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
MST
Planetary Health Showcase
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
MST
Planetary Health Showcase
Location: North Hall C-E
Theresa A. Donofrio, PhD
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Planetary Health
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
MST
Lunch
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
MST
Lunch
Location: Exhibit Hall
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MST
Burnout: Managing the Fuel and Fire
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MST
Burnout: Managing the Fuel and Fire
Location: North 226 AB
Caitlin Ervin
– spectrUM Discovery Area
Nicholos J. Wethington
– spectrUM Discovery Area
Organizational Culture and Workforce
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MST
Designing for Change: Presenting Living Innovation in Science and Technology Museums
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MST
Designing for Change: Presenting Living Innovation in Science and Technology Museums
Location: North 231 AB
Josh Goldblum
– Bluecadet
Ann Neumann
– MIT Museum
Cynthia Brown
– MuseumEXP
Tom Rockwell
– Science and Spirit Studio | Exploratorium
Facility and Exhibit Design
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MST
Exploring a Collaborative Initiative on Digitized Collections for Learning
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MST
Exploring a Collaborative Initiative on Digitized Collections for Learning
Location: North 226 C
Madlyn R. Larson
– Natural History Museum of Utah
Natural History Network
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MST
Gen Alpha Great Expectations
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MST
Gen Alpha Great Expectations
Location: North 224 A
Matthew Dawson
– Studiodawson
Julie Moskalyk
– Supply and Demand Studios
Brian Dredla
– Musical Instrument Museum
Matthew Dawson
– Studiodawson
Audience and Inclusion
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MST
Getting Local: Turning Climate Anxiety into Climate Action Through Place-Based Approaches
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MST
Getting Local: Turning Climate Anxiety into Climate Action Through Place-Based Approaches
Location: North 221 AB
Gennadyi Gurman
– Brooklyn Children's Museum
Kate Mirand Calleri
– Brooklyn Bridge Park
Kelsey Holtaway
– Children's Creativity Museum
Carla Katz
– Discovery Place
Education and Events
Planetary Health
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MST
Leading from Within: Capacity Building Leadership Development Programs for Managers & Emerging Professionals
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MST
Leading from Within: Capacity Building Leadership Development Programs for Managers & Emerging Professionals
Location: North 227 AB
Veronica Garcia-Luis, MA
– Exploratorium
Williams Reyes
– Exploratorium
Sheldon A. Hamilton
– Explora
Chelsie Webster
– Greentrike
Organizational Culture and Workforce
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MST
Lightning Session: Advanced Technology
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MST
Lightning Session: Advanced Technology
Location: North 225 AB
Sarah Chisnell
– Science North
kotaro Nakao
– National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), JST
Hoda Ehsan
– Da Vinci Science Center
Andrew Beilhart
– Da Vinci Science Center
Drexell Owusu
– Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Miranda Kerr
– Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Aparna Agarwal
– Param Science and Experience Centre
R A Udaya Rakshith
– Param Science and Experience Centre
Trends and Innovation
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MST
Membership Momentum: Data-Driven Strategies for Growth, Renewals, and Resilience
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MST
Membership Momentum: Data-Driven Strategies for Growth, Renewals, and Resilience
Location: North 229 AB
April Abate
– Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Ashley Witte
– COSI
Anne McNulty
– Fleet Science Center
Susan Rigby
– Museum of Life and Science
Carla Johns
– Fiske Planetarium and Science Center
Business Models, Operations, and Development
Data and Insights
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MST
Museums and Early Literacy Programs: Empowering Young Readers Through Community-Centered STEM and Early Literacy
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MST
Museums and Early Literacy Programs: Empowering Young Readers Through Community-Centered STEM and Early Literacy
Location: North 232 AB
Jasmine Sempel
– San Diego Air and Space Museum
Sandy Valdivia
– Fleet Science Center
Education and Events
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
MST
Brands, Building, and Broccoli Ice Cream
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
MST
Brands, Building, and Broccoli Ice Cream
Location: North 222 AB
Bob Allen
– IDEAS
Charles Moore
– IDEAS
Esteban Parchuc
– Cox Science Center and Aquarium
Steve Frank
– Pale Bue Dot Ventures
Laura Iles
– Integrated Insight
Trends and Innovation
Data and Insights
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
MST
Build Better Together: Co-Creating with Communities
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
MST
Build Better Together: Co-Creating with Communities
Location: North 225 AB
Elizabeth Andanen
– Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Fidel Ferrer
– Project LEDO
Annie Gordon
– Sciencenter
Eric Meyer
– Fleet Science Center
Antonio L. Becker
– Fleet Science Center
Community and Partnerships
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
MST
Come On Down! The Real Cost of Science Exhibits
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
MST
Come On Down! The Real Cost of Science Exhibits
Location: North 227 AB
Elizabeth Fleming
– Roto
John D. Shaw
– Museum EXP
Amber Stevenson
– Science Museum of Minnesota
Daniel Guyton
– Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Facility and Exhibit Design
Data and Insights
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
MST
Dialogue & Deliberation: Using Structured Conversations to Deepen Science Engagement
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
MST
Dialogue & Deliberation: Using Structured Conversations to Deepen Science Engagement
Location: North 228 AB
Naomi K. Wallace, PhD
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Rose Hendricks, PhD
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Eve Klein
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Erica Kimmerling
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Education and Events
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
MST
Lightning Session: Partnerships and Collaborations
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
MST
Lightning Session: Partnerships and Collaborations
Location: North 221 AB
Timshel Purdum
– Science Museum of Virginia
Crystal Bowyer
– Frost Museum of Science
Brenda Leigh Baker
– Madison Children's Museum
Alyson Smith
– Arizona Science Center
Perla DeBaggis
– SEMI Foundation
Ben Taylor
– American Museum of Natural History
Naina Abowd
– American Museum of Natural History
Rawaan Alkhatib
– Ralph Appelbaum Associates
Anita Krishnamurthi
– Afterschool Alliance
Community and Partnerships
Planetary Health
Data and Insights
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
MST
Making the Case for Nature and Science: Fundraising Strategies for Museums and Science Centers in a Competitive Philanthropic Landscape
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
MST
Making the Case for Nature and Science: Fundraising Strategies for Museums and Science Centers in a Competitive Philanthropic Landscape
Location: North 224 B
Katherine Stenesen
– Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Rachel Cusick, CFRE
– Discovery Place
Business Models, Operations, and Development
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
MST
One Year of the ASTC Natural History Network: Emergent Topics and Future Directions
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
MST
One Year of the ASTC Natural History Network: Emergent Topics and Future Directions
Location: North 232 AB
James R. Bell, Ed.M.
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Jenny Crayne
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Trey Crumpton
– Mayborn Museum, Baylor University
Mollie Kreb-Mertig
– Cable Natural History Museum
Trends and Innovation
Natural History Network
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
MST
What We Learned: Unifying Frontline Teams to Transform the Staff and Visitor Journeys
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
MST
What We Learned: Unifying Frontline Teams to Transform the Staff and Visitor Journeys
Location: North 226 AB
Hannah Weiss
– Exploratorium
Caillean Kapoor
– Science Museum of Minnesota
Emily Thomas
– Exploratorium
Rachel Hyden
– Exploratorium
Leadership and Management
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
MST
Whose Exhibition Is It Anyway? Balancing Market Appeal and Funder Priorities
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
MST
Whose Exhibition Is It Anyway? Balancing Market Appeal and Funder Priorities
Location: North 231 AB
Debbie Donohue
– Imagine Exhibitions
Megan O'Sullivan
– Scitech
Ashley Larose, MSc
– Science North
Susan Neill, MA
– Field Museum of Natural History
Carol Tang
– American Museum of Natural History
Business Models, Operations, and Development
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
MST
Audience Mapping for Inclusive and Cohesive Branding
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
MST
Audience Mapping for Inclusive and Cohesive Branding
Location: North Hall C-E
Anna Deater-Deckard
– Virginia Discovery Museum
Anna Deater-Deckard
– Virginia Discovery Museum
Audience and Inclusion
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
MST
Evaluation for the "Other Duties as Assigned" Crowd
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
MST
Evaluation for the "Other Duties as Assigned" Crowd
Location: North Breakout Overlook A
Caitlin Ervin
– spectrUM Discovery Area
Data and Insights
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Concentric Partnerships: How Science Centers Strengthen Districts, Leaders, and Teachers for Lasting Change
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Concentric Partnerships: How Science Centers Strengthen Districts, Leaders, and Teachers for Lasting Change
Location: North 227 AB
Vanessa Lujan, PhD
– The Lawrence Hall of Science
Sarah Pedemonte
– The Lawrence Hall of Science
Mary Whaley
– California Academy of Sciences
Megan W. Taylor, PhD, NBCT
– Exploratorium
Community and Partnerships
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Exhibits² Debates: Round⁴ - Functional, Forthright, & Fascinating Forensics in Phoenix
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Exhibits² Debates: Round⁴ – Functional, Forthright, & Fascinating Forensics in Phoenix
Location: North Hall C-E
Daniel Guyton
– Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Facility and Exhibit Design
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Hands-On Math: Designing for Mathematical Play
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Hands-On Math: Designing for Mathematical Play
Location: Exhibit Hall Alcove A
Chris Nho
– MathHappens Foundation
Jordan Varat
– MathHappens Foundation
Matt Hertel
– MathHappens Foundation
Education and Events
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
How to Train Your Dragon: The Future of Professional Development for Exhibit Teams
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
How to Train Your Dragon: The Future of Professional Development for Exhibit Teams
Location: North 225 AB
John D. Shaw
– Museum EXP
Anne Fullenkamp, Associate AIA, LEAD AP
– Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
Joe Imholte
– American Swedish Institute
Dana Schloss
– New York Hall of Science
Katherine Ziff
– New York Hall of Science
Facility and Exhibit Design
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
It Takes a Village: Science Center and Museum Roles in STEM Learning Ecosystems
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
It Takes a Village: Science Center and Museum Roles in STEM Learning Ecosystems
Location: North 232 AB
Christina M. Leavell
– Arizona State University, National Informal STEM Education Network
KT Todd
– Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
Beth Demke
– North Dakota’s Gateway to Science
Emily Belle
– Sciencenter
Community and Partnerships
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Mulberry Paper and Mammoths: New Insights from Fossil Prep and Public Engagement
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Mulberry Paper and Mammoths: New Insights from Fossil Prep and Public Engagement
Location: North 231 AB
Trey Crumpton
– Mayborn Museum, Baylor University
dava Butler
– Mayborn Museum, Baylor University
Charlie Walter
– Mayborn Museum, Baylor University
Lindsey T. Yann, Ph.D., PhD
– National Parks Service
Trends and Innovation
Natural History Network
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Playful Learning Pop-Up: Tinker with the LEGO Playful Learning Museum Network
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Playful Learning Pop-Up: Tinker with the LEGO Playful Learning Museum Network
Location: North 224 A
Ryoko Matsumoto
– Exploratorium
Nicolas S. Villagra
– Connecticut Science Center
Claire Johnston
– Boston Children's Museum
Anthony Pinder
– Thinkery
Carla Katz
– Discovery Place
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Professional Pathways in Informal STEM Learning
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Professional Pathways in Informal STEM Learning
Location: North 222 AB
Jenny Crayne
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Amanda Fisher
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Organizational Culture and Workforce
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Science Centers and the Future of Work
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Science Centers and the Future of Work
Location: North 226 AB
Eve Klein
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Melissa Ballard (she/her/hers)
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Trends and Innovation
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Sparking Youth Powered Community and Civic Solutions for Planetary Health Everywhere
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Sparking Youth Powered Community and Civic Solutions for Planetary Health Everywhere
Location: North 228 AB
Adrian O. Bueno
– Quest Science Center
Jen Kretser
– The Wild Center
Madlyn R. Larson
– Natural History Museum of Utah
Lance Cutrer, LEED Green Associate and TRUE Advisor
– Museum of Discovery & Science
Shrish Premkrishna
– Quest Science Center
Thaarak Sriram
– Quest Science Center
Education and Events
Planetary Health
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
We’ve All Been There: Field Trip Nightmares and Practical Solutions
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
We’ve All Been There: Field Trip Nightmares and Practical Solutions
Location: North 221 AB
Analisa Duran
– Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
LaQuita Ford
– Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Sarah Cole, MPS
– Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Ben Taylor
– American Museum of Natural History
Business Models, Operations, and Development
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
MST
ASMD Reception for Museum CEOs - Private
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
MST
ASMD Reception for Museum CEOs - Private
Location: Children's Museum of Phoenix
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
MST
Host Party at Arizona Science Center
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
MST
Host Party at Arizona Science Center
Location: Arizona Science Center
Friday, September 18, 2026
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
MST
Registration
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
MST
Registration
Location: North 300 Level Lobby
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
MST
Exhibit Hall
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
MST
Exhibit Hall
Location: North Hall C-E
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
MST
Forward in Motion: Mindful Yoga in STEM Education
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
MST
Forward in Motion: Mindful Yoga in STEM Education
Location: North Hall C-E
Dayna Thompson, MS Physics, 200 Hour Foundational Yoga Teacher (CYT-200)
– Charles W. Brown Planetarium, Ball State University
Education and Events
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Assessing Planetary Health Action: Insights from Programs That Incorporate iNaturalist
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Assessing Planetary Health Action: Insights from Programs That Incorporate iNaturalist
Location: North 227 AB
Rose Hendricks, PhD
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Theresa A. Donofrio, PhD
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Alison Young
Jessica Sickler, M.S.Ed.
– J. Sickler Consulting
Education and Events
Planetary Health
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Designing for Awe: Why Big Feelings Are the Missing Link in Science Learning
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Designing for Awe: Why Big Feelings Are the Missing Link in Science Learning
Location: North 225 AB
AJ Goehle
– Luci
Jeff Rudolph
– California Science Center
William Harris
– Space Center Houston
Dr. Chevy Humphrey
– Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Michael Horvath
– Museum of Science, Boston
Facility and Exhibit Design
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Empowering Industry Through STEM: The Evolving Role of Science Centres
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Empowering Industry Through STEM: The Evolving Role of Science Centres
Location: North 232 AB
maddie bemrose, MA
– TELUS Spark Science Centre
Zack Anderson
– TELUS Spark Science Centre
Sarah Chisnell
– Science North
Tammy Amstutz
– Calgary Construction Association
Guy Labine
– TELUS Spark Science Centre
Community and Partnerships
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Engaging Students and Teachers with Artificial Intelligence Technologies from the National Laboratories
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Engaging Students and Teachers with Artificial Intelligence Technologies from the National Laboratories
Location: North 222 AB
Amanda Horn
– Brookhaven National Laboratory
Daniel Trieu
– Brookhaven National Laboratory
Joanna Albala
– Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Brandon Pope
– Argonne National Laboratory
Education and Events
Data and Insights
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Finding the Beauty in Math Together: Museums and Community Partnerships
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Finding the Beauty in Math Together: Museums and Community Partnerships
Location: North 226 AB
Hollie Barattolo
– The Franklin Institute
Rachel Castro-Diephouse
– The Franklin Institute
Brenna Follett
– Arizona Science Center
Kim Stewart
– Maine Discovery Museum
Community and Partnerships
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
It's Elementary! How to Build Relationships, Design Programs, and Evaluate Impactful Field Trips
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
It's Elementary! How to Build Relationships, Design Programs, and Evaluate Impactful Field Trips
Location: North 231 AB
Allie Glauch, M.Ed. in Informal Science Education
– Adventure Science Center
Morgan Rehnberg
– Adventure Science Center
Emmie Enochs
– Discovery Center at Murfree Spring
Education and Events
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Leading Forward: Identifying and Activating Your Superpowers to Lead Through Uncertain Times
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Leading Forward: Identifying and Activating Your Superpowers to Lead Through Uncertain Times
Location: North 228 AB
Rena Dorph, Ph.D.
– The Lawrence Hall of Science
Preeti Gupta, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
– American Museum of Natural History
Michele Crowl, Ph.D.
– Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania
Claudia Bustos
– The Lawrence Hall of Science
Leadership and Management
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Lightning Session: Take It Outside: Outdoor Exhibits and Activities
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Lightning Session: Take It Outside: Outdoor Exhibits and Activities
Location: North 224 A
Jennifer Jovanovic
– GROWINGGREAT
Victoria Mitchell
– Exploration Place
Alix Cotumaccio
– Wildlife Conservation Society
doyoen kim, N/A, Curator
– Busan National Science Museum
Education and Events
Planetary Health
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
MuseumLab for Museum Professionals: Unleashing Creativity and Innovation
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
MuseumLab for Museum Professionals: Unleashing Creativity and Innovation
Location: North 221 AB
Rachel Mastromarino
– Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
Jane Werner
– Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
Amanda Fisher
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Daniel Guyton
– Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Strategery: How to Know What You’re Doing When You Don’t Know What You’re Doing
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Strategery: How to Know What You’re Doing When You Don’t Know What You’re Doing
Location: North 229 AB
Christian Greer, Ed.D.
– Michigan Science Center
Erin Graham, MBA. JD
– Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Jason Cryan, Ph.D.
– Natural History Museum of Utah
Nene Spivy, MBA
– Northern Virginia Science Center
Ashley Larose, MSc
– Science North
Leadership and Management
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
MST
Let's Get Nerdy: Adult Programs CoP Meet-up
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
MST
Let's Get Nerdy - Adult Programs CoP Meetup
Location: Exhibit Hall - Connector
Andrea Decker
– Fleet Science Center
11:15 AM - 1:15 PM
MST
Lunch
11:15 AM - 1:15 PM
MST
Lunch
Location: Exhibit Hall
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
MST
MuseumLab for Museum Professionals Showcase
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
MST
MuseumLab for Museum Professionals Showcase
Location: Exhibit Hall
Rachel Mastromarino
– Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
Amanda Fisher
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
MST
Natural History Network Meet-up
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
MST
Natural History Network Meet-up
Location: North 226 C
Natural History Network
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MST
Sales Is an Inside Job: Connecting Mission Delivery to Revenue
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
MST
Sales Is an Inside Job: Connecting Mission Delivery to Revenue
Location: North 222 AB
Troy Rainville
– Imagine Exhibitions
Josh Sarver
– COSI
Paul Goulet
– Little Ray's Exhibitions
Constance Scarlett
– TELUS World of Science Edmonton
Mikko Myllykoski
– Heureka, the Finnish Science Centre
Organizational Culture and Workforce
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
MST
AI for Place-Based Storytelling
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
MST
AI for Place-Based Storytelling
Location: North 226 C
John Bello, EdD in Leadership and Innovation from ASU and MA in Museum Studies
– Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve
Joel Krupa
– Agents of Discovery
Trends and Innovation
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
MST
Beyond the Crate: The Future of Traveling Exhibitions
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
MST
Beyond the Crate: The Future of Traveling Exhibitions
Location: North 226 AB
Anna Clark
Joe Imholte
– American Swedish Institute
Kelly Fernandi
– Minotaur Mazes
Jay Brown
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
MST
Evaluating Complex Outcomes: Playful Strategies for Creating, Capturing, and Communicating Impact
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
MST
Evaluating Complex Outcomes: Playful Strategies for Creating, Capturing, and Communicating Impact
Location: North 224 A
Tarah Connolly
– University of Wisconsin-Madison
Peter Wardrip, PhD
– University of Wisconsin-Madison
Lok-Wah Li
– Boston Children’s Museum
Megan McKelvey
– Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
KT Todd
– Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
Trends and Innovation
Data and Insights
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
MST
How Can We Help? Embracing an Ethos of Emergent Response During Natural Disasters
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
MST
How Can We Help? Embracing an Ethos of Emergent Response During Natural Disasters
Location: North 225 AB
Alex Morrison
– Asheville Museum of Science
Amanda Bryant
– Asheville Museum of Science
Shairoz Mistry
– Children's Museum of Houston
Alex Morrison
– Asheville Museum of Science
Organizational Culture and Workforce
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
MST
IF/THEN® Champions Network: Increasing Representation of Women in STEM Together
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
MST
IF/THEN® Champions Network: Increasing Representation of Women in STEM Together
Location: North 222 AB
Shannon Sullivan (she/her/hers)
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Brenda Britsch
– National Girls Collaborative Project
Kata Lucas
– National Girls Collaborative Project
Audience and Inclusion
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
MST
Lightning Session: Community Engagement
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
MST
Lightning Session: Community Engagement
Location: North 231 AB
Seth Margolis
– The Museum of Flight
D'Nae Hearn
– Detroit Zoological Society
Zahraa Aljebori
– Detroit Zoological Society
Sharon L. Clark
– UCAR Center for Science Education
Emily Snode-Brenneman
– UCAR Center for Science Education
Katie Wolfson
– UCAR Center for Science Education
Elizabeth Mays
– UCAR Center for Science Education
Emma Hagen
– UCAR Center for Science Education
Jedda Foreman
– The Lawrence Hall of Science
Ari Krakowski
– The Lawrence Hall of Science
Vincent A. Medina
– The Lawrence Hall of Science
Community and Partnerships
Natural History Network
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
MST
Portal to the Public Lives! Exploring over a Decade of Science Communication
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
MST
Portal to the Public Lives! Exploring over a Decade of Science Communication
Location: North 227 AB
Dane Crowton
– Natural History Museum of Utah
Andrea Decker
– Fleet Science Center
Marina Philip, Ph.D.
– Explora
Education and Events
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
MST
The Future of Natural History: Reframing and Expanding Exhibits to Think Toward the Future
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
MST
The Future of Natural History: Reframing and Expanding Exhibits to Think Toward the Future
Location: North 221 AB
James R. Bell, Ed.M.
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Debra Everett-Lane
– American Museum of Natural History
Jennifer Stampe
– Bell Museum, University of Minnesota
Facility and Exhibit Design
Natural History Network
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
MST
Using a Framework of Collective Impact to Move the Needle on KPIs
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
MST
Using a Framework of Collective Impact to Move the Needle on KPIs
Location: North 229 AB
Ryan Auster
– Museum of Science, Boston
Julia Lalande
– Ontario Science Centre
Gaby WIlson (they/them/theirs)
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Mikko Myllykoski
– Heureka, the Finnish Science Centre
Leadership and Management
Data and Insights
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
MST
Sustaining BIPOC Professional Network: Connect and Recharge Meet-Up
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
MST
Sustaining BIPOC Professional Network: Connect and Recharge Meet-Up
Location: Exhibit Hall - Gathering
Darius Jordan
– Discovery World
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Planetary Health Showcase
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Planetary Health Showcase
Location: North Hall C-E
Theresa A. Donofrio, PhD
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Planetary Health
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Poster Palooza
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Poster Palooza
Location: North Hall C-E
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
A Career Ladder for Museum Educators
Preeti Gupta, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
– American Museum of Natural History
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
A Connected STEM Pathway: From Curiosity to Career
Daniela Sanchez Cruz
– Fleet Science Center
Sandy Valdivia
– Fleet Science Center
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
The D.N.A Traveling Exhibit: A Research Case Study on Improving the Exhibit Development Process Through Field Testing
doyoen kim, N/A, Curator
– Busan National Science Museum
EUNJU JO
– Busan National Science Museum
suhyeon cho, N/A, Curator
– Busan National Science Museum
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Authoring the Museum: Exhibit Design as an Entrypoint to Institutional Purpose and Positionality
Tarah Connolly
– University of Wisconsin-Madison
Tarah Connolly
– University of Wisconsin-Madison
Facility and Exhibit Design
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Balancing Formality and Fun: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Lesson Plan Design for Science-Based Summer Camps
Kalina M. McNeil
– University of Pittsburgh
Keith Trahan, PhD
– University of Pittsburgh
Shannon Gaussa
– Kamin Science Center
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Bridging the Divide: 30 Years of Blending Culture and Science at Lowell Observatory
Eva Johnson
– Lowell Observatory
Misha Pipe
– Lowell Observatory
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Building Bridges Across Intensive Teen STEM Programs: A National Needs Assessment to Support Cross-Museum Collaboration
Emily L. Weiss
– The Lawrence Hall of Science
Aujanee Young
– The Lawrence Hall of Science
Deborah Wasserman
– COSI
Preeti Gupta, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
– American Museum of Natural History
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Building Engineers Who Will Build a More Accessible World: Research Results from a Makerspace Engineering Program
Jessica Sickler, M.S.Ed.
– J. Sickler Consulting
Stacey Forsyth
– University of Colorado, Boulder
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Building Sustainable Community Networks Through Collaborative Efforts
Eric Meyer
– Fleet Science Center
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Collaborating with Libraries to Support Checkout Telescopes for the Public
Nicholos J. Wethington
– spectrUM Discovery Area
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Create Your Own Earth and Space Interactive Exhibits Using NASA Content
Catherine McCarthy, PhD
– Arizona State University
Timothy Rhue, II
– Space Telescope Science Institute
Catherine McCarthy, PhD
– Arizona State University
Facility and Exhibit Design
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Do You See What I See? A Scoping Review of Video-Based Museum Research
Megan Goeke, n/a
– University of Minnesota
Anika Taylor
– The Bakken Museum
Megan Goeke, n/a
– University of Minnesota
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Educational Applications of Mobile Science Exhibits (Sci-POP): Case Studies from Local and International Contexts
Jaeil Cho
– Gwacheon National Science Museum
Kwanghoon Chung, Ph.D. in Physics
– Gwacheon National Science Museum
Yoonhee Seo
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Energy Transfer: Arts-Based Explorations of Scavengers and Decay Through Ensemble Learning
Kellen Pautzke
– Washington State University
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Engaging Science: A Museum and University Partnership
Brian Pollock
– Cincinnati Museum Center
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Bilingual Outdoor Science: Experiential Learning in Australian Educational Tourism and Future Support Systems for Student Literacy
Cheng-Chung Huang, N/A
– National Science and Technology Museum
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
From DJ Play to Understanding Quantum Computers: Designing an Innovative Exhibition
kotaro Nakao
– National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), JST
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
From Learners to Trainers: A Scalable Best Practice Model for Robotics & AI Education
Nor Hamizah binti Rosnan
– Petrosains, The Discovery Centre
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
From Subteam to Shared Responsibility: A Small Science Center’s Path Forward for Visitor Accessibility
Katie Wolfson
– UCAR Center for Science Education
Sharon L. Clark
– UCAR Center for Science Education
Emily Snode-Brenneman
– UCAR Center for Science Education
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Interpreting the Cosmos: Building Data Literacy Through Astronomy Activities
Alexander Cotnoir, Master of Arts in Teaching, Museum Education
– NASA's Universe of Learning Program (Space Telescope Science Institute)
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Internal and External: What a Combined Data Collection Approach for Museum Education Really Says
Katherine W. Hodge
– Museum of the Rockies
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Journey Mapping to Drive Awesome Experiences and Growth at the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI)
Daniel Loi
– New York Hall of Science
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
K–12 Education and AI: What It Is, How We Train It, and Why Critical Thinking Drives Digital Literacy
Danielle DiFalco, Master of Science in Applied Science Education, Professional Teaching Certificate with endorsements in Math & Science, NGSX Certified
– Cranbrook Institute of Science
Education and Events
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Labels as Levels: Developing and Testing Mobile Games Tied to Explicit Exhibit Elements
Travis W. Windleharth, PhD
– foundry10
Education and Events
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Learning Theory in Museums: Theorizing the Role of Serendipity in Public Engagement and Learning
Karen M. Hammerness, Ph.D.
– American Museum of Natural History
Preeti Gupta, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
– American Museum of Natural History
Aaron Price
– American Meteorological Society
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Lessons for the Next Generation: How Scientists Use AI to Advance Research
Daniel Trieu
– Brookhaven National Laboratory
Amanda Horn
– Brookhaven National Laboratory
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Making Space to Be Weird: Shifting Internal Cultures to Support Staff Agency and Empowerment
Susan Letourneau, PhD
– New York Hall of Science
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Measuring Success: A Modular Approach to Systematic Program Evaluation
V Wegman
– Kamin Science Center
Trends and Innovation
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Mission Materials Science: Turning Research into Hands-On Outreach
Christy Shields
– Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania
Jayatri Das, PhD
– The Franklin Institute
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Moving Forward Through Discomfort: Fear-Facing as Multispecies Sensemaking to Mediate Ecological Learning
Kristin Saba Fisher
– Washington State University
Kellen Pautzke
– Washington State University
Kristin Saba Fisher
– Washington State University
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Moving Forward Together: Partnering with Alaskan Communities on a Traveling Exhibit About Severe Weather
Emily Snode-Brenneman
– UCAR Center for Science Education
Evan Portier
– National Center for Atmospheric Research/UCAR
Becca Hatheway, M.Ed.
– UCAR Center for Science Education University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Museum-Researcher Collaboration: Developing and Evaluating a Pop-Up Exhibit to Educate the Public About Sleep and Brain Health
April Love
– Mayborn Museum, Baylor University
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Public by Design: Reimagining K-12 Education in City-Run Museum's
Dani Vernon
– Arizona Museum of Natural History
Julie Bonsaver-Ewbank
– Arizona Museum of Natural History
Education and Events
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Sense-of-Place, Environmental Behaviors, and Natural History Museums
Megan Ennes, PhD
– Florida Museum of Natural History
Vaughn Shirey, Ph.D.
– McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
STEAM UP Your Summer Camp
Callie E. Northern
– The Living Arts & Science Center
Education and Events
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Traveling STEAM Crates
Matthew Hilts
– Great Explorations Children's Museum
Jay Shull
– Great Explorations Children's Museum
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Trust → Relevancy → Co-Creation: A Feedback Loop for Community Impact
Antonio L. Becker
– Fleet Science Center
Mariela Mendoza
– Fleet Science Center
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
What Counts: A Limited-Series Podcast That Changed How Math Teachers Built Relationships
Danielle LeCourt
– De LeCourt
Education and Events
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Opening the Museum Field: Connecting Visitors with Advanced Technologies
Risa Wakabayashi
– Miraikan – The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
Community and Partnerships
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Community Lead Research Team
Colleen Sutherland
– The Lawrence Hall of Science
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
MST
Finding the Unicorn: Partnerships Powering Revenue, Program Growth, and Mission Impact
Andrea Decker
– Fleet Science Center
Julie Medina
– Fleet Science Center
Bryan Bishe
– Materials Research Science & Engineering Center at UC San Diego
Michelle Kortenaar
– Sciencenter
Emily L. Weiss
– The Lawrence Hall of Science
Community and Partnerships
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
MST
AI CoP Meet-up
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
MST
AI CoP Meetup
Location: Exhibit Hall - Networking
Eve Klein
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
MST
Early Childhood Share-a-thon
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
MST
Early Childhood Share-a-thon
Location: North Breakout Overlook A
Jennifer Jovanovic
– GROWINGGREAT
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Belonging by Design
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Belonging by Design
Location: Exhibit Hall Alcove A
Rosalie C. Wade, B.S.
– Frontiers of Flight Museum
Edgar Pizarro, M.S.
– Frontiers of Flight Museum
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Building Community, Not Just Contributions
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Building Community, Not Just Contributions
Location: North 221 AB
Estrella Gonzales
– Arizona Science Center
Brittany Roth Lange
– Arizona Science Center
Ronen Mir
– Schwartz/Reisman Science Education Centers and Foundation
Dominic R. Matras
– Great Lakes Science Center
Malik Woolfork
– Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Business Models, Operations, and Development
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
From Demo to Design: Chemistry Safety for Informal Educators
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
From Demo to Design: Chemistry Safety for Informal Educators
Location: North 227 AB
Rachel Creager
– American Chemical Society
Victoria Russell
– NSF Center for Synthetic Organic Electrochemistry
Alexe Mastanduno
– Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Education and Events
Data and Insights
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Lightning Session: Workplace Culture and Staff Development
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Lightning Session: Workplace Culture and Staff Development
Location: North 228 AB
Kim Stewart
– Maine Discovery Museum
Morgan Rehnberg
– Adventure Science Center
Melissa D. Pampel
– Children's Science Center Lab
fefe yamaguchi (they/them/theirs)
– American Museum of Natural History
Cassy Mulero
– American Museum of Natural History
Lauren White
– Sci-Tech Discovery Center
Organizational Culture and Workforce
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Making Science Scrollable: Strategic Social Media for Modern Museums
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Making Science Scrollable: Strategic Social Media for Modern Museums
Location: North 232 AB
Sam Betz
– COSI
Brenden Kent
– COSI
Joe Wood
– COSI
Trends and Innovation
Data and Insights
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Play, Partner, Progress: Building Sustainable Community Partnerships
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Play, Partner, Progress: Building Sustainable Community Partnerships
Location: North 225 AB
Nicole Rivera
– Orlando Science Center
Ashley Brooks
– Arizona Science Center
Carly Sahr
– Michigan Science Center
Jenny Flowers
– DuPage Children's Museum
Community and Partnerships
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Rapids, Rocks and Revelations: Retrospective Journey Mapping as a Tool for Informal STEM Learning Contexts
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Rapids, Rocks and Revelations: Retrospective Journey Mapping as a Tool for Informal STEM Learning Contexts
Location: North 222 AB
Cecilia Garibay
– Garibay Group
Rabiah Mayas
– RMM Consulting
Rae Ostman
– Arizona State University
Organizational Culture and Workforce
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Reading the Room: What the Public Thinks About Science Right Now
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Reading the Room: What the Public Thinks About Science Right Now
Location: North 224 A
Eve Klein
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Erica Kimmerling
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Trends and Innovation
Data and Insights
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Sustainability Goals into Action: Inspiration from Natural History and Science Museums
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Sustainability Goals into Action: Inspiration from Natural History and Science Museums
Location: North 231 AB
Douglas Flandro, LEED AP ID+C, BD+C, CPHC
– CambridgeSeven
Lance Cutrer, LEED Green Associate and TRUE Advisor
– Museum of Discovery & Science
Axel Estable
– Natural History Museum of Utah
Michael Horvath
– Museum of Science, Boston
Jen Kretser
– The Wild Center
Facility and Exhibit Design
Planetary Health
Natural History Network
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Test Early, Learn Always: Tools for Evaluating Exhibit Ideas to Move Them Forward
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Test Early, Learn Always: Tools for Evaluating Exhibit Ideas to Move Them Forward
Location: North 226 AB
Elizabeth Fleming
– Roto
Elizabeth Kollmann
– Museum of Science, Boston
Traci Connor
– Kaleideum
Audience and Inclusion
Data and Insights
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Today's Donors, Tomorrow's Tactics: What Worked in 2025 May Not Work in 2026
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
MST
Today's Donors, Tomorrow's Tactics: What Worked in 2025 May Not Work in 2026
Location: North 229 AB
Laura J. MacDonald, CFRE
– Benefactor Group
Leadership and Management
Data and Insights
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
MST
A Night Out in Mesa
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
MST
A Night Out in Mesa
Location: Arizona Museum of Natural History
Natural History Network
Saturday, September 19, 2026
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
MST
Registration
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
MST
Registration
Location: North 300 Level Lobby
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
MST
Plenary Session: Recognition and Closing Keynote
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
MST
Plenary Session: Recognition and Closing Keynote
Location: West 301
Data and Insights
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
AI Literacy to What End? Science Centers & Public Agency in AI
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
AI Literacy to What End? Science Centers & Public Agency in AI
Location: North 222 AB
Eve Klein
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Community and Partnerships
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Big Questions, Small Learners: Introducing Artificial Intelligence to Children
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Big Questions, Small Learners: Introducing Artificial Intelligence to Children
Location: North 225 AB
Jolie Pelds
– Science Center of Iowa
Erik Smith
– National Children's Museum
Keith T. Ostfeld
– Children's Museum Houston
Hardin Engelhardt
– Marbles Kid's Museum
Sloan Eberly Mann
– Imagination Station
Education and Events
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Lightning Session: Exhibit Design
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Lightning Session: Exhibit Design
Location: North 232 AB
Sari Custer
– Arizona Science Center
Cheolhee Kim
– National Science Museum of Korea
Jaeil Cho
– Gwacheon National Science Museum
Jiyun Kim
Zi Soo Lee
Kwanghoon Chung, Ph.D. in Physics
– Gwacheon National Science Museum
Ju Yeong Kim
– Gwacheon National Science Museum
Carol Fabricant
– Museum of Science, Boston
Ann Atwood, PhD
– Museum of Science, Boston
Meg Rosenburg
– Museum of Science, Boston
Facility and Exhibit Design
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Old Bones, New Approaches: Dinosaurs for Today’s Audiences
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Old Bones, New Approaches: Dinosaurs for Today’s Audiences
Location: North 231 AB
Yvonne Tang
– Lord Cultural Resources
Susan Neill, MA
– Field Museum of Natural History
Scott Williams
– Museum of the Rockies
David C. Evans
– Royal Ontario Museum
Audience and Inclusion
Natural History Network
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Reframing Volunteer Engagement for the Future of Museums
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Reframing Volunteer Engagement for the Future of Museums
Location: North 227 AB
TJ Morgan
– Arizona Museum of Natural History
Alec Young
– Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Deirdre Araujo
– Exploratorium
Taylor Hague
– Natural History Museum of Utah
Amereece Sterba
– S'edav Va'aki Museum
Organizational Culture and Workforce
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Voya STEM Futures: Innovative Approaches for Career-Connected Youth Learning
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Voya STEM Futures: Innovative Approaches for Career-Connected Youth Learning
Location: North 224 A
Jenny Crayne
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Education and Events
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Where Science Meets Spirit: Welcoming Religious Pluralism into Museums
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
MST
Where Science Meets Spirit: Welcoming Religious Pluralism into Museums
Location: North 226 AB
Alajia McKizia
– Kiewit Luminarium
Tom Rockwell
– Science and Spirit Studio | Exploratorium
Danielle LeBlanc
– Museum of Science, Boston
Ann Fortescue
– International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS)
Audience and Inclusion
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
2026 Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Award Winner Showcase
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
2026 Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Award Winner Showcase
Location: North 229 AB
Katie Anderson
– U.S. Space & Rocket Center
Robin Gose
– MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
Community and Partnerships
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
Beyond the Lease: How Cities, Universities, and Museums Collaborate to Sustain Buildings and Missions
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
Beyond the Lease: How Cities, Universities, and Museums Collaborate to Sustain Buildings and Missions
Location: North 227 AB
Branden James Kemp
– Arizona Science Center
Axel Estable
– Natural History Museum of Utah
Cody Cites
Community and Partnerships
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
From Consultation to Co-Stewardship: Many Governments, One Landscape
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
From Consultation to Co-Stewardship: Many Governments, One Landscape
Location: North 224 A
Simon Tipene Adlam
– Arizona Museum of Natural History
Nicole Armstrong-Best
– S’edav Va’aki Museum
James T. Watson
– Arizona State Museum, The University of Arizona; Professor of Anthropology, School of Anthropology - The University of Arizona
Reylynne Williams
– Gila River Indian Community / Tribal Historic Preservation Office
Shane Anton
– Salt River Pina-Maricopa Indian Community
Community and Partnerships
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
Getting Janky with It: Tools for Rapid Iterative Prototyping
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
Getting Janky with It: Tools for Rapid Iterative Prototyping
Location: North 226 AB
Rachel Fyler
– Museum of Science, Boston
KT Todd
– Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
Sunewan Paneto
– Museum of Science, Boston
Sara Castellucci
– Museum of Science, Boston
Facility and Exhibit Design
Data and Insights
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
Hidden Assets, New Opportunities: Leveraging What You Already Do
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
Hidden Assets, New Opportunities: Leveraging What You Already Do
Location: North 221 AB
Agnès Ruiz
– American Museum of Natural History
Troy Rainville
– Imagine Exhibitions
Heather Farnworth
– Ontario Science Centre
Megan O'Sullivan
– Scitech
Sarah Chisnell
– Science North
Tom Cummins
Business Models, Operations, and Development
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
Immersive Onboarding: Creating a Culture That Emphasizes Employee Retention and Engagement
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
Immersive Onboarding: Creating a Culture That Emphasizes Employee Retention and Engagement
Location: North 225 AB
Lauren Howard
– Science Museum Oklahoma
Sherry Marshall
– Science Museum Oklahoma
Lane Pierce
– Science Museum Oklahoma
Organizational Culture and Workforce
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
Scaling Nature: Harnessing Humor, Hope, and Data to Re-Nature Our Spaces, Regenerate Soil Health, Restore Immune Systems, and Replenish Joy
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
Scaling Nature: Harnessing Humor, Hope, and Data to Re-Nature Our Spaces, Regenerate Soil Health, Restore Immune Systems, and Replenish Joy
Location: North 226 C
Adam Bienenstock
– Re-Nature Foundation
Education and Events
Planetary Health
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
The Air We Share: Approaches to Public Engagement on Planetary and Human Health
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
The Air We Share: Approaches to Public Engagement on Planetary and Human Health
Location: North 222 AB
Rose Hendricks, PhD
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Naomi K. Wallace, PhD
– Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
Education and Events
Planetary Health
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
When the Grant Ends, How Relationships Can Move Forward
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
When the Grant Ends, How Relationships Can Move Forward
Location: North 231 AB
Jennifer Jovanovic
– GROWINGGREAT
Becky Gould
– San Diego Air and Space Museum
Monica V. Trevathan
– WEX Foundation
Susan Weller
– University of Nebraska State Museum
Nátaly A. Molina
– EcoExploratorio
Leadership and Management
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
Youth as Partners: Designing Community-Centered STEM Together
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
MST
Youth as Partners: Designing Community-Centered STEM Together
Location: North 232 AB
Anita Krishnamurthi
– Afterschool Alliance
Shihadah Saleem
– New York Hall of Science
Jen Kretser
– The Wild Center
Sarah Puia (Alexander)
– Da Vinci Science Center
Leah Silverberg
– Afterschool Alliance
Community and Partnerships
