ASTC 2026 Annual Conference
The Association of Science and Technology Centers (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, 2026
Phoenix, AZ
Learn more:
https://www.astc.org/astc-2026/
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
Booth Handouts
Download the quick summaries of NISE Network to learn more about all our projects past and present
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.
- Resources:
- Slides
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.
- Resources: STEM Learning Ecosystems
- Slides
Create Your Own Earth and Space Interactive Exhibits Using NASA Content
Friday September 18, 2026, 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Location: Poster #12 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
- 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.
- Poster (PDF)
- 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.
- Resources: Reflecting on Your Partnership Journey
ASTC Announces Recipients of the 2026 Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards
Congratulations to NISE Network Partners!
- Individual Awardees
- Rachel Hogan Carr (Nurture Nature Center – Easton, Pennsylvania)
- Darrell Porcello (Children’s Creativity Museum – San Francisco, California)
- Organizational Awardees
- Kansas Children’s Discovery Center (Topeka, Kansas)
- Imagination Station (Toledo, Ohio)
- 2026 Awardees: https://www.astc.org/astc-news-announcements/2026-leading-edge-award-winners/
- More about the awards: https://www.astc.org/awards
NISE Network Networking Event
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
Food and drinks available for purchase
We plan to be outside under the shade structure
15 minute walk from the Phoenix Convention Center
menu: https://azwbeer.com/locations
- Download the event flyer (PDF)
- Please note this location is across 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
