Association of Science and Technologies Centers
ASTC 2024

ASTC 2024 Annual Conference

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Optional Events

Subject to Change

All Times CDT

This page includes additional events about optional events associated with the ASTC 2024 Annual Conference.

Please check back periodically as additional events and details will be added in the lead-up to conference.

Friday, September 27, 2024

Preconference Intensives
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (half- and full-day; individual schedule varies)
McCormick Place and other locations

Preconference Intensives are a chance for conference attendees to participate in focused learning experiences on a single topic, as as to connect and network with peers with similar job roles and topics interests—before the start of the main conference. See complete information about this year’s Intensives.

Preconference Intensives have limited enrollment, require preregistration, and may require an additional fee.

Select as part of conference registration and pay any applicable fee.

Navigation and Networking Gathering
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
McCormick Place

Kick off your conference experience at the ever-popular Navigation and Networking Gathering event! Meet some of your fellow attendees, find out how to get the most out of your conference experience, and have a few snacks before heading to the Host Party at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.

Open to all conference registrants; first-time attendees especially invited.

Griffin Museum of Science+IndustryAn Evening of Inspiration at Griffin MSI
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive

Enjoy an evening of drinks, eats, and unique experiences at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry! Blast off in the newly renovated Henry Crown Space Center featuring the Apollo 8 capsule and the recently acquired SpaceX Dragon Spacecraft. Journey to the depths of the oceans in The Blue Paradox, where mind-blowing visuals convey the ocean plastic crisis and how we can address it. Explore Griffin Studio’s one-of-a-kind digital space, its premiere exhibition, Notes to Neurons, a multimedia experience that highlights the power of music in our lives. End your evening by testing your spy skills in 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond—the Museum’s newest temporary exhibition featuring gadgets and vehicles from the James Bond franchise.

For attendees age 21+

To attend the host party, be sure to purchase a ticket in advance as part of your conference registration (as supply lasts, tickets will be available for purchase at the registration desk at McCormick Place). Funds from registrant tickets will support ASTC’s New Leaders Fellowship Program.

Guest tickets for those not registered for conference are also available for purchase during registration or from the registration desk as supply lasts.

Saturday, September 28, 2024

Seeding Action: Cultivating a Culture of Action to Improve Planetary HealthPlanetary Health Action Fair
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Exhibit Hall, McCormick Place

Seeding Action will host an informal showcase for planetary health efforts at this year’s conference. All conference attendees are invited to attend and share a poster, flyer, or other items as we exchange ideas and insights with others who are working to cultivate a culture of action for planetary health.

For more information and to express interest in sharing your organization’s work, please complete this form. Because space is limited, spots will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.

Gateway to Chicago Social Event
5:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall, McCormick Place

Before hitting the town, get a preview of some of Chicago’s culinary delights while you mix and mingle with other participants and exhibitors.

Photo of the Chicago skyline at duskExplore Chicago
6:00 p.m. –
Throughout Chicago and surrounding areas

Explore some of what “Sweet Home Chicago” has to offer. Whether you want to take in a festival, tour, cultural, or sporting event, there’s something for everyone.

Our hosts have pulled together some suggestions of things to do while you’re in town, including on Saturday night.

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Seeding Action: Cultivating a Culture of Action to Improve Planetary HealthPlanetary Health Action Fair
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Exhibit Hall, McCormick Place

Seeding Action will host an informal showcase for planetary health efforts at this year’s conference. All conference attendees are invited to attend and share a poster, flyer, or other items as we exchange ideas and insights with others who are working to cultivate a culture of action for planetary health.

For more information and to express interest in sharing your organization’s work, please complete this form. Because space is limited, spots will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.

Evening Social Event
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Details TBA

We’re cooking up something special to engage with our community. Shhh…we can’t spill the beans quite yet, but make sure you plan to join us.

Monday, September 30, 2024

Community Meet-Ups
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Stay turned for more information about how you can meet up with others who share similar interests, job roles, and more.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Museum Experience Day
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Chicago-area museums

Chicagoland institutions are opening their doors to ASTC attendees! Visit these participating museums during Museum Experience Day and gain insight into what makes Chicago a hotspot for innovation in science engagement.

Among the special events that will be available during Museum Experience Day are the following:

Empowering Students and Teens to Embrace STEM
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. (session repeated)
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Hear from experts from Chicago STEM-based community organizations that serve youth in this panel designed for emerging museum educators. Learn how these organizations have successfully made STEM relevant and engaging to traditionally underserved audiences. Panel discussion will include Q&A.

Capacity for this event is limited; please only RSVP if you plan to attend

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