We are delighted to invite you to join us at the 2018 ASDC National Conference which will explore the theme, 'Future Stem Skills: Time for Change'.
This year's conference is hosted by the Museum of Science and Industry in the magnificent city of Manchester on Tuesday 9th of October and Wednesday 10th of October.
This lively one and a half day National Conference brings together professionals from the UK's leading Science and Discovery Centres, Science Museums, Natural History and Environment organisations, Research Councils, Universities, Public Engagement organisations and all others with an interest in engaging the public and schools with science.
If you are interested in exhibiting at our event, please get in touch with Heather and visit our exhibitors page for more details.
The 10th of October: Main ASDC conference
Find out more about Lord David Puttnam on our guest speaker page
And a host of inspiring guest speakers including:
- David Johnston: CEO The Social Mobility Foundation, a charity which aims to make a practical improvement in social mobility for young people from low-income backgrounds.
- Lord David Willetts: Executive Chair of the Resolution Foundation
- Professor Louise Archer: Karl Mannheim Professor of Sociology of Education
- Sally MacDonald: Director of the Museum of Science and Industry
- Dr Penny Fidler: CEO of ASDC
- Chas Bishop: CEO of the National Space Centre
Plus, back by popular demand:
- The Lively Sharing Best Practice Round Table Discussions
- The fast-paced Pecha Kucha chaired by Leigh-Anne Stradeski, CEO of Eureka! The National Children's Museum.
- Finale session with an inspirational speaker, soon to be announced!
The 9th of October: Pre-conference
National networking specialist meetings
Alongside the AGM, we are running a two national networking specialist meetings dedicated to key themes relevant to the sector.
There are two sessions scheduled for our delegates from 1:45pm to 3:00pm and 3:30pm to 5pm.
Museum of Science and Industry tours
Delegates are invited to join the wonderful MSI team for a tour of the venue. On this guided tour you can explore the original terminus of the world’s first inter-city railway and their characteristic 1830 Warehouse that epitomises Manchester’s 19th-century reputation as the "warehouse of the western world".
There are two tours scheduled for our delegates from 2pm to 3:15pm and 3:30pm to 5pm.
Find out more about the Museum of Science and Industry
The 2018 ASDC AGM
Delegates are invited to attend the 2018 ASDC AGM from 3:30pm to 5:30pm..
During the AGM, members have the opportunity to discuss ASDC highlights from the past year, review finances as well as strategies and partnerships for the future.
Find out more about the 2018 ASDC AGM
The ASDC Gala Dinner
On the evening, conference delegates and guests are invited to join the ASDC Chair and Board of Trustees for dinner at the Museum of Science and Industry the night before the National Conference. Delegates can meet and network over dinner with the UK's top public engagement professionals from Science Centres, Discovery Centres, Festivals, Universities and Science Museums across the UK. There will be a drinks reception inside the galleries from 7pm followed by dinner at 8pm.
Find out more about the Gala Dinner
For more information about the AGM, networking sessions, Conference Dinner and the National Conference, get in touch with Heather (heather.lampard@sciencecentres.org.uk).
