Special Edition: Upcoming Conferences
Welcome to a Special Edition of Insights & Opportunities, a twice-monthly newsletter for educators, administrators, legislators, and advocates who recognize the importance of informal STEM learning. This newsletter is brought to you by Improved Insights, a research and evaluation firm dedicated to strengthening the field of informal STEM learning.
We are taking a break from our regularly scheduled programming (newsletters that highlight an evaluation feature, suggestions on resources to review, and opportunities of interest) to bring you two special newsletter editions in June.
At the midpoint of the year, we thought it would be helpful to forecast opportunities for informal STEM education professionals coming up in the next six months. This Special Edition focuses on relevant conferences occurring between July and December, 2026.
July
July 9-10, 2026, Madison, WI - PML 2026 Conference: Scrappiness. Play Make Learn (PML) invites educators, museum professionals, makers, researchers, and others to tinker together, share knowledge, and celebrate each other’s work. This year, the conference will center on the idea of “scrappiness,” highlighting creative ways to overcome obstacles like time constraints, limited materials, and difficulties with access.
July 21-23, 2026, Kansas City, MO - 38th Annual VSA Conference. Join the Visitor Studies Association (VSA) for its 38th annual conference. This year’s event will focus on applied methodologies and practical approaches to visitor studies through highlighting essential skills and innovative new methods to better understand and advocate for visitors and communities.
August
August 24-28, 2026, Midland, MI - ANCA Annual Summit. The Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) invites leaders of nature centers and related environmental organizations to join them at Chippewa Nature Center. The Summit theme, Confluence, reflects the coming together of knowledge and perspectives within the ANCA community, bringing together diverse experiences to foster shared learning across the field.
September
September 3-4, 2026, Glendale, AZ - 2026 National Rural STEM Learning Summit. The National Rural STEM Learning Summit will bring together STEM educators, administrators, STEM industry professionals, and community leaders to strengthen and elevate the quality of STEM education in rural communities through practice and dialogue. Participate in hands-on workshops, share resources, and expand professional networks aimed at addressing and exploring the unique challenges and opportunities of STEM education in rural communities.
September 16-19, 2026, Phoenix, AZ - ASTC 2026 Annual Conference. Join the Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC) for its annual conference at the Arizona Science Center. The conference will host a global community of science-engagement professionals, leaders in science and technology centers, and museums for plenary and professional development sessions.
September 26-October 1, 2026, Portland, OR - AZA 2026 Annual Conference. Zoo and aquarium professionals will gather for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) annual conference. The meeting will explore ideas and best practices through education program sessions, uncover successes and lessons from the community, and foster connections between colleagues in the field.
October
October 6-8, 2026, New Brunswick, NJ - 2026 MAAM Annual Conference. The Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums (MAAM) will host its annual conference at Rutgers University. The conference is dedicated to fostering excellence in museums by providing high-quality professional development, networking opportunities, and special events for museum professionals in the region.
October 6-9, 2026, Portland, OR - NAAEE 2026: Imagine If… The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) invites environmental education professionals to explore the conference theme, “Imagine If...” Participants will look beyond current constraints and consider what becomes possible when education drives connection, action, and positive change.
October 15-17, 2026, Portland, OR - 2026 AISES National Conference. Indigenous STEM professionals and students from across the U.S. and Canada are invited to focus on educational, professional, and workforce development. The conference offers opportunities to participate in skill-building workshops, create cultural connections, network with STEM leaders and peers, investigate new research, and engage with over 300 exhibitors from tribal organizations, colleges and universities, and STEM companies.
November
November 4-7, 2026, Indianapolis, IN - NSTA National Conference - Indianapolis 2026. The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) will gather science and STEM educators in the fall for four days of thought-provoking sessions, interactive workshops, and meaningful connections. Discover powerful tools and new ideas to elevate your practice and deepen your impact.
November 10-13, 2026, Oakland, CA - NAI 2026: Creating Community Rooted in Interpretation. Join the National Association for Interpreters (NAI) and hundreds of interpretation professionals from across the country to celebrate growth through shared stories, inclusive practices, and connections that sustain both people and the planet. Participate through engaging hands-on experiences, sessions, and local field trips exploring the Bay Area’s cultural and natural heritage.
November 16-20, 2026, Charlotte, NC - Evaluation26: Evaluation Across Boundaries. Evaluation 2026, hosted by the American Evaluation Association (AEA), will bring together 2000+ evaluation professionals to learn best practices, discover new techniques, and implement lessons from others in the field. Participate in a dynamic mix of lectures, panel discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on workshops.
December
December 7-11, 2026, San Francisco, CA - AGU26 Annual Meeting. The American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) annual meeting will convene over 25,000 Earth and space scientists from around the world to share research, connect, collaborate, and inspire one another. Discover the latest research in the field, collaborate with experts, join interactive sessions, and access career resources.
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