Research, theory & evaluation
Eight researchers have eight minutes each to present the outcomes of their research and make proposals for putting results into practice. The session does not undermine research methods and processes but aims to link research outcomes to...
Exhibit development
Most organizations creating a science centre are first-time buyers. But the commercial fabricator is a skilled supplier with years of experience. So how can we capture the creative impulse of a new organization while also using a fabricator’s...
Marketing & communication
Sometimes simple and cheap marketing or promotional actions generate a lot of response while expensive actions fail. Why? In times of economic crisis it is important to spend money on those tools that are efficient and that generate a return in...
Operations & finance
Freedom of failure is an essential part of science and learning. How can we offer our visitors the freedom of failure and manage this concept in our organizations? Presenters will discuss the successes and drawbacks of the freedom to fail through...
Education
Learning is at the heart of a museum or science centre’s mission and represents a specific and well-defined professional and research field. Learning also links to the work of many other museum and science centre professionals: curators,...
Exhibit development
Looking to rent or buy travelling exhibitions? This year, we take another look at current and upcoming travelling science exhibitions across Europe. This rapid-fire session will give you a glimpse of the huge range of exhibitions on offer,...
Exhibit development
Science centres and museums naturally tend toward trying to tell people facts, but this is not their strong point. Their strength is in creating memories, impressions, and inspiring their visitors. How can we create exhibits that work to these...
Exhibit development
Form follows function…or does it? Do designers always have to follow the educational storyline and briefing of a curator? Is style just the outside of content or is there more to the picture than meets the eye? Do we like it when designers take...
Exhibit development
Representatives from three of the largest travelling exhibitions programmes talk about their experiences in the planning, production, sales and execution of international tours. Pick their brains to find out how to adequately prepare for your...
Marketing & communication
Several questions must be considered in order to tap the full branding potential of a science centre: What role does the architecture play? What kind of Unique Selling Proposition is at the centre’s heart? Which key attractions does it provide?...
Education
What experiences do visitors seek in museums and science centres? What experiences do museums and science centres encourage? This session is organized by Ecsite’s THE Group and focuses on visitors by looking into their experience from the...
Marketing & communication
This session will feature three case studies of how science centres have developed their digital marketing strategies. We will assess their holistic approach, provide tips for understanding online audiences and cover a range of online marketing...