1. Who is the Conference for?
2. Key dates
3. Programme
4. Networking opportunities
5. Conference Venues
6. Pricing
7. Registration
8. Erasmus+
9. Accommodation & Travel
10. Ecsite Annual General Meeting
11. Before you travel
12. Accessibility
13. For facilitators & speakers
14. Conference App
15. Sponsorship opportunities
16. The Ecsite Business Bistro trade show
17. For Journalists
18. Proof of attendance
19. Volunteering opportunities

1. Who is the Conference for?

The Ecsite Conference is a friendly and approachable science engagement Conference ideal for anyone working in or supporting the field of science engagement from CEOs through to students. As the Conference sessions are naturally interactive, you’ll find making professional connections easy - all while exploring the most important issues and being inspired by the newest practices in science engagement.

2. Key dates

CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Closing date submissions		31 Oct 2022
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Registration opens online		15 Feb 2023
Super early bird registration closes at midnight		15 Mar 2023
Early bird registration closes at midnight		19 Apr 2023
Online registration closes at midnight		31 May 2023
ECSITE 2023 CONFERENCE MALTA
One Day Pre-conference Workshops		14 Jun 2023
Main Conference		15-17 Jun 2023

#Ecsite2023 is an inperson only event.

3. Programme

The #Ecsite2023 Programme is available here

Take a day long deep dive

Pre-Conference Workshops 14 June

• 6 all-day workshops
• In-depth, interactive, peer learning workshops
• Small groups (normally about 50 people)
• These will take place at Esplora Interactive Science Centre
• Pre Conference workshops are subject to an additional charge

Learn, share and be inspired

Main Conference 15-17 June

• All inclusive 3 day science engagement Conference
• Stunning welcome to Malta Opening ceremony
• Over 70 parallel 75-minute, varied-format sessions offering a critical view on the most relevant topics in science engagement.
• 350 expert speakers and presenters from over 50 countries
• Showcase events presenting the latest in travelling exhibitions, projects and hands-on activities in science engagement.
• Dedicated tinkering and making space
• Two world-leading thinkers who will share inspiring keynote addresses.
• Presentation of the 2023 Mariano Gago Ecsite Award winners
• Business Bistro tradeshow - 60+ inspiring companies presenting their cutting-edge products and services Find out more and book your booth.
• Community meet-ups - join one of the informal meet-ups to discuss topics of interest with peers.
• Closing Ceremony officially concludes the event and our host for 2024 is announced.

The Programme has been decided for the 2023 Conference. Learn about the process for submitting a proposal.

4. Networking opportunities

CEO Focus - New in 2023

Open to Ecsite Full and Associate member CEOs, upon advance online registration, this is a great opportunity to discuss current challenges and share ideas. This event will be held at Villa Bighi on the afternoon of Wednesday 14 June from 14:45-17:45. This event is subject to an additional charge.

Speakers Reception

Open to all pre- and main Conference speakers and facilitators, upon advance online registration. Held at the MUZA National Museum of Art, this is a moment to meet and reunite with colleagues from around the world and to raise a glass to the speakers who will make #Ecsite2023 a unique and inspiring event.

Newcomers Breakfast

A networking event for first-time Conference attendees, hosted by the Programming Committee (ACPC). Spaces are limited for this event so register soon to make sure you get your place. This event is subject to an additional charge.

Onboarding

An invitation-only event at Villa Bighi for new members to the Ecsite network who joined between June 2022 and June 2023. This is an opportunity for new members to meet with the Ecsite Board and network with other new members.

Gala Dinner and Mariano Gago Ecsite Awards Ceremony

As the sun sets on the first full day of Conference sessions, join new colleagues and friends for the Gala Dinner for the best of Maltese cuisine and breath-taking views of Valletta Harbour at the stunning Villa Bighi. This formal event also features the Mariano Gago Ecsite Awards Ceremony. This event is included in the main conference fee.

Nocturne

On our second evening, you will discover the Esplora Interactive Science Centre. Our hosts are looking forward to showcasing their venue, and activities, accompanied by a buffet and drinks, and of course, the famous Ecsite Jazz Band. This event is included in the main conference fee.

Farewell Party

Relax and dance at Café del Mar – join old friends and new and celebrate another successful Ecsite Conference! This event should be booked in advance online and is subject to an additional charge.

5. Conference Venues

The 2023 Conference will be held at various locations across Malta's capital Valletta and Kalkara where our host Esplora is located:

Pre-conference One Day workshops, Nocturne & Gala Dinner - Esplora Interactive Science Centre in Kalkara

Main Conference & Business Bistro - Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta

Ferries are planned to take participants from Valletta to Esplora and back for the Gala Dinner and Nocturne

Buses will be provided for participants attending the Farewell Party

6. Pricing

Tickets to attend the three-day Main Conference includes full access to all conference sessions, the Business Bistro trade show, opening & closing ceremonies, Gala Dinner, and Nocturne. Lunch, snacks and coffee are also included.

The Pre Conference Workshops and Farewell party are subject to an extra charge.

		ECSITE MEMBERS		NON-MEMBERS	STUDENTS
		Full, Sustaining and One person company members	Associate members		From non-member organisations
3 day conference ticket (15, 16,17 June)
BOOK & PAY AT CONFERENCE	Full Price	€880.58	€998.28	€1,174.10	Not applicable
BOOK ONLINE & PAY IN ADVANCE	Super early bird (book by 15 March)	€615.96	€698.56	€822.46	€418.90
	Early bird (book by 19 April)	€704.46	€798.86	€939.28	€418.90
	Online (book by 31 May)	€792.96	€897.98	€1,057.28	€418.90
1 day conference ticket
BOOK ONLINE OR AT THE CONFERENCE		€363.44	€409.46	€476.72	Not applicable
Pre-Conference workshop ticket (14 June)
BOOK ONLINE	(book by 31 May)	€154.58	€175.82	€206.5	Not applicable
CEO Focus (14 June) €29.50
Farewell Party Saturday 17 at Café del Mar €47.20

€10 from each full conference ticket will de donated to a local Maltese environmental organisation to leave a positive impact on our Conference destination.

All conference package fees correspond to one participant and include the Maltese VAT standard rate of 18%. See full terms and conditions.

Membership rates are only available to participants from organisations who have paid their 2023 Membership fee.

All speakers are required to register and pay the conference fee.

*The student rate is available to individuals who provide scanned copies of a valid student identification card, sent to info@ecsite.eu on the day of online registration. Please write “Student ID verification + your name” in the subject line.

The ferry for the Nocturne and Gala dinner are included in the full Conference fee. All other travel should be paid for by the participant.

7. Registration

Basic Information

Registration is open now! Register here

You can find details of deadlines for accessing the discounts here.

Online registration is open until 31 May 2023. After that date, you will have to register and pay directly on-site during the event.

If you have registered and would like to attend an additional social event, pre-Conference workshop, or CEO Focus please complete a new registration form online for just these items.

It is possible to attend just a Pre-Conference workshop without joining the full Conference.

If you are from a member organisation and do not see your organisation in the drop down menu, please check with your accounts department that your 2023 membership fees are paid. If they are paid and you still don't see your organisation, please email info@ecsite.eu

Full terms and conditions are available here.

Payment Options

• Pay online at time of registration with VISA, Mastercard or American Express
• Pay via wire transfer/bank transfer
• An invoice will be sent for all options

8. Erasmus+

Need some help to get to the Ecsite Conference? Why not apply for Erasmus+ funding?

What do you need to do?

• You must work as part of an organisation
• Contact your local Erasmus+ office
• Apply for an Organisation ID - check first if your institution already has one
• Then apply for a Key Action 1 Mobility Fund Trainers/Employees/Learners
• The deadline to submit an application is 23 Februay 2023
• To understand the steps better, take a look at this helpful guide provided by the Maltese government. Whilst you must apply locally, we understand the process is the same for each country.
• Find your own office here.

9. Accommodation & Travel

The Esplora team have pulled together a list of recommended hotels including the distances from the Main Conference Venue. Due to the location there are no Ecsite specific deals.

You can find a list of recommended restaurants here.

Ferries are available daily from Italy (Sicily) to Malta.

• From Pozallo: 2-4 times a day Virtu Ferries
• From Augusta: Ponte Ferries

If you plan to hire a car in Malta please note Valletta is covered by Controlled vehicle access.

Find more info:
https://secure.cva.gov.mt/Page/Tariffs

10. Ecsite Annual General Meeting

The Ecsite Annual General Meeting (AGM) is open to all Ecsite members.

15:45-17:15 June 16 in the Malta Experience Auditorium at the Mediterranean Conference Centre.

Full members of Ecsite have voting rights.

11. Before you travel

English and Maltese are the official languages of Malta, however many locals also speak Italian. The currency used is the Euro and Malta is part of the Shengen Area.

Check if you need to bring an adapter plug. Type G power sockets are used in Malta, commonly used in UK, Cyprus, Ireland, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong

You can access a full list of essential information for visiting Malta here.

If you require a visa invitation letter please contact info@ecsite.eu

12. Accessibility

We are pleased to provide detailed accessibility information per location below.

Esplora Interactive Science Centre full accessibility details here.

Mediterranean Conference Centre All main Conference session spaces are wheelchair accessible, except the Tinkering & Making Space . Plenary speeches at the opening and closing ceremonies and keynote speeches will be subtitled live in English.

There is a low-sensory room and a parenting room with an en-suite bathroom and a comfortable chair for breastfeeding.

MUZA full details of accessibility here.

Café del Mar

If you require wheelchair access to Café del Mar or have any other questions about accessibility, please contact Wiktor.

13. For facilitators & speakers

Please find our guide for speakers and facilitators here

14. Conference App

Following the resounding success of the Ecsite Conference App in 2022, we will be using it again in 2023. All participants who have registered and paid will receive an invitation link by email at the beginning of June.

15. Sponsorship opportunities

Would you like to Sponsor the Ecsite Conference? Take a look at the packages available here and contact Roxanne

16. The Ecsite Business Bistro trade show

60+ inspiring companies present their cutting-edge products and services - Would you like to exhibit? For more information check here and contact Roxanne

17. For Journalists

Ecsite welcomes professional editorial staff of print, online and broadcast media including freelance reporters upon demonstration of relevant publications. Please contact communications@ecsite.eu for more information.

18. Proof of attendance

Any participants requiring a proof of attendance certificate should email info@ecsite.eu stating your full name, organisation and country and we will issue you with a signed certificate.

19. Volunteering opportunities

Volunteer for the science engagement community in Malta

Would you like to extend your stay in Malta, use your skills and have a positive impact? Ecsite and the Science Communication Office at the University of Malta have partnered to offer volunteering and networking opportunities before the Conference.

How can you get involved?

• The STEAM summer school 3 – 11 June is a 9-day course in communicating science through the arts. You can get involved in the organisation of a public science engagement event, join the schools social event programme or attend the full course with a special Ecsite Conference attendee discount. Find out more here.
• Contribute to the Road-STEAMer project international stakeholder workshop on the evening of 13 June - open to all. The volunteers can be part of the panel discussion or help facilitate the workshop. Suitable for formal and informal education experts, science engagement practitioners and researchers. More info here. Interested? E-mail wgajewski@ecsite.eu before 31 May.
• If none of the above work for you, but you'd still like to support the Science Communication Office of the University of Malta. The team there is looking for experts to help them improve their public engagement with research strategy and impact evaluation. Why not offer them a free consultation before or during the Conference? More info here. Write to wgajewski@ecsite.eu and we will put you in touch.