Ecsite, the European network for science centres and museums, will be holding its annual conference in The Hague (Netherlands) on 22-24 May 2014. Open to all in the field of science engagement, it offers an opportunity to take the pulse of the sector and share best practice – as well as offering great networking. Ecsite President Rosalia Vargas promises “the largest crowd of creative experts ever gathered in a science communication event in Europe”.

Celebrating its 25th edition, the event started with less than 100 attendees and has now grown to Europe’s largest event on science communication with more than 1,000 participants from over 45 countries coming together for this special 25th anniversary edition, hosted by science centre Museon.

Global theme
The programme offers the most diverse mix ever, with sessions ranging from practical advice on how to conceive interactive exhibits to discussions on the sector’s contribution in tackling global issues linked to this year’s theme of People, Planet, Peace. As Museon’s general director, Marie Christine van der Sman, says: “Mankind faces enormous challenges. New scientific knowledge and technological innovation may help to prevent conflict by providing part of the solution. Science centres and museums raise general public awareness of these issues. This is the reason for choosing this theme, well-suited both to the Museon and to The Hague, as one of the host cities of the UN.”

High profile guest speakers include UNESCO director general Irina Bokova and 2013 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ahmet Üzümcü, director general of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

Conference content
Two-day pre-conference workshops cover topics such as visitor research, face-to-face interactions and space science. The conference itself has 80 sessions offering a huge diversity of topics, including cinemas in science centres, travelling exhibitions, marketing to teachers, teen audiences, or income diversification. More than 50 exhibitors will be showcasing their latest products and services at the Business Bistro, and participants will be able to get hands-on in two workshop spaces – the Maker space and the new Gamification space. Networking opportunities include the newcomers’ breakfast and Farewell Party.

Ecsite executive director Catherine Franche urges participants to add their ideas to the mix: “Representatives from natural history museums, science centres, aquariums, research centres, universities, the private sector and civil society organisations are invited to approach this conference as their platform for exchange. Great ideas are often born from unexpected collaboration.”