Public events are essential.
They cut through the noise of our lives with memorable shared experiences. Even in the face of polarization, events bring strangers together and foster a sense of shared identity.
As digital media becomes harder to trust (from fake video to AI phone calls), we can still rely on in-person, face-to-face events. Plus live events are an ideal way to learn from, understand, and work with an audience.
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The Summit is for anyone with a serious interest in public science events, and that interest comes from many different perspectives. The Summit is a good match for you if:
First-timers are delighted to find that this community of practice exists, and to find that others also care about the things that fire them up most. The majority of people attending once return again at some point, and those regulars are effusive about how the meeting re-orients and re-energizes them.
Plus, with most meals provided, the Summit is a great deal!
We’re not trying to disrupt the way people conference, but the Summit does have a unique personality. It is a peer-to-peer meeting, so with a little effort on your part you’re likely to meet everyone that attends.
There’s no keynote, but there are sessions where your expertise will be recognized. It’s not an unconference, but sessions are designed around the interests of attendees, so the full program usually isn't set until two weeks before. There are no pompous ceremonies, but there is an energetic conference dinner and we always work in some friendly competitions. You'll come away with practical information, thoughtful inspiration, and a network of supportive colleagues.
It’s a busy couple of days, but meals are included and there are plenty of good breaks. And there are always experiential surprises thrown in: we're all event organizers, after all.
When you register for a Summit you'll have the chance to suggest activities and discussion topics and throw in your hat to be a session leader.For example, for the 2025 Summit in Philadelphia we planned a few moments during the gathering when everyone is focused on one activity or event, and lots of time spent in smaller group conversations facilitated by Summit participants. The end result? Nearly 75% of attendees had a role in the final program.
Every iteration of the Summit is different. Take a look back at the 2024 Summit Program and the 2025 Summit Program to get a sense of the range of topics and experiences you can expect.
The Summit Program is always built around those attending, so it is usually not completed until about two weeks prior. Thanks for being patient with this process, and see what we just did in Philadelphia at the 2025 Summit.
The Summit is not a fundraiser. It is a peer-to-peer meeting run at cost. Registration includes meals served during the day, as well as a festive Summit dinner on Monday.
In all transparency: The 2026 Summit cost is projected to cost roughly $600 per person to produce, including meals served (not accounting for staff time and in-kind). Thanks to support from grant-funded projects, the price for registration is set at $450. Those that can pay this fee, should. Those that find this cost prohibitive should chose one of the discounts available at registration. The full range of registration costs in 2026 is:
The number of discounted registrations is limited in each category, so registrants are asked to use the discount that really works for them. If you choose a discount lower than you can afford, you may be taking that discount away from someone that needs it.
If you are eager to attend the Summit, but are unable due to financial constraints, please contact us to see if special arrangements are possible.
The Summit is planned as a full 48-hour experience with each event flowing into the next.
Summit planning assumes that out of town guests will not have cars, and arrangements for discounted lodging have been made within walking distance of most events.
The Summit hotel's discounted rate is $169/night before taxes. A link to make use of this rate is provided via an automated email after registration. The hotel features large rooms, many of which include kitchenettes.
So glad you asked! The Summit is meant to build camaraderie by providing a respectful, safe, and harassment-free experience for everyone.
We do not tolerate harassment of Summit participants in any form, whether during Summit conference sessions or off-site after-hours gatherings. Discriminatory or sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any Summit venue, including talks, workshops, parties, or online media.
Summit participants violating this code of conduct may be sanctioned or expelled from the Summit without a refund at the discretion of the Summit organizers.
Concerns may be directed to staff using the Summit Safety Form.
