2025
Science Events
Summit

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:

• You want to share creative inspiration for organizing live events at the intersection of community, art, and science/STEM.
• You'd like to meet people that are also experiencing the joys and frustrations of organizing live events that connect people and science in some way.
• You want to discuss how to use events as the levers that advance your strategic vision for change.

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 or awards, but there is an energetic conference dinner and we always try to 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.

For the 2025 Summit in Philadelphia, we are planning a few moments during the meeting when everyone is focused on one discussion, and lots of time spent in smaller group conversations facilitated by Summit participants (possibly by you!). When you register you'll have the chance to suggest conversation topics and throw in your hat to be a facilitator. If you think of something later, or have something specific you'd like to discuss with the organizers, please contact us.

Every iteration of the Summit is different, but take a look back at the 2024 Summit 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. For an evolving sketch of how that program is coming together, along with a list of topics people are already asking for, visit the Summit Program page.

Registration is open now.

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.

The 2025 Summit will cost roughly $600 per person to produce, including meals served. Thanks to support from grant-funded projects, the price for registration is set at $450. Those that can pay this fee, should. If you find this cost prohibitive, you may choose to use one of the discounts available at registration. The full range of registrations is:

• $450 Full registration: Discounted from $600 thanks to grant funding
• $350 Early registration: First come, first served for those needing a discount
• $225 Small organizations: Half off for those requiring it from small organizations
• $100 Personal registration: For use if this is a personal expense that would otherwise create hardship

The number of discounted registrations is limited in each category. Please use the discount at registration that works for you. If you choose a discount lower than you can afford, you are 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.

For out-of-town participants arriving by plane, plan to arrive by mid-afternoon on Sunday, June 8, so you can join events planned for that evening. Depending on traffic, it can take from 30 minutes to over an hour for car rides from PHL to the area of the Summit.

Summit planning assumes that out of town guests will not have cars. Daytime meetings will center on the Parkway Central branch of the Free Library Philadelphia (1901 Vine Street), and ancillary events (dinner, receptions, field trips) will be planned with that location in mind. If walking on city sidewalks is uncomfortable for you, you may need to arrange for rideshares/taxis at points.

Summit attendees can make use of a discounted rate for lodging at the Summit's hotel in downtown Philadelphia, with average rates of $179/night. You will be given a special link to access this discounted rate at the completion of the registration process. This rate expires on May 10, 2025.

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.