About the Science Events Summit

Tens of thousands of public science events involve millions of people in the US, Canada, and UK every year (that there isn't a pandemic).

This tremendous output is matched by tremendous variation. Public science events range in scale from intimate group conversations, to massive street fairs that draw tens of thousands in a single day. They may be one-time appearances, ongoing series, or long-term campaigns. Many are completely volunteer driven, others are produced by prestigious institutions, and there are even a few organizations dedicated solely to producing science events.

As varied as they might be, public science events organizers are united in practicing the same craft.

That’s why we have a Science Events Summit.

The Summit is the only meeting of its kind in North America. It started in 2011 as the International Public Science Events Conference (IPSEC), and changed names in 2018.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the Summit is a good match for me?

First-timers are delighted to find that this professional community exists, and to find that others care about the things that fire them up most.

The majority of people that attended once return again at some point, and those regulars are effusive about how the meeting re-energizes them.

If you nod your head when you hear someone say, “In-person events are unique, there's nothing else like them," then chances are you'll fit right in.

Plus, with most meals provided, the Summit is a good deal!

What is the Summit like?

We’re not trying to disrupt the way people conference, but the Summit does have a unique personality.

There’s no keynote, but there are sessions where you'll be recognized as a peer. It’s not an unconference, but sessions are designed around the interests of attendees. There are no big ceremonies, but there is an energetic conference dinner.

It’s a busy couple of days, but meals are included and there are plenty of good breaks.

With a little effort on your part you’re likely to meet everyone that attends.

What about COVID, and what about refunds?

COVID has significally affected plans for the 2022 Summit. We were not able to confirm the decision to meet in-person until early Spring, giving only a few months to prepare. The number of attendees will be kept lower than previous years, and since the meeting will be held in part on MIT's campus, we will follow the guidelines for mitigating COVID in place at MIT at the time of the meeting. See here for MIT's current guidance.

Since the Summit attendance is capped unusually low, we expect to sell out of registrations. For this reason we are encouraging committed registrations by not offering refunds to individuals. However, in the event that the Summit must be cancelled altogether, all registrations will be refunded.

Where can I see past programs?

You can view the archives of previous Summit schedules here.

Is there a Code of Conduct?

The Summit is dedicated to 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, Twitter and other 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.