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MARYLAND SCIENCE CENTER TO HOST 2011 ASTC ANNUAL CONFERENCE
More than 2,500 museum professionals expected to attend

The Maryland Science Center has been selected as the host institution for the 2011 Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) Annual Conference, to be held October 15-18, 2011, announced Van Reiner, Maryland Science Center President and CEO.

Each year, the ASTC Annual Conference brings together thousands of museum professionals and educators to explore ideas for presenting science content and engaging the public in the process of scientific discovery. The 2011 conference will allow the staffs of the Maryland Science Center and other science and technology museums to collaborate in discovering innovative new ways to motivate and captivate their audiences.

ASTC is the organization of more than 560 science centers and museums in 43 countries dedicated to furthering the public understanding of science. It encourages excellence and innovation in informal science learning by serving and linking its members worldwide and advancing their common goals. ASTC members include science -technology centers and science museums, nature centers, aquariums, planetariums, zoos, botanical gardens, space theaters, and natural history and children's museums.

"Hosting the 2011 ASTC Annual Conference gives the Maryland Science Center a wonderful opportunity to showcase our innovative programs," said Reiner. "As Conference participants share information and learn from one another, we are excited that our institution will serve as a national model."

The four-day conference will include 60 seminars and workshops, dozens of committee meetings, planning sessions, interest group discussions, receptions, banquets, award presentations, and hospitality events. The Maryland Science Center will host the feature reception for delegates.

Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association (BACVA) was instrumental in bringing the 2011 ASTC Conference to Baltimore.

Said BACVA President and CEO Tom Noonan, "The ATSC Conference is an ideal convention for the city of Baltimore. This prestigious gathering will generate visibility for one of the regions' leading institutions, and will showcase our city to influencers around the world."