For over 100 years we have provided real-life models and frameworks for audiences to experience the world beyond what they see every day and even beyond what they can imagine. Learn more about how we super charge the 'spark to fuel' cycle that starts in our museum but then enhances life after a visit. Explore the concentric circles of our 'why'- starting with our beloved visitors- and discover how we are part of a larger ecosystem of learning and imagination that drives intrinsic motivation and builds confidence. We'll also consider what the cycle will look like in the future and share what we are doing now to propel us forward into the 2nd Century. Jer will also share real-life examples of the 'spark to fuel' cycle in action over her almost 34-year career.
Unique conference session alert!!! Learn how to format a theatrical script for maximum readability from Lilly Theater’s Production Stage Manager. See examples of professional scripts, learn how to create a title page, and see the process of formatting a script in Word! Great for AI/GI programmers or aspiring writers!
Production Stage Manager & Front of House Assistant, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Kristin (she/her) is an Indy-based theatre artist from Noblesville, Indiana and a ‘23 graduate of Indiana State University. She has worked at many theaters around Indy as a stage manager, scenic painter, costume assistant, and more! She enjoyed contracting with the Children's Museum... Read More →
It takes more than trust falls and silly team building exercises to build your team’s work culture. Discover what makes great teams great and reflect on how to build up your team and make work fun!
Abby Hall (formerly Abby Baldwin) has been a part of the RSLE team since 2018. She has served as a full time coach, the Program Lead, and is currently the Program and Training Supervisor for RSLE.
Laura Hix (formerly Laura Markley) started her TCM career with SPX in Interpretation. She has served as the SPX lead, the STEM Supervisor, and is currently the Staffing and Scheduling Supervisor for RSLE.
Come learn about how the museum is returning objects to source communities through repatriation and how the museum grounds our collection work through ethical stewardship.
Jennifer Noffze is the Collections Manager at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. She has led the museum's repatriation efforts through NAGPRA and the implementation of Local Contexts. She received her BA in History & Political Science from Ball State University in 2000 and an... Read More →
Lead Paleontologist and Manager of the Natural Sciences Collections, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Dr. Joseph Frederickson is the Lead Paleontologist and Manager of the Natural Science Collection at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. His primary research focuses on the paleoecology of Mesozoic ecosystems, specifically understudied species living at the feet of dinosaurs... Read More →
Do you replay an interaction you had with a museum guest and consider what you could have done differently to make that moment extraordinary? Attend our interactive session to learn about the critical role YOU play in a family’s experience, along with practical knowledge of educational pedagogies and best practices to enhance your interactions with our guests.
Elyse has many years' experience leading museum-wide trainings for staff in departments across the museum, including New Staff Orientation, Powerful Interactions, Reggio Emilia, and educational best practices. Training often highlights how to use educational frameworks and... Read More →
Lydia brings training expertise from her tenure at The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Cincinnati and The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. During her time at BGCGC, Lydia completed a year-long course to become a certified Trauma-Informed Care Trainer for the organization. She... Read More →
Many of you have heard of the Museum’s Latino Community Initiative (LCI) – but what is this all about, why is it important and what can you do to help support the initiative? Also – why are Grant and Josh leading this session? You will hear more about our local Latino Community, dive into your cultural identity and how you can approach your work with cultural humility.
Josh Estes brings a blend of performance, leadership, and institutional expertise to his work. Before beginning his career at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in 2003, he worked as a stand-up comedian and improvisational performer—experience that continues to shape his engaging... Read More →
Grant Goshorn has had the joy of interacting with Children’s Museum families over the past 19 years in all of the museum’s galleries and sport experiences. He enjoys that guests make no two interactions the same. Since 2020 Grant has been the STEM Galleries Interpretation Manager... Read More →
¡Bienvenidos! When you’re learning Spanish, chances to practice with others may be few and far-between. Join us for a low-stakes opportunity to connect with colleagues over Spanish in Spanish! You’ll blend conference reflection and language learning together to create a truly valuable experience. All are welcome, regardless of fluency.
Discover the little things that make a big team difference by joining us for an interactive session packed with games, laughs, friendly competition, and surprising lessons about teamwork. Through quick challenges and connection-building activities, you'll discover team culture is built between the meetings.
Abby Hall (formerly Abby Baldwin) has been a part of the RSLE team since 2018. She has served as a full time coach, the Program Lead, and is currently the Program and Training Supervisor for RSLE.
Laura Hix (formerly Laura Markley) started her TCM career with SPX in Interpretation. She has served as the SPX lead, the STEM Supervisor, and is currently the Staffing and Scheduling Supervisor for RSLE.
If reflection is a key part of personal growth, why does it feel so difficult? Is staring at a blank page not working? We’ll share a tool for self-reflection that can be applied to your current role or your desired career trajectory. Bring your job description to the session!
Susan Foutz (she/her) is the Director of Research and Evaluation, holds an MA in Museum Studies, and has led TCM’s Research and Evaluation Department since 2014. Before joining the museum, she worked as an evaluation consultant at museums around the country for a decade. She’s... Read More →
Elyse has many years' experience leading museum-wide trainings for staff in departments across the museum, including New Staff Orientation, Powerful Interactions, Reggio Emilia, and educational best practices. Training often highlights how to use educational frameworks and... Read More →
Did you ever wonder just what goes on inside that lab hidden behind the ScienceWorks water table? You’re not alone. In this session, learn about STEMLab’s role in the museum and participate in one of our hands-on programs!
I've been at the museum for 12 years and I've spent that entire time in School Programs working in the STEMLab (and the Biotech Learning Center back when it was that). I received a Master's in Museum Studies from IUPUI in 2012, during which time I also worked here in the old planetarium... Read More →
Explore how long-term campus planning, sustainability initiatives, and infrastructure renewal efforts are helping shape the future of TCM. Attendees will learn how strategic facility planning supports operations, visitor experience, energy efficiency, and organizational stewardship through real-world Museum projects and future-focused planning initiatives.
Director of Master Campus Planning and Construction
I serve as the Director of Master Campus Planning and Construction, I lead long-term infrastructure planning, facility renewal initiatives, sustainability efforts, and strategic campus improvement projects. His work focuses on aligning operational reliability, energy efficiency, visitor... Read More →
Stories live around every corner of the museum that are waiting to be told by YOU. From personal accounts and insights to object stories and peeks behind the scenes, this session will encourage, equip, and empower you to tell your museum story through the museum’s blog.
After starting a personal blog as a means of staying connected with family and friends in Indiana while attending graduate school in the mountains of Upper East Tennessee, Matt has been connected to the blogging world for more than two decade. He learned the key fundamentals of search... Read More →
Go on the road with the traveling exhibits team! Join Jen and John to learn about building, booking and managing life on the road for our traveling exhibits. Participants will also get a behind-the-scenes peek of the SCOOBY-DOO Mansion Mayhem installation in real time! Cool!
Jen Crespo has been a member of the TRX team since spring 2023. Her job is to build relationships and act as a liaison between venue and brand partners when representing the TCM traveling exhibits. She is a natural communicator and loves a captive audience and being a hype queen for... Read More →
John Rothenbuhler has been a member of the TRX team since March 2020. He likes working with people and managing the details required to keep exhibits looking good. He loves to travel and explore new places and he’s got a BFA in fine furniture design (which is a fancy name for woodworking).John... Read More →
