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Wednesday, September 23
 

9:00am EDT

Can we make it accessible? Yes, we can!: A look at accessibility and inclusion work around the museum
1.00 PD
Wednesday September 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Meet the accessibility team. Learn more about how we embed and promote accessibility and inclusion into exhibit design and development, across other departments, and planning toward our future. Tell us what’s important to you and bring us ideas of how we could be more involved with your work.
Speakers
avatar for Patia Hunt

Patia Hunt

Accessibility Associate
I have educational and experiential backgrounds working in healthcare as an Occupational Therapist and being the Accessibility Associate at TCM. I completed a capstone internship at the museum in 2022 and have been part-time employed in this role since. I work with Betsy, and we collaborate... Read More →
avatar for Betsy Lynn

Betsy Lynn

Accessibility Manager
I have been with the museum for 14 years in a few different roles and currently serve as the Accessibility Manager. I have project management experience and a good deal of experience with TCM operations. As Accessibility Manager, I am responsible for advocating for and leading efforts... Read More →
Wednesday September 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

9:00am EDT

More Than a Logo: How Every One of Us Builds the Brand
1.00 PD
Wednesday September 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Your job title doesn't say "brand manager"—but you are one. In this session, VP of Brand Strategy & Sales, Jenny Holland, unpacks TCM's exciting new brand and shows how every role on our team shapes the experience we deliver. Come see the new look, learn the story behind it, and discover your place in it.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Holland

Jennifer Holland

Vice President of Brand Strategy and Sales
Jenny Holland is the Vice President of Brand Strategy and Sales at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. She has spent nearly 20 years in the cultural arts sector, building marketing strategies that drive engagement and revenue. With a background in journalism and a focus on digital... Read More →
Wednesday September 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

9:00am EDT

PONDer This: Behind the Scenes of the ScienceWorks Pond
1.00 PD
Wednesday September 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Meet the animal ambassadors for the museum and the team that care for them! With a behind the scenes look at procedures and best practices, discover what it takes to create and maintain a happy and healthy ecosystem within a museum setting.
Speakers
avatar for Cierra Shroyer

Cierra Shroyer

STEM Lead Gallery Interpreter
I am the Lead Gallery Interpreter for STEM and I have worked with the ScienceWorks pond for over five years.
avatar for Jessica Schneider

Jessica Schneider

STEM Galleries Interpreter, Tier 2
She has been a gallery interpreter with the STEM team for over seven years. She has a background as a zookeeper at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, where her favorite animal to work with was Magic, the Yellow Belly Anaconda
Wednesday September 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

9:00am EDT

HR 103 for Supervisors - Difficult Conversations, Progressive Discipline, Types of Leaves (*For supervisors/managers ONLY)
1.50 PD
Wednesday September 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
HR 103 for Supervisors - Important things supervisors need to know when having difficult conversations, administering progressive discipline, and managing leaves.
Speakers
avatar for Lynna White

Lynna White

Human Resources Business Partner
Human Resources Business Partner with twenty-five years of Human Resources experience.  
Wednesday September 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

10:15am EDT

Break
Wednesday September 23, 2026 10:15am - 10:45am EDT
Break
Wednesday September 23, 2026 10:15am - 10:45am EDT

10:15am EDT

Connect with Colleagues: Personal Prized Collections
0.50 PD
Wednesday September 23, 2026 10:15am - 10:45am EDT
Each of us uniquely contributes to TCM’s collection daily. Now, it’s your turn! In this room, you’ll showcase your personal collection to fellow collecting colleagues. Combine conference chats with personal possessions, from Pokémon cards, D&D dice, coins, or even something nobody’s heard of! All enthusiasts (and the enthusiast-curious) are welcome.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Noffze

Jennifer Noffze

Collections Manager
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 →
Wednesday September 23, 2026 10:15am - 10:45am EDT

10:15am EDT

Conversation Station: DiSC in Action: Strengthening Communication and Collaboration Across the Museum
0.50 PD
Wednesday September 23, 2026 10:15am - 10:45am EDT
Join this interactive conversation station to explore how DiSC is helping staff build stronger relationships, improve communication, and work more effectively across teams. Whether you're already using DiSC or simply curious about it, this is an opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas, and discover practical ways DiSC can support collaboration, teamwork, and professional growth throughout the museum.
Speakers
avatar for Shanna Martin

Shanna Martin

Director of Training & Professional Development
I began working at TCM in 2019 as the Director of Community Initiatives.  In 2021, I moved into my current position and also became the lead for the DEAI Task Force.  In my role I facilitate NSO, implement exhibit trainings, coordinate trainings with outside facilitators, lead DEAI... Read More →
Wednesday September 23, 2026 10:15am - 10:45am EDT

11:00am EDT

Exploring the Zone of Proximal Development: A Guide to Understanding Interpretations Role in Educational Processes
1.00 PD
Wednesday September 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
In this session, attendees will explore Lev Vygotsky’s “Zone of Proximal Development”. We will be using this theory to better understand intentional strategies that interpreters do. Finally, we will be discussing practices that interpreters can use to reflect on programming and refine it for the future.
Speakers
avatar for Gentry Horsley

Gentry Horsley

PT Gallery Interpreter, DnT
I am a Butler trained educator who graduated in 2023 with a degree in Middle/Secondary Education. After graduation I went to Warren township to be a classroom teacher for two years.
Wednesday September 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

11:00am EDT

Shhhh: Surprise Party for Lilly Theater’s 50th Birthday!
1.00 PD
Wednesday September 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Do you think the Lilly Theater is the coolest place in the museum? Of course you do! Come celebrate and learn about the 50-year history of the Lilly Theater through opening day photos, newspaper clippings, flyers and programs, and videos. Additionally, get insider access to past ideas for renovations, productions, and future plans!
Speakers
avatar for Kristin Wentz

Kristin Wentz

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 →
Wednesday September 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

11:00am EDT

Yep! We Do That! The AV & Creative Technology Team Dishes on Everthing It Takes To Keep Our Techno-Rich Museum at Full Tilt!
1.00 PD
Wednesday September 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
The AV team comes together to offer a compelling look at the art and science behind making the magic at TCM. Our panel of AV experts will address your questions in the engaging discussion!
Moderators
avatar for Brad McKinney

Brad McKinney

Design Lead - Interactive Technology
Brad McKinney is Design Lead of Interactive Technology at TCM. Prior to joining the Interactive Technology team at TCM, Brad taught Visual Communication Design (VCD) at Anderson University as tenured faculty in the Dept. of Art + Design. Upon the department’s closure, he took a... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey

Director of AV & Creative Technology
Jonathan Bailey is the Director of AV at our museum.  He went to school at Purdue University and graduated with a degree in Film and Video Studies.  After graduating he spent six years doing live video work for touring musicians before coming to the museum in 2018.  He also has... Read More →
avatar for Nico Rowland

Nico Rowland

Audio Visual Event Technician
Nico Rowland is our AV Event Technician. He went to Ball State University and graduated with a degree in Theatre Design and Technology. Nico grew up in Indianapolis and has been coming to the children’s museum since 2000 and started working at the museum in 2022. They swear on hydration... Read More →
avatar for Alex Hartley

Alex Hartley

AV Lighting Design Specialist
Alex Hartley is our Lighting Design Specialist at the museum. He attended Johnson University Florida where he studied communications. He has been working on AVL systems in one way or another since twelve years old! He has spent time as an AV contractor, Disney lighting tech, and... Read More →
avatar for Jason Umbreit

Jason Umbreit

AV Exhibit Automation Specialist
Jason Umbreit is our museum’s Exhibit Automation Specialist overseeing the power control systems for the interactives of the galleries since 2016. He has a Bachelor of Communications degree with emphasis on electronic media from University of Indianapolis. From college he worked... Read More →
Wednesday September 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

12:00pm EDT

Lunch
Wednesday September 23, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
Lunch
Wednesday September 23, 2026 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

The Designer's Mind: Black Box or Glass Box?
1.00 PD
Wednesday September 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Calling all TCM Designers! Come together to engage in discussion and community around the argument of whether the designer's mind is a "Black Box" or "Glass Box"—or is there another way?
Speakers
avatar for Brad McKinney

Brad McKinney

Design Lead - Interactive Technology
Brad McKinney is Design Lead of Interactive Technology at TCM. Prior to joining the Interactive Technology team at TCM, Brad taught Visual Communication Design (VCD) at Anderson University as tenured faculty in the Dept. of Art + Design. Upon the department’s closure, he took a... Read More →
Wednesday September 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

Discover the joy and wonder that goes on behind the doors to the 100 classrooms and beyond!
1.00 PD
Wednesday September 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Curious about the magic that takes place in the classrooms hallway and how those programs/events have evolved over the years? Come to this session to learn about experiences that are created and delivered to a variety of family audiences.
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Trumpey

Melissa Trumpey

Director, Public Events and Family Programs
I have a formal background in Elementary Education. I have worked as a teacher and also as an administrative coordinator for two for-profit, Fortune 500 companies. My TCM journey started 20 years ago when I was hired as the Information Coordinator for Interpretation and School Services... Read More →
Wednesday September 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

IC? Admin? Yes.
1.00 PD
Wednesday September 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Information Coordinators are now Admins, but the work (and the people doing it) remain central to museum operations. What does the ‘Admin’ role mean in practice? This panel explores administrative and operational support across the museum, examining the responsibilities these roles share, the specialized work unique to each position, and how Admins help sustain essential day-to-day functions behind the scenes.
Speakers
avatar for Siobhan Mewhinney

Siobhan Mewhinney

Exhibits Project Coordinator
Siobhan started her TCM journey as a Special Exhibits Gallery Interpreter in 2019, was part of the first cohort of Tier II Gallery Interpreters in 2021, and moved to her current role as Exhibits Project Coordinator in 2022. Although much of her time is dedicated to serving exhibit... Read More →
avatar for Alysia Prunier

Alysia Prunier

Executive Office Administrator
Alysia Prunier has been the Executive Office Administrator for the past 7.5 years. She provides executive-level administrative and operational support to museum leadership, helping coordinate strategic initiatives, Board and executive meetings, communications, travel, and organizational... Read More →
avatar for Liv Williams

Liv Williams

Administrative and Project Coordinator, Experience Development
Liv serves as the Administrative and Project Coordinator for Experience Development at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, where she supports exhibit teams and cross-departmental initiatives through project coordination, planning, and collaboration. She enjoys bringing people together... Read More →
avatar for Kriss Ziegler

Kriss Ziegler

Admin Coordinator, RSLE
Kriss Ziegler started out as a Seasonal Coach in RSLE. They were passionate about staying on during the off season, which wasn’t a guarantee for seasonal staff, and one of the stipulations for staying was working as an elf in Jolly Days. Snickerdoodle; Knight of the Sprinkle Forest... Read More →
avatar for Amy Telezyn

Amy Telezyn

Collections Coordinator & Assistant Registrar
Amy Telezyn is the Collections Coordinator & Assistant Registrar for the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, where she has supported the Collections department for the past 10 years. In her role, she provides administrative, operational, and collections management support and has... Read More →
Wednesday September 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

Break
Wednesday September 23, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT
Break
Wednesday September 23, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

Connect with Colleagues: Fiber Arts Fanatics
0.50 PD
Wednesday September 23, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT
Grab your looms, yarn, and needles! Collaborate with fellow TCM fiber arts-enthusiasts while you get hooked on conference conversation.  Keep each other in the loop while you practice your craft and build community! All skill levels (and materials) welcome.
Speakers
avatar for Becky Wolfe

Becky Wolfe

Director of School Programs and Educational Resources

Wednesday September 23, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

Conversation Station: 2027 Ideas for DEAI media studies, Demystifying the Museum series and Lunch and Learn Sessions
0.50 PD
Wednesday September 23, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT
Is there a part of the museum you want to know more about? Do you have a book recommendation you've been itching to share? Join this session to help the Training Team brainstorm future DEAI Media Studies, Demystifying the Museum tours, and Lunch and Learn topics!
Moderators
avatar for Marissa Ulie

Marissa Ulie

Training and Professional Development Assistant/DEAI Task Force Assistant Lead
Known as a "Jack of All Trades", I have had the unique privilege of working in nearly every division within the cultural sector. From development and event planning, to collections management and interpretation - I am always looking for opportunities to use my background in Anthropology... Read More →
Wednesday September 23, 2026 2:15pm - 2:45pm EDT

3:00pm EDT

Behind the Clipboard: How Evaluation Supports Visitors, Staff, and the Museum’s Mission
1.00 PD
Wednesday September 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Come learn what TCM’s Research and Evaluation Department does and how we support the Museum as a learning institution! We will use the Take Me There: Peru experience as a case study to unpack the evaluation process and how we collect data from visitors to answer questions for other staff members.
Speakers
avatar for Claire Thoma Emmons

Claire Thoma Emmons

Research and Evaluation Associate
I have been part of the M-Team for over 15 years. I love helping the institution and my coworkers learn what is working for our constituents and where we can improve our experiences and practices to achieve our mission!
avatar for Susan Foutz

Susan Foutz

Director of Research and Evaluation
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 →
avatar for Syd Overtoom

Syd Overtoom

Research Assistant
Syd Overtoom (he/they), MA is the Research Assistant in the Museum's Research and Evaluation department. They were previously the Research and Evaluation Intern while completing their Master of Arts in Museum Studies at IU Indianapolis. He is often out on the floor, asking visitors... Read More →
Wednesday September 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

3:00pm EDT

Demystifying DEAI: The Work and The Change
1.00 PD
Wednesday September 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Please join to connect with current and former DEAI taskforce members as they consolidate the history of the taskforce to talk on the current state of the DEAI task force and its alumni group, and the efforts that have been accomplished. See how your peers' efforts have affected the museum through a presented timeline and ask how the taskforce is working toward future projects. See if this is something that you want to be a part of.
Speakers
avatar for Jess Knudsen-Bahney

Jess Knudsen-Bahney

Manager of Individual Giving
Manager of Individual Giving, over 4 years at the Museum, 3 years of service on the Task Force, 1st year of service on the alumni group, part of the LGBTQ+ community
avatar for Nico Rowland

Nico Rowland

Audio Visual Event Technician
Nico Rowland is our AV Event Technician. He went to Ball State University and graduated with a degree in Theatre Design and Technology. Nico grew up in Indianapolis and has been coming to the children’s museum since 2000 and started working at the museum in 2022. They swear on hydration... Read More →
avatar for Bre Pulphus

Bre Pulphus

Volunteer Services Coordinator
4 years at the museum, 1st year of service on the DEAI taskforce, Black bisexual married to an undocumented Mexican immigrant, Volunteer Services Coordinator, former Youth Program Instructor, former middle school English teacher** I will make sure you receive Bre's headshot!! 
Wednesday September 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

3:00pm EDT

Work Hard Play Hard - The Impact of RSLE
1.00 PD
Wednesday September 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
You have walked the track, helped to run the Ferris Wheel, or visited our taco stand, but do you really know what all goes on outside in RSLE? Learn about how this department has impacted the museum over the last decade and debunk some myths on what it is we actually do. Our team works hard and plays hard, and through this presentation we hope to inspire other teams to do the same.
Speakers
avatar for Abby Hall

Abby Hall

RSLE Program and Training Supervisor
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.
avatar for Laura Hix

Laura Hix

RSLE Staffing and Scheduling Supervisor
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.
avatar for Kyle Hess

Kyle Hess

RSLE Operations and Events Supervisor
Kyle Hess started as an RSLE coach before getting promoted to the RSLE Operations Supervisor. He is currently the RSLE Operations and Events Manager.
Wednesday September 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

4:15pm EDT

Closing Reflection Session
0.75 PD
Wednesday September 23, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
As we wrap up Bigger Than a Building: Celebrating a Team that Will Inspire the Future, join us for a collaborative closing reflection session. This interactive experience will give you an opportunity to connect with colleagues, share insights, and identify ways to put your learning into action.

Participants will be assigned to breakout rooms where you'll contribute to a shared digital Jamboard and discuss highlights from the conference. Together, we'll reflect on key lessons, celebrate impactful presentations, and explore how conference ideas can strengthen our work moving forward.

Whether you attended one session or many, your perspective matters. Help us conclude the conference by sharing what inspired you, what challenged your thinking, and how we'll continue learning together long after the event ends.

Moderators
avatar for Marissa Ulie

Marissa Ulie

Training and Professional Development Assistant/DEAI Task Force Assistant Lead
Known as a "Jack of All Trades", I have had the unique privilege of working in nearly every division within the cultural sector. From development and event planning, to collections management and interpretation - I am always looking for opportunities to use my background in Anthropology... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Shanna Martin

Shanna Martin

Director of Training & Professional Development
I began working at TCM in 2019 as the Director of Community Initiatives.  In 2021, I moved into my current position and also became the lead for the DEAI Task Force.  In my role I facilitate NSO, implement exhibit trainings, coordinate trainings with outside facilitators, lead DEAI... Read More →
Wednesday September 23, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
 
Bigger than a Building: Celebrating a Team that will Inspire the Future
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