This session will give a view into the makings of our experience calendar. Every staff member, volunteer, and intern interfaces with the experiences through their creation, operation, or communication of the experiences, and can benefit from understanding how they all connect across the year.
I joined this amazing institution in 2003 and have played a role in experience development since my early days in the Lilly Theater, Interpretation, Exhibits, and now as VP of Experience Development & Family Learning. My graduate work focused on rural museums as part of their community... Read More →
Ever wondered how great design can strengthen your communication materials? Join Brad McKinney as he guides a hands-on workshop peeling back the veil shrouding the mysteries of making good design decisions. No design skill required...you'll walk away from the workshop with a fresh perspective on design that will improve the visual experience of those with whom you commicate!
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 →
Bar graphs…pie charts…infographics…oh my! A good visual is a compelling communication tool, but too often we are presented with graphs that are confusing rather than illuminating. This interactive workshop will empower you to transform Excel’s default graphs into clear data visuals that help your team make informed decisions!
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!
The workshop will start with a look at the history of how we started with Sketchup and how it has been integrated into our exhibit process. Sketchup is highly adaptable software that can be used to support many processes in the TCM environment. Information regarding global usage and market share will demonstrate the variery of users and the adaptability of the software.
I have been a staff Member for 30 years. My first years as the Lilly theater scenic designer and head technician. The last 25 years I have been the Senior Cad Designer for the Exhibit Department.
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... See More →
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... See More →
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 →
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.
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 →
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 →
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.
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 →
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.
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
HR 103 for Supervisors - Important things supervisors need to know when having difficult conversations, administering progressive discipline, and managing leaves.
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... See More →
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
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... See More →
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
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.
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
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!
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
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!
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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
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?
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 →
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.
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 →
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... See More →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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.
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!
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 →
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.
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!
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 →
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 →
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... See More →
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
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 →
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!!
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.
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.
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... See More →
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 →
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 →
