The North Africa and Middle East Science Engagement Network (NAMES) is a vibrant community dedicated to fostering science engagement in the region. Through conferences, workshops, and online platforms, NAMES connects professionals, enthusiasts, and policymakers to advance science communication, build capacity, and address regional challenges.
Call to Host NAMES 2026
NAMES invites Science Centers and Science Museum in the North Africa and Middle East region to submit proposals to host the 8th NAMES Conference and General Assembly Meeting in 2026.
Why Host NAMES 2026?
Hosting NAMES 2026 offers a unique opportunity to:
- Enhance your institution's visibility and reputation on a regional and international stage.
- Showcase your center's achievements and initiatives to a diverse audience of scientists, communicators, and policymakers.
- Attract potential partnerships and funding opportunities through increased visibility and networking.
- Position your institution as a leader in science engagement within the region.
- Contribute to the growth and development of the NAMES network.
Benefits of Hosting
- Advance Science Communication Practices: Promote best practices, encourage innovation, and address misinformation and disinformation.
- Foster Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate networking, cross-disciplinary dialogue, and identification of regional trends and challenges.
- Enhance Public Understanding of Science: Build trust, inspire future generations, and inform policy decisions.
- Promote Scientific Literacy: Empower citizens, foster informed debate, and address societal challenges.
Host Responsibilities
- Planning and Execution: Develop a detailed conference plan, secure a suitable venue, manage logistics, and collaborate with the NAMES Steering Office (SO) on program development.
- Financial Management: Cover expenses through registration fees, booth rentals, and potential sponsorships, manage the conference budget, and provide financial reports to the SO.
- Marketing and Promotion: Implement a comprehensive marketing and promotion strategy to attract participants.
- Participant Experience: Ensure a smooth registration process, provide excellent attendee support, and organize high-quality sessions, workshops, and keynote speeches.
- Post-Conference Evaluation: Collect feedback from participants and exhibitors and prepare a detailed report on the conference's success and lessons learned.
SO Responsibilities
- Oversight and Guidance: Provide guidance and support to the host throughout the planning process.
- Marketing and Promotion: Develop and implement a global marketing strategy.
- Financial Management: Monitor and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
- Post-Conference Evaluation: Collect and analyze feedback to improve future conferences.
Key Points
- The host and the SO work collaboratively to deliver a successful conference.
- The host is responsible for ensuring the financial viability of the conference.
- High-quality standards must be maintained throughout the planning and execution process.
- The conference should provide a valuable experience for all participants.
- Post-conference evaluation is essential for continuous improvement.
Call to action
We invite you to consider hosting the NAMES 2026 Conference and General Assembly Meeting. This is a remarkable opportunity to contribute to the professional community and shape the future of our network. Let’s collaborate for success!
NAMES 2026 represents a pivotal moment for science centers and museums in the North Africa and the Middle East region. Together, we can create a lasting impact on science engagement and inspire future generations.