ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions. ***************************************************************************** ASTC is pleased to launch a new awards program this year! The six Leading Edge Awards will be presented at the ASTC Annual Conference in Richmond to ASTC members and/or their employees in recognition of extraordinary accomplishments in Visitor Experience, Business Practice, and Leadership in the Field that not only enhance the performance of their own institutions, but also significantly advance the mission of science-technology centers and museums. In order to encourage broad participation, there are categories for both large and small institutions and for individuals new to the field and those with more than three years experience. The purpose of the new program is two-fold, to recognize and celebrate innovation and leadership in the field and to provide best practices-one of the association's top strategic objectives. We owe a huge thanks to the volunteer task force that conceived the Leading Edge Awards program, Jo Haas (Carnegie Science Center), Alan Nursall (Science North), and Dennis Schatz (Pacific Science Center). Deadline is April 1, 2005. Go to www.astc.org/about/awards/leading_edge.htm for details and nomination forms. (Please note that this web page is not yet accessible from ASTC's web site.) Contact: Diane Frendak, [log in to unmask]; 202/783-7200 x112. *********************************************************************** More information about the Informal Science Education Network and the Association of Science-Technology Centers may be found at http://www.astc.org. To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the message SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to [log in to unmask]