Liverpool hosts delegates from 24 countries for Hands On! International Conference 2025
by Educate Magazine December 8, 2025 · All News / Latest Features
The bi-annual Hands On! International Conference, a leading global event for children’s museums and cultural professionals, was hosted in Liverpool by Eureka! The National Children’s Museum at the end of last month [25 – 28 November 2025].
The event showcased three iconic venues: St Georges Hall, Museum of Liverpool and Eureka! Science + Discovery. Delegates from 24 countries enjoyed a fantastic Merseyside experience. An apres-conference social at Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club kicked off the event in true Merseybeat style.
Steve Rotheram, metro mayor of the Liverpool City Region, provided a warm welcome to delegates. He reiterated his commitment to museums, science centres and cultural spaces as vital spaces for shaping future innovators and changemakers.
Inspiring keynote speakers
Over two days, three keynote speakers inspired delegates. Dame Rachel de Souza, children’s commissioner for England, spoke passionately about improving life chances for disadvantaged children. Dr Helen Charman, director of Young V&A at the Victoria and Albert Museum, shared insights from her 30 years of experience in cultural learning. Baroness Floella Benjamin, OM, DBE, DL – award-winning broadcaster, author, and children’s rights campaigner – received a standing ovation after urging delegates to remember the difference museums and cultural spaces can make to children’s experiences of growing up.
Leigh-Anne Stradeski, chief executive officer of Eureka! said:
“We have been thrilled and honoured to host the 2025 Hands-On! International conference. We chose the conference theme of Making A Difference because it captures both the inspiration and the challenge of the work we do. It reflects our commitment to the children and families we serve, the role our institutions play within society, and the responsibility we carry as professionals at a time of rapid global change. It was a great opportunity to showcase Eureka! Science + Discovery, alongside other iconic cultural spaces and experiences in Liverpool. The conference delivered on all fronts, and it’s very gratifying to know that we provided a space for our international colleagues to think, learn, challenge and to return home energised”.
International delegates were then immersed in multiple activities. The sessions featured presentations and hands-on workshops that showcased innovative practice from children’s museums and cultural spaces for children from around the globe.
Hands On! president Jörg Ehtreiber reminded attendees that children – often most affected by adult decisions – deserve strong advocates. He closed the event by thanking organisers and delegates for contributing to a conference driven by a genuine desire for positive change.
Celebrating innovation
The event also hosted the Award ceremony for the European Museum Academy (EMA) and Hands On! International Association of Children in Museums Award. The shortlist featured museums that are particularly creative and unique in how they address the needs of children.
Annemies Broekgaarden, board member of EMA, head of Public & Education at the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam and director of the Children and Museums Award added that:
“the Children in Museums Award recognises the innovative power of children’s museums, discovery centres, exhibitions and programs internationally. It makes good practices visible that can make a difference in the lives of children worldwide.”
The local HAIL Quartet, all members of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and the Wirral Youth String Quartet Academy, played as the audience filled the stunning Concert Room at St Georges Hall. A formal ceremony then announced La Nube STEAM Discovery Center, from El Paso, Texas, USA as the winner. A Special Commendation was also awarded to the Museum of Ethnography in Budapest.
Delegates ended the event with a trip across the Mersey on the iconic Mersey Ferry. They experienced and learned from best practice in co-creation with children at Merseyside’s newest children’s attraction Eureka! Science + Discovery.
