DinoFest 2024: Cracking the Code of Dinosaur Damage & Defense

SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 15, 2024 – The Natural History Museum of Utah’s eighth-annual DinoFest features world-class paleontologists, special access to state-of-the-art paleontology lab and collection areas, a variety of community partners, and activities for all ages. One of NHMU’s largest events, visitors can experience the two-day festival Saturday, Jan. 27, and Sunday, Jan. 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

The theme of this year’s DinoFest is Damage and Defense. The event brings together experts on a wide range of threats – from how dinosaurs fended off attacks by predators to their ability to withstand disease and infection.  Each day, in-person speakers from across the globe will deliver a keynote as well as several “DinoBite” talks – bite sized presentations on groundbreaking discoveries. Among the topics covered over the two-day festival: the surprising ways Triceratops used their horns, the spiniest dinosaur ever known, and how scientists are learning about disease from hundreds of millions of years ago. 

“Dinosaurs and their defense strategies have long been a fascination of scientists. This year’s DinoFest gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about what has intrigued dinosaur lovers for generations – how dinosaurs used their natural armor and weapons,” said Dr. Jason Cryan, The Sarah B. George Executive Director of the Natural History Museum of Utah.  “I am excited for visitors young and old to find inspiration in our outstanding speakers and feed their curiosity in all of the amazing activities DinoFest has to offer.”  

Dr. David Evans of the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and University of Toronto will deliver the Keynote on Saturday sharing evidence of surprising dinosaur “fight clubs.” The keynote speaker on Sunday, Dr. Susannah Maidment from the Natural History Museum, London, UK, will offer insight into the mystery surrounding Stegosaurus’ distinctive armor. 

“This is the event for all things dinosaurs,” said Carrie Levitt-Bussian, paleontology collections manager at the Natural History Museum of Utah. “DinoFest is for experts and amateurs alike, and I am excited visitors will have the chance to learn the latest discoveries in the world of paleontology.” 

For those wanting to get up close and personal with dinosaur fossils, the Museum’s paleontology prep lab and the vast paleontological collection will be open for visitors to explore. More than 10 community partners from Utah and the intermountain region will be in the Canyon offering educational activities along with ideas for dinosaur-themed activities around the region that guests can visit themselves. Jurassic Street Tacos food truck will be at the Museum for carnivores and herbivores alike.  

Advanced reservations are strongly recommended. The event is included with Museum admission and free for Museum Members. Admission also includes access to the Museum’s current special exhibition, Becoming Jane. More information and Museum tickets can be found online at nhmu.utah.edu.  

DinoFest 2024 Interview Opportunities:

• Carrie Levitt-Bussian, paleontology collections manager at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Carrie manages and curates over 50,000 paleontological specimens at NHMU. 
• Tylor Birthisel, paleontology fossil preparator and paleontology prep lab manager at the Natural History Museum of Utah.
• Dr. Mark Loewen, vertebrate paleontologist at the University of Utah who specializes in research on dinosaurs including Allosaurus, Tyrannosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Triceratops. Dr. Loewen starred in the viral Vanity Fair YouTube video "Paleontologist Reviews Dinosaur Movie Scenes".  
• Dr. Jim Kirkland, state paleontologist of Utah. Dr. Kirkland is credited with discovering and name Utahraptor. 

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About the Natural History Museum of Utah   

The Natural History Museum of Utah is one of the leading scientific research and cultural institutions in the country. Established in 1963, the museum’s 10 permanent exhibitions are anchored by its state-of-the-art collections and research facilities containing almost 2 million objects. These collections are used in studies on geological, biological, and cultural diversity, and the history of living systems and human cultures within the Utah region. The museum hosts approximately 300,000 general visitors a year and provides one of the most spectacular private event settings in the Salt Lake City area. NHMU also broadens the reach of its mission through a variety of science-based outreach programs to communities and schools throughout Utah, reaching every school district in the state every other year.