diff --git a/src/Caliburn.Micro.Core/ConductorBaseWithActiveItem.cs b/src/Caliburn.Micro.Core/ConductorBaseWithActiveItem.cs
index eb05e3948..bda5d860f 100644
--- a/src/Caliburn.Micro.Core/ConductorBaseWithActiveItem.cs
+++ b/src/Caliburn.Micro.Core/ConductorBaseWithActiveItem.cs
@@ -43,11 +43,12 @@ protected virtual async Task ChangeActiveItemAsync(T newItem, bool closePrevious
 
             newItem = EnsureItem(newItem);
 
+            _activeItem = newItem;
+            NotifyOfPropertyChange(nameof(ActiveItem));
+
             if (IsActive)
                 await ScreenExtensions.TryActivateAsync(newItem, cancellationToken);
 
-            _activeItem = newItem;
-            NotifyOfPropertyChange(nameof(ActiveItem));
             OnActivationProcessed(_activeItem, true);
         }