Upcoming Events
Conferences:
Small Museum Association Conference 2026 – York, Pennsylvania
16th – 18th February 2026
Explore how museums are dealing with the challenges of climate change, from more extreme weather events to changing community needs. Join other small museum professionals and volunteers in discussing the key role small museums can play in educating, engaging, and supporting their communities in the face of changing physical and social climates. Click the link below to read more or submit a proposal.
Irish Museums Association 2026 – Peace Campus, Monaghan, Ireland
5th – 6th March 2026
Under the theme, Shared Futures – Museums as Spaces of Belonging, the 2026 conference will explore the role of museums as truly inclusive civic spaces, where belonging is nurtured through action, collaboration, and shared responsibility.
Sessions will aim to highlight good practice in reshaping historical narratives, forging meaningful cross-community partnerships, drawing on border contexts for richer storytelling, and translating equity, diversity and social inclusion principles into lasting organisational change. Find out more or submit a proposal via the link below.
ICOM UK 2026 Annual Conference: Museum Diplomacy in Action – Oxford, UK
16th – 17th April 2026
The ICOM UK conference for 2026 will showcase practical examples of how museums can engage in cultural diplomacy to bridge cultural divides, address global challenges, stimulate collaboration, strengthen and heal international relationships. It will explore the unique position of museums as powerful cultural diplomats in an uncertain world. Delegates can expect to learn from tangible examples of museum diplomacy in action and leave feeling empowered to think about their own role and agenda on an international stage.
The Association of Art Museum Curators 2026 – New York City, New York, USA
30th April – 1st May 2026
AAMC is the flagship organization for nonprofit art curators across the globe. Each year we host the Art Curators Conference, the singular event centering on the art curatorial profession. The multi-day event includes networking, special events, sessions, keynotes, and special events. Leading up to the event are leadership initiatives in conjunction with our Propel and PACC Programs.
Museums + Heritage Show 2026 – London, UK
13th – 14th May 2026
For more than 30 years, the Museums + Heritage Show has been bringing together the cultural sector, enabling knowledge sharing and vital networking across all disciplines.
The Show is two jam-packed days featuring more than 70 talks, 90 speakers, 150 exhibitors, masterclasses, demos, networking sessions, recruitment advice, digital clinics, chat and support, and all for FREE! You’ll come away brimming with ideas, inspiration and all the practical support you need.
American Alliance of Museums 2026 – Philadelphia, PA, USA
20th – 23rd May 2026
The American Alliance of Museums champions equitable and impactful museums by connecting people, fostering learning and community, and nurturing museum excellence.
The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is the only organization representing the entire museum field, from art and history museums to science centers and zoos. Since 1906, we have been championing museums through advocacy and providing museum professionals with the resources, knowledge, inspiration, and connections they need to move the field forward.
Association of Independent Museums Conference 2026: Museums Connecting Communities – Ushaw Historic House, and Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, Co Durham, UK
10th – 11th June 2026
What defines a truly successful museum? This perennial question lies at the heart of this year’s conference. Drawing on groundbreaking new research into the sector’s most effective business models, we will unpack the essential strategies and practical steps your institution needs to succeed.
This year promises a dynamic mix of inspiration, practical advice, and sector-wide collaboration. Two days of learning, networking, and sharing strategies that will act as a catalyst for change.
Museums Association Conference 2026: Museums Connecting Communities – Birmingham, UK
2nd – 4th November 2026
This year’s conference celebrates how the sector is finding inventive ways to work with communities through challenging times to create a positive future for all.
We explore how museums are helping to restore civic pride, create hope and encourage social change by forging deeper and more meaningful links with the communities that they serve.
NEMO European Museum Conference 2026 – Vilnius, Lithuania
11th – 13th October 2026
The NEMO European Museum Conference will explore how AI, cybersecurity and digitalisation are reshaping cultural institutions, and how museums can foster trust, participation and resilience.
Registration opens in June 2026.
