2026 Annual Conference Proposals Applications

  • 2026 MAAM Annual Conference Call for Proposals Applications

    The Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums Annual Conference is dedicated to fostering excellence in museums by providing high-quality professional development, networking opportunities, and special events for museum professionals in the region. Please be sure to read the entire Call for Proposals with session guidelines.

  • Contact Information

    Include the name, pronouns, title, museum/institution/firm, and full contact information of the person submitting this session proposal.  Typically, this is the same person who will chair or facilitate the session, but that is not a requirement.

  • Session Details

    Please carefully review the Call for Proposal details when completing this session.
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    • Panel (75 minutes): Conference panels feature 3-4 presenters sharing diverse perspectives on a museum-related theme. Panels may include individual presentations, a moderated discussion, and audience Q&A, aiming to spark dynamic conversations and explore key issues. A moderator is recommended for managing time and questions. Proposals should reflect varied voices and experiences. Single-institution case studies are, of course, acceptable.
    • Discussion/Roundtable (75 minutes): Discussion sessions are designed to foster dialogue and idea exchange, often incorporating small group activities. Proposals should outline prompts and guiding questions, with one to three presenters facilitating.
    • Workshops (75-120 minutes): Workshops offer skill-building training with actionable steps and takeaways, such as templates or resources. Sessions are hands-on, lasting 90-120 minutes or fitting into a 75-minute breakout. Workshops may require an additional registration fee for attendee (depending on facility needs), and presenters provide materials. Topics may include evaluation, repatriation, collections care, recruitment, digital collections, fundraising, exhibit development, accessibility, or career advising.
    • Town Hall (75 minutes): Town Halls are open forums for discussing key museum issues. Facilitators guide conversations, encouraging diverse perspectives and audience participation to share insights and generate ideas.
    • Quick Takes (10 minutes or less during a breakout): Quick Takes are short, high-impact sessions designed to deliver fresh ideas, practical insights, and real-world solutions in a concise, engaging format. Each session features a limited number of brief presentations, each 10 minutes or less, offered back-to-back to give attendees a snapshot of innovative projects, tools, challenges, or approaches shaping museum practice today. Quick Takes are ideal for sharing emerging trends, creative problem-solving strategies, and lessons learned from the field.  We recommend no more than 3 presenters.
    • Poster Presentations (students only): Poster Presentations showcase student projects and research from museum studies or related programs, emphasizing museum-based topics. This format offers students a professional presentation experience and a chance to share academic trends and projects. Undergraduate and graduate students, and those who have graduated within one year of the previous annual conference, are eligible to submit. Presentations may occur during coffee breaks or other Affinity Group meeting times, where presenters discuss their work to single or small groups of attendees using visual or material aids. MAAM may make changes to this format based on the number of submissions. 
    • Collections Stewardship (e.g. collection development plans)
    • Education & Programming (e.g. accessibility; visitor experience, community engagement, etc.)
    • Exhibitions (e.g. universal design; navigating challenging topics)
    • Fundraising & Revenue (e.g. event fundraising; sponsorship development; membership development; grant writing)
    • Leadership & Operations (e.g. board relations/governance; institutional identify; labor and unions; addressing inequalities in the field)
    • Marketing & Communications (e.g. social media engagement; event promotion, etc.)
    • Technology and its use in museums  (e.g. mobile platforms; AI; use of technology in a social responsible way, and other #musetech topics)
    • Nuts and Bolts (emphasis on general how tos rather than specific case study)

  • Workshop Details

  • Session Chair/Moderator Information

    This is the primary point of contact for the panel.
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  • Speaker Information

    Please indicate if you need assistance identifying additional panelists. Proposals that only include the proposer with multiple unfilled spots are unlikely to be selected. MAAM is happy to assist in diversifying and strengthening panels that are mostly confirmed but may benefit from an additional perspective. However, it is ultimately your responsibility to secure and finalize your panel. If requesting assistance, please ensure ample time for outreach and coordination.
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  • Alignment with MAAM’s Mission & Values

  • Mission: The Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums empowers and connects those working in and supporting museums to build inclusive, sustainable, and resilient organizations essential to their communities. 

     

    Values:

    Inclusion, Equity, and Accessibility: We champion inclusion, equity, and accessibility across the museum field to cultivate the well-being of both museum workers and the public.


    Empathy and Respect: We approach our work with compassion and encourage thoughtful, transformational inclusion efforts within the field.


    Curiosity and Innovation: We are dedicated to creating a culture of learning and creativity, where museums are safe spaces for dialogue and the exploration of new ideas—both for the public and within the museum profession.


    Stewardship and Public Service: We advocate for the value of museums as essential to civic and cultural well-being, and support policies that promote their sustainability and service to the public good.


    Community and Collaboration: We believe in the power of connection—among professionals, volunteers, and institutions—to build strong museums and communities.


    Professional Development and Excellence: We are dedicated to advancing development opportunities that promote lifelong learning, growth, and inclusive practices in training and leadership development.

  • Acknowledgements

    Review and confirm your understanding of the presentation commitment.

  • Please note, sessions may be recorded and made available to conference attendees post conference. MAAM will communicate any special instructions regarding recordings. By participating as session presenter, you consent to having your session recorded. Please contact MAAM with specific questions.

    By submitting this form, I understand that if this session is accepted, I am making a commitment to my peers and to MAAM. If this session is accepted, we understand:

    • It is my responsibility as session contact to communicate all logistical information to session speakers.
    • Speakers will not use the session as a platform for promoting products or services.
    • All speakers must register for the conference. If a presenter attends only their own session, they are exempt from registration fees but may not participate in other sessions or conference activities; they are still required to register.
    • Speakers are confirmed and available to present on any dates noted for the program
    • Speakers understand that they may be asked to share session materials and resources in the conference program and are open to the request.
    • Speakers agree to abide by the conference Code of Conduct and Health Policy
    • At least one person on the panel must be a member of MAAM or must become a member of MAAM before the preliminary program is released.
    • All sessions must include at least one museum professional. This can include independent museum professionals or museum professionals in transition.
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