The Western Museums Association’s (WMA) Annual Meeting is a distinct opportunity for museum people to exchange ideas, learn from peers in unique sessions, and cultivate skills to best serve their communities through museums. Dynamic sessions and other content at the Annual Meeting emphasize equity, action, and leadership. Attendees will find fellowship with peers, strengthen regional and national networks, and gain a broader understanding of how museums are navigating current issues.
Please review the FAQs below for more information.
Dates & Location • Rates & Registration
Scholarships & Volunteers • Programming
Request for Proposals • Exhibitors, Sponsors, & Advertisers
Online registration for WMA 2026 opens in June!
Click HERE to become a WMA Member
DATES & LOCATION
What are the dates and location of WMA's 2025 Annual Meeting?
What is the headquarters hotel & location for WMA's 2026 Annual Meeting?
The Annual Meeting sessions and activities will take place at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center with Pre-Conference Tours and Evening Events hosted at cultural institutions in SLC. WMA Annual Meetings are all about connecting with colleagues, sharing ideas, and having fun. We help facilitate these by contracting with a hotel for a discounted room block and centralizing meeting spaces - both of which require minimum financial thresholds to be met.
Staying in the headquarters hotel makes connecting with colleagues easier and helps us keep the Annual Meeting affordable to attendees. Online reservations will open in June and will be available through late-August, at a discounted rate of $199/night.
RATES & REGISTRATION
When will registration open?
Online registration for WMA's 2026 Annual Meeting opens in June!
Is there Early Bird Registration? When does it end?
Yes, every year WMA offers a limited-release special discounted rate for WMA, MAA, and MTA Members. The 2025 Early Bird Member registration rate goes through Friday, July 31, 2026.
What are registration options & rates for WMA 2026?
Full Meeting
Full Meeting (4-day) registration includes access to all sessions, networking activities, and some free events. You may choose to purchase tickets for additional add-ons: Pre-Conference Tours and Workshops; Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Evening Events; Affinity Luncheons; and Receptions. All add-ons are reserved for Annual Meeting attendees, and do require pre-registration. Registered attendees are able to purchase extra tickets for some events for non-attendees.
Member Early Bird Rate ..... $410
Member Regular Rate ..... $465
Non-Member Rate ..... $530
Student Rate ..... $265
Single Day
Single Day (1-day) registration includes access to all sessions, networking activities, and any free events happening only on that day. You may choose to purchase tickets for additional add-ons (not limited to your single-day selection): Pre-Conference Tours and Workshops; Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Evening Events; Affinity Luncheons; and Receptions. All add-ons are reserved for Annual Meeting attendees, and do require pre-registration.
General Rate ..... $240
Are there discounts available?
The 2026 Early Bird Member registration rate ends on Friday, July 31st. Not a WMA member? Join now!
Applications for 2026 Scholarships will open in May (deadline: mid-June)
Volunteering is a great opportunity to receive a discount – in exchange for hours work, volunteers can attend an equal number of hours of non-ticketed Annual Meeting events and sessions. More information about volunteering will be announced in early August.
Please contact wma@westmuse.org for Presenter Rate information
What is the cancellation / refund policy for WMA 2026?
Cancellations made in writing on or before August 28, 2026 will be refunded, minus a $100.00 processing fee. Cancellations after August 28, 2026, will not be refunded. No-shows will not be refunded. Please contact WMA for further information or if you have any questions.
How can I justify my attendance to WMA 2026?
WMA offers a Justification Toolkit - a free resource to help you demonstrate the rewards of the investment of your attendance to your supervisors or organization. By verbalizing the numbers of new skills you will learn, the networking opportunities that will be available, and the ultimate benefits attendees bring back to their organizations, you can strengthen your case for receiving support. Please view our Justification Toolkit here.
Are families and children welcome at the Annual Meeting?
Yes! To increase accessibility for museum professionals with families, WMA will offer a space to play or relax and will be filled with children's books and toys for a range of ages.
SCHOLARSHIPS & VOLUNTEERS
Are scholarships available for WMA 2026?
The Wanda Chin Scholarship helps to make attendance at the Annual Meeting financially accessible to individuals who might otherwise not be able to attend. Funded through an annual silent auction and donations, the Wanda Chin Professional Development Program is a vital component of the WMA mission and allows WMA to create opportunities for its constituents to build skill-sets to better serve their communities. Applications for 2026 Scholarships open in May.
Can I donate to support scholarships?
Yes! By donating to the Wanda Chin Scholarship Fund, you will help to subsidize participation in WMA's Annual Meeting for professionals who might not otherwise be able to attend. The Annual Meeting is an opportunity for everyone to network with colleagues learn best practices, and gain new skillsets that can be applied within their own institutions and local communities.
There are two ways to donate and make an impact:
- Donate to the Wanda Chin Scholarship Fund by clicking here. Choose the amount you wish to donate and specify that your donation is for the 'Wanda Chin Scholarship' in the comments section
- Support the Wanda Chin Scholarship Program by bidding on items in the Annual Meeting's Silent Auction. Proceeds directly fund this program
Donate to the Wanda Chin Scholarship Fund
Can I Volunteer at WMA 2026? What are the benefits?
Yes! WMA seeks enthusiastic volunteers to assist WMA staff with a variety of roles at the Annual Meeting. In exchange for hours work, volunteers can attend an equal number of hours of non-ticketed Annual Meeting events and sessions. Volunteers must work for time periods equal to a minimum of 4 hours; this can be broken up into two 2-hour shifts or one 4-hour shift. Volunteer opportunities will be announced this August.
PROGRAMMING
What is the theme of WMA 2026?
This year we gather in Salt Lake City, a place shaped by layered histories, evolving communities, and ongoing efforts to reckon with land, identity, and belonging. With the theme of ASPIRE, WMA 2026 invites museum professionals to imagine boldly, reaching beyond inherited boundaries to shape futures not yet written. To ASPIRE is not simply to dream; it is to take intentional steps toward transformation. Whether expanding community engagement, rethinking stewardship, or exploring new interpretive strategies, to ASPIRE requires us to hold space for possibility - and to take action!
What sessions, events, and networking opportunities will WMA 2026 feature?
With over 40 sessions, 1 General Session and Keynote, 4 Evening Events, Pre-Conference Tours, and many new opportunities to share content with colleagues and make in-person connections, #WMA2026 will be a fun and creative gathering of museum folk. For more details on the Annual Meeting sessions, events, and networking opportunities. For more details on the Annual Meeting sessions, events, and networking opportunities, look for the Preliminary Program to be available in June.
Who is WMA's 2026 Keynote Speaker?
How can I best prepare for the Annual Meeting and its activities?
Whether this year is your first time at WMA's Annual Meeting, or you're a WMA regular, there can be a lot to think about when preparing for a multi-day networking conference. To ease your mind and to help you smoothly navigate through the 2026 Annual Meeting while maximizing your professional development, we have put together a simple Attendee Guide for your use. In this Guide, we share some things to consider as you prepare for the colorful Autumn of Salt Lake City and make your way through the 4-days at WMA 2026.
Will there be a virtual option for WMA 2026?
WMA 2026 is designed as an in-person gathering focused on connection and professional growth. With the understanding that hybrid events are effectively two separate events layered on top of each other with their own logistics, expenses, and staffing needs, there will not be a virtual component for WMA 2026. Our goal is to keep registration costs as low as possible. A virtual option would substantially increase rates and therefore reduce the number of people who could access professional development. However, you can get a glimpse of the happenings at #WMA2026 by following WMA on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or X.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
General Info
Who can submit a proposal?
Anyone can submit a proposal for the following: Session, Workshop, Poster Session, Roundtable Host, or Activity Station Host. More information can be found here.
What will I receive if my proposal is accepted?
If your proposal is accepted for any of WMA's proposal opportunities, you will receive a discounted “contributor” rate to the Annual Meeting.
What is the Program Committee's review process?
The Program Committee (PC) strives to assemble the most relevant and interesting topics in the museum profession. Once the submission deadline has closed and all proposals have been received, the PC thoroughly reviews all submissions. Each proposal is then ranked based on its thoroughness, relation to the theme, and diversity of perspectives represented. Then a draft schedule is created using the highest-ranking proposals and finalized by the PC. Proposers will be notified in May if they have been accepted for the final Annual Meeting program.
Session & Workshop Proposals
What makes a good session or workshop proposal? What topics are best?
Diverse presentations are a key component to the success of the Annual Meeting and are important in creating a meaningful and content-rich experience for all museum professionals who attended. YOU can help strengthen the WMA Community by submitting a session or workshop proposal for our 2026 Annual Meeting.
WMA's Program Committee looks for proposals that use creative approaches to leverage the in-person nature of the Annual Meeting. We are seeking proposals that incorporate a high level of attendee engagement and interactivity. Preference will be given to non-traditional session formats with a variety of interactive components, such as those with less emphasis on slides, more opportunities for Q&A, and audience engagement activities. So, experiment with session structure! Download our Program/Session Structures document to get inspired by different approaches for sharing your content.
WMA specifically seeks sessions:
- About DEAI (diversity, accessibility, equity, and inclusion) and Indigenous topics;
- About core museum work: collections care, exhibitions, and fundraising/marketing;
- About issues not commonly addressed such as climate change/environmental issues; emergency preparedness, visitor services, docents/volunteers, safety and security, and cyber security;
- That bring people at multiple stages of their careers together for a well-rounded discussion
- Sessions will take place across three days, September 24th through the 26th, and are 75 minutes. Workshops will take place on September 23rd, and can either be half day (4 hours) or full day (7 hours).
- Need to get inspired? Please, look back at our 2025 Sessions or past programs.
Review WMA's Request for Proposals
Submit Your Proposal Online
What is the difference between a session and a workshop?
Although workshops and sessions are somewhat similar, there are some key differences between the two. Workshops tend to be more practical and instructional hands-on group activities, while sessions are opportunities for professionals and scholars to share new ideas, innovative research, or best practices. Workshops are presented on the day preceding the Annual Meeting and can either be for a full day (9am—4pm) or half-day (9am—1pm) and are often at times given by companies or consultants. In contrast, concurrent sessions run throughout every day of the conference in 75-minute durations. Another point to mention is that workshops are typically paid for as a separate registration fee, while sessions are included in the conference package.
View Past Annual Meeting programs to get a better sense of this distinction.
How long do sessions run? What are the typical session formats?
Sessions are 75 minutes. As for the structure, sessions must consist of a presentation(s) and built-in-time for audience engagement, discussions, and questions. Aside from these two elements, there are a multitude of ways in which a session can be designed, and uniqueness is encouraged. There are Standard Sessions, Fishbowl Sessions, Pecha Kucha, Dialogue Sessions, Critiques, Roundtables, Meet-the-Press, etc. The WMA is open to other various, inventive formats, but please make sure to include a full explanation in the proposal. Download our Program/Session Structures document to get inspired by different approaches for sharing your content.
Can graduate students propose a session or workshop?
Yes, absolutely! The WMA's Annual Meeting welcomes all students, emerging museum professionals (EMPS), small museum professionals, experts in the field, and any other type of museum or cultural institution professional. Everyone is strongly encouraged to submit a session or workshop proposal.
Can for-profit service providers and consultants propose a session or workshop?
Yes! WMA encourages session proposals from company representatives and private consultants. The following policies ensure that these sessions are effective:
Your session must address an issue or topic in an objective manner. During your session, it is OK to present your work, but it must be done in a manner that addresses a broad context and avoids specifically endorsing your business. If you are unsure of how to accomplish this, please feel free to contact WMA with questions and concerns to help develop your proposal.
It is strongly preferred that a museum professional (not a client) serve as the session moderator, while you serve as a speaker.
Your session panel should not consist of only yourself and your clients. This structure does not represent a truly objective session. If you have difficulty finding panelists outside of your client list, you are strongly encouraged to indicate this on your session form (Section 1.G), and the Program Committee can help suggest additional panelists that are knowledgeable about your topic.
How should I determine the workshop fee?
Workshop fees cover the expense of basic materials such as any AV needed, books, handouts, etc. Other major expenditures (such as lunch or coffee service) must have prior WMA approval to be addressed by the fee. Include all possible expenses in the initial proposal submission. After the workshop is accepted, WMA staff will work with workshop proposers to determine the final fee amount.
Do I need to have all presenters listed in my session proposal?
Yes. With only one round of review, it is necessary for submitted proposals to have all presenters confirmed or notation that you are interested in the PC suggested additional speakers to round out the proposal. WMA limits the number of sessions that an individual can be included in - individuals may only present or moderate in 3 sessions. This is done to ensure that a variety of perspectives are represented, as well as to alleviate scheduling difficulties. Please be aware of this as you agree to be on and/or ask people to join a session.
If you are having trouble determining additional presenters for your proposal, please let us know as we would be happy to help.
Poster Session, Roundtable, and Activity Station Proposals
What is the Poster Session? What is involved in presenting?
The perennially popular Poster Session provides a unique opportunity for individuals to present their academic research, progressive ideas, or public programs through illustrated and informative posters. The Poster Session allows presenters and attendees to engage in discourse with one another and network in an informal setting.
To present at WMA's 2026 Poster Session, you must be in attendance, standing next to your poster where you can interact with attendees, answer questions, and discuss your projects/research on Friday, September 25th in the Exhibit Hall.
What is a Roundtable Discussion? What is the role of the Host?
A roundtable discussion is a breakout, casual conversation on a specific topic, held between a group of participants with a host, or moderator. The roundtable format brings together different points of view while giving all audience members a chance to learn and interact with each other.
Roundtable Hosts introduce the topic of choice, and then proceed to facilitate the conversation while keeping things on track and making sure all voices are heard.
What is an Activity Station? What is the role of the Host?
An Activity Station is where attendees participate in a low-cost , approximately 30-minute activity. Activity Station Hosts facilitate the activity, prompt conversations, and keep the participants on track. The purpose is to connect with colleagues and to share and receive information or ideas. Here are some Activity Station examples:
- An educational activity that you run at your museum and want to get feedback on
- A hands-on activity you want to do, but need some beta testing
- An interactive or creative activity that you think will benefit museum professionals (i.e., journal writing, meditation, label-making, etc.)
EXHIBITORS, SPONSORS, & ADVERTISERS
Can I sponsor, exhibit, and advertise at WMA 2026? What's involved and what are the benefits?
Yes! At the Annual Meeting, when you partner with WMA, you will have great exposure to a wide range of museum professionals and support the professional development WMA provides to the museum field all year long. Being a WMA 2026 sponsor, exhibitor, or advertiser will allow you to:
- Reach a concentrated group of museum professionals from a variety of sectors
- Increase your visibility among a diverse group of cultural institutions in the Western Region
- Position your business as a supporter and leader in the museum field
- Build upon your existing relationships with decision-makers, while fostering new connections
- Support a high-quality forum dedicated to sharing cutting edge and emerging ideas being accessible to all museum professionals
Visit Our Partnership Opportunities Page
We hope these general FAQs will help you prepare for the Annual Meeting and feel safe during your visit.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to WMA staff at communications@westmuse.org.
We look forward to seeing you in Salt Lake City!
