So you’ve registered for the Western Museums Association 2025 Annual Meeting. What’s next?
No matter if you're a first-time attendee or a WMA regular, with so many great learning sessions, social networking events, and other fun happenings, it can be challenging or overwhelming to decide where to start. From preparing what to pack and planning transportation, to deciding what sessions to attend and how to successfully network, there is a lot to think about. To ease your mind and to help you smoothly navigate through the 2025 Annual Meeting while maximizing your professional development, we at WMA have created this Attendee Guide. Here, we share some things to consider as you prepare for autumn in Reno and make your way through the 4-days at WMA 2025.
INDEX
Prior to the Annual Meeting • During the Annual Meeting • After the Annual Meeting
Prior to the Annual Meeting
Getting There & Transportation
If you’re flying into Reno, there are a few ways to get to the WMA 2025 headquarters hotel, Renaissance Reno Downtown. Unfortunately, the hotel does NOT offer airport shuttle service, but there are other transportation options available.
If you’re coming from Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), you can get to the Renaissance Reno Downtown by the Bus (Metro line 12 to E 2nd Street and Lake Street), Taxi, Uber, Lyft, or a rental car. Traveling by bus will take you around 40mins, while a car ride will take only 10mins. Click here and here to view detailed transportation options from RNO to the Renaissance Reno Downtown.
Hotel Reservations & Saving Money
ONLINE HOTEL REGISTRATION OPENS SOON
What to Bring/Wear
Clothing & Shoes
Knowing that selecting conference attire can sometimes be a time-consuming process, we made WMA’s Annual Meeting casual - fun is one of our Core Values after all. That said, it is still important to make a good impression and business casual attire is strongly recommended. As for footwear, wear whatever shoes that are comfortable for you, but keep in mind that there will be quite a bit of standing and walking around the venue and at events.
During early October, Reno has an average high of 78°F and a low of 40° F. It will likely be warm outdoors during the day, but we recommend packing layers as it will be cooler inside and during evening events. Although it will be warm for any Annual Meeting outside activity, it can still be on the rather cold side inside the hotel conference rooms. It is also best to check the weather during the week of the Annual Meeting for more specific weather information.
Accessories & Other Gear
Business Cards, Elevator Pitches, & Resumes
It is always a good idea to bring business cards—everywhere. These bits of paper gold are a great way to start initial conversations with your peers, or follow-up with additional dialogues. You do not necessarily need to have business cards related to a specific job, particularly if you are an EMP or between jobs. Consider creating a personal card that includes your name, contact information, and a vision statement about your museum work.
Yes! It is important to prepare for the personal and professional conversations that will arise during the Annual Meeting. Many times, the first questions when meeting people are, “Tell me about yourself,” or “What do you do?” It is best to have a prepared response, known as an elevator pitch, as this will help increase your confidence to engage on a deeper level. Your pitch should briefly summarize who you are, what you do or are working on, as well as why you are passionate about museums.
Yes! Bring printed copies, especially if you are an EMP. You can provide your resume to potential employers or ask your peers for suggestions about how to improve it.
Setting Goals
Connecting with Other Attendees
Choosing Sessions to Attend
During the Annual Meeting
Networking
Engage with Social Media
Events
- Wednesday: National Automobile Museum
- Thursday: The DISCOVERY
- Friday: WMA's 90th Anniversary Celebration at The Nevada Museum of Art
- Saturday: Onsite (Details coming soon...)
Food During the Annual Meeting
Key Takeaways
After the Annual Meeting
Write a Blog Post
Review Your List of Takeaways & Goals
Fill Out the Attendee Survey
Propose a WMA 2026 Session, Workshop, or Activity
Follow Up with Your Contacts