The Western Museums Association’s (WMA) Annual Meeting, held in partnership with the Utah Museums Association (UMA) 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.
“WMA is an association that has so much personality and texture."
- Sandra Jackson-Dumont
Director and CEO of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art (former)
WMA 2023 Keynote Speaker
"WMA is one of the best museum conferences you’ll ever attend. The Annual Meeting is a truly unique series of sessions and experiences. I always learn so much and the vibe is immaculate."
- Nicole Meldahl
Executive Director, Western Neighborhoods Project
"WMA excels at facilitating relationship building"
- Michelle Nye
Head of Co-op Development, Atthowe Fine Art Services
WMA's 2026 Annual Meeting
In Salt Lake City, Utah the Western Museums Association's 2026 Annual Meeting, produced in partnership with the Utah Museums Association, was an unforgettable gathering of museum professionals! With the theme of ASPIRE, attendees came together at WMA | UMA 2026 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. In Salt Lake City, a place shaped by layered histories, evolving communities, and ongoing efforts to reckon with land, identity, and belonging, we forged stronger partnerships and built frameworks honoring both local stories and global perspectives.
ASPIRE to shape the future.
We are so grateful for each and every one of you who made this year's Annual Meeting a success and we look forward to seeing you next year!
Not a WMA member? Join now!
Wanda Chin Scholarships
Since 1997, the Wanda Chin Professional Development Program has helped to make attendance at the Western Museums Association’s (WMA) Annual Meeting financially accessible to individuals who might otherwise not be able to attend. Funded through an annual 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 are now closed.
Donate to the Wanda Chin Scholarship Fund
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