11:00 am – 12:15 pm

WMA2025_458    
Learning Format: Conversation

Through the summer of 2025, WMA members will convene virtually to share, discuss, debate and determine their approaches to America 250. Based on these rich virtual dialogues, the WMA Programs and Innovation Committee will provide key takeaways and materials created to continue the conversation through an engaging and interactive conference session building upon last year’s initial informational session.

WMA2025_511
Learning Format: Active Learning

This tool talk is nuts…and bolts! Whether a seasoned professional or new to the responsibility, we all find ourselves responding to the media at one time or another. Sharpen your skills for offering an engaging interview and learn to respond effectively in a crisis. This workshop will offer tools for presenting yourself as a professional spokesperson with the most exciting of messages while strategically responding to difficult or uncomfortable situations.  

WMA2025_447
Learning Format: Conversation

How can you help your exhibits deliver “more” for your visitors? We will explore case studies of how exhibits have been developed as platforms for both unfacilitated and facilitated learning opportunities. How do we turn neurology puzzles into a sensory brain bar? A story nook into a community conversation spot? A playful roleplay spot into a cultural heritage moment? We will then break into mediated roundtables with participants to explore exhibit/program scenarios suggested by attendees.

WMA2025_474
Learning Format: Conversation

You have conducted an inventory of your collections and now have a pile of objects with no identification, how to proceed? This roundtable will provide a time to discuss procedures to locate identities. Though each state has its own laws governing found in collections items, the processes and procedures of trying to locate an item’s identification can be similar. Let’s share ideas, struggles, and provide support for each other as we tackle this giant puzzle.

WMA2025_499
Learning Format: Active Learning    

Running out of room to house your collections? Is your object storage space leaking? Just received a sizable gift? Any of these situations can strain optimal collections management. Physical space matters, and upgrading, expanding, or moving collections storage spaces can be operational and budgetary challenges. Learn from a panel of collections facility experts how to approach and address these challenges, including where to begin, who should be involved, and best practices for success.

WMA2025_487
Learning Format: Conversation

Join us for a feedback session on how to ELEVATE WMA’s D&I practices! The newly-formed WMA D&I Committee wants our work to be informed by the people we serve, so we're hosting an input-gathering session on what we hope to achieve together. We will discuss the role of DEIA in museums, how WMA can help, actionable goals, and more. Attendees will provide input that will guide the D&I direction of WMA for years to come.

WMA2025_475
Learning Format: Conversation

As part of the Nevada Museum of Art's Friday Lecture series, this session invites the public and WMA participants to explore strategies for improving museum accessibility for the blind and low-vision community. The talk-back component will foster open dialogue between museum professionals, the public, and the blind/low-vision community, discussing challenges and innovative solutions for creating more inclusive spaces. This collaborative exchange aims to inspire ideas for enhancing accessibility in cultural institutions.

WMA2025_485
Learning Format: Active Learning

WMA2025_457    
Learning Format: Active Learning

This session will encourage participants to develop clear goals and objectives for funding proposals using data they are already collecting. We will answer the question “What story can I tell with this data?” Participants will receive tips for collecting data and understanding which data to use when setting project objectives. Participants will walk away having written a clear narrative ready to plug in data when they return to their Museum.