You set the agenda
Rebecca Atkinson, 03.08.2010
Which topics would you like to see debated at conference?
With the world of museums in a state of flux, we’re putting the topic of our Hold the Front Page session at the Museums Association’s (MA) annual conference in your hands.
The Hold the Front Page sessions see the Museums Journal team bring you up-to-the-minute debate on a topical subject. Last year’s conference saw discussion around the proposed sale of artworks from Southampton City Council and the Banksy vs. Bristol Museum phenomenon
This year, Cameron’s Big Society will be put under the microscope, with speakers debating what it means for the museum sector, staff, volunteers and visitors.
We want to know which topic you think should be debated in the second Hold the Front Page session. Has there been a news story that you think has big consequences for the sector or have you noticed a trend that needs further investigation?
You can share the big news stories you think need addressing in the comment box below.
The Hold the Front Page sessions see the Museums Journal team bring you up-to-the-minute debate on a topical subject. Last year’s conference saw discussion around the proposed sale of artworks from Southampton City Council and the Banksy vs. Bristol Museum phenomenon
This year, Cameron’s Big Society will be put under the microscope, with speakers debating what it means for the museum sector, staff, volunteers and visitors.
We want to know which topic you think should be debated in the second Hold the Front Page session. Has there been a news story that you think has big consequences for the sector or have you noticed a trend that needs further investigation?
You can share the big news stories you think need addressing in the comment box below.
MORE ABOUT CONFERENCE
The MA conference and exhibition 2010 in Manchester includes themed sessions around three key topics:
Working in partnership
Pressure on budgets and public spending cuts mean museums and galleries have to find more effective and efficient ways of working. So how can museums develop new models of service delivery and what benefits can working in partnership bring?
Whose museum is it anyway
Who are museums really for and who owns collections? This theme will examine both museums’ and the public’s relationship with collections and what a sustainable future might look like.
Showing off
The age of the multi-million pound new museum and the blockbuster exhibition is dead. This theme will explore how museums can redisplay their collections, put on engaging and stimulating exhibitions and use objects to tell new stories.
Elsewhere, the conference will include around 50 sessions, including keynote speeches to challenge and inspire as well as debate and discussions to stimulate and entertain – including a Survival of the Fittest session where museum directors will discuss the new political landscape and consider how museums and galleries can survive.
The MA conference and exhibition 2010 will take place from 4-6 October 2010 in Manchester.
Click here to see the full programme and to book your place
The MA conference and exhibition 2010 in Manchester includes themed sessions around three key topics:
Working in partnership
Pressure on budgets and public spending cuts mean museums and galleries have to find more effective and efficient ways of working. So how can museums develop new models of service delivery and what benefits can working in partnership bring?
Whose museum is it anyway
Who are museums really for and who owns collections? This theme will examine both museums’ and the public’s relationship with collections and what a sustainable future might look like.
Showing off
The age of the multi-million pound new museum and the blockbuster exhibition is dead. This theme will explore how museums can redisplay their collections, put on engaging and stimulating exhibitions and use objects to tell new stories.
Elsewhere, the conference will include around 50 sessions, including keynote speeches to challenge and inspire as well as debate and discussions to stimulate and entertain – including a Survival of the Fittest session where museum directors will discuss the new political landscape and consider how museums and galleries can survive.
The MA conference and exhibition 2010 will take place from 4-6 October 2010 in Manchester.
Click here to see the full programme and to book your place
Add your comment
Most attendees will pay more than a week's wages just to attend a 3 day conference - I could have 2 weeks in the sun for that price. I hope all attendees have a great time - I'll be thinking of you. Might see you at the exhibition instead!
We do recognise that the conference is not cheap for members to attend.
But it is also true to say that £450 (members rate) for a three day conference - including coffee, tea and lunch and free evening events - is relatively modest compared to similar conferences both in our sector and in other sectors.
We also offer cheaper rates for low paid members. For the three days, students, retired and unemployed members pay £250; those earning less than £22,000 pay £350.
We make no profit from the conference. Our biggest issue is the size of the event. It means that we are bound to bigger commercial venues with their associated pricing. An even bigger conference would only compound this.
However we are looking at trying to find ways to reduce the cost for attendees – including exploring different venues and running the event for two instead of three days. Any thoughts on the size, scale, venue, and content for conference are always appreciated.
Will Adams
Head of Sales & Marketing
Museums Association
will@museumsassociation.org
The industry has a comparatively low wage to qualification ratio, and membership of the MA is so expensive, how can anyone afford to go?