Conservators work across all types of museum collections, from textiles and paintings to coins and natural sciences. Often (but not always) working behind the scenes, this key part of the workforce ensures that collections are maintained for public enjoyment and learning.

Conservation as a practice continues to evolve, and in the past decade we’ve seen a greater focus on climate and sustainability, balancing preservation with accessibility, and a more proactive, holistic and ethical approach to caring for objects.

Through a mix of practical case studies, panel discussions and networking opportunities, this essential one-day event explores:

  • emerging and established approaches to conservation
  • how conservators can integrate participation into their practices
  • working in collaboration with diverse communities and colleagues to support a more inclusive workforce
  • technological advances and changing conservation practice
  • the issue of funding priorities.

This event is for you if:

  • you are a conservator or work within a conservation department at a museum or heritage site
  • you’re interested in learning how to build audience engagement with conservation work
  • you are a fundraiser interested in the latest trends and developments in conservation
  • you’re looking to develop your conservation skills
  • you run an independent conservation practice.

Please note that this event will be recorded and available exclusively to delegates after the event, so if you can’t attend on the day, you can catch up in your own time.

We aim to present a diverse range of speakers from across the UK and internationally at our one-day conferences. If you are interested in speaking at one of our events, or have a project you’d like to see explored, please tell us more by emailing the events team.

A full programme will be available in due course.

Important booking information

Please sign in and check the email address on your profile before booking. Your confirmation and joining instruction emails will go to the email address you use to log in to the website. 

If you create a new record with a different email address your membership will not be recognised and you will be charged the incorrect fee. You can check and change your email address before booking.

Competency Framework

Our events programme supports the Museums Association’s Competency Framework, which is designed to inform professional development, improve professional practice and support museums in making a positive difference to people’s lives. This event supports the following competencies: Empowering Collections.