Voxpop | What advice would you give to first-timers at the MA Conference?

“Have in mind what you want to achieve in museums and attend sessions that are tailored to that. There is much that goes on at the Museums Association (MA) Conference & Exhibition, so there will be something for everyone and people of interest to you. Talk to people no matter if it’s a long or short conversation – the MA Hub is a fantastic place to start. Take it easy. You will definitely gain something from the event. Download the app for easy reference, go with the flow and just enjoy it! You’ll leave inspired and highly satisfied.”

Maggie Appleton President, Museums Association 

“The MA Conference is a great place to engage with current and future thinking for our sector. Check out the programme beforehand on our app or website. Reflect on which people and topics you and your museum will gain most from – and don’t miss our inspirational keynotes. Join us for our first-timers’ breakfast on the Thursday morning; we will be there to welcome you and share top tips. Most of all, enjoy – and return refreshed and enthused with all that our sector achieves. Remember – Museums Change Lives!”

Rachael Minott Board member, Museums Association 

“I attended my first MA conference in 2015. At the time I was a trainee on £13,500 a year, so I paid for a train ticket and turned up to attend the free exhibition. Four years later I am a trustee of the MA and have attended every conference since, speaking every year. There are a lot of free opportunities at the event, for example all the seminar content, including career advice, in the exhibition. My hot tip is to turn up and be present – so much happens when you connect with people and hear new content.”