We’ve launched a programme of one-day conferences for 2026/27 that offer a mix of online and in-person events exploring the latest approaches and innovations across museum practice.
Our one-day conference programme aims to showcase projects and people; provide opportunities for discussion and critical thinking; offer practical support to the sector; and examine topical issues from a range of different perspectives and experiences.
At a glance
Museum Tech: A Digital Festival for Museums
22 April 2026, Barbican Centre, LondonAll Inclusive: Championing Accessible Museums
20 May 2026, onlineFuture of Museums: Empowering Collections
17 June 2026, National Museum Scotland, EdinburghVisitor Voices: Understanding Your Audiences
8 July 2026, onlineMoney Talks: Income Generation for Museums
16 September 2026, onlineHandle With Care: New Approaches to Conservation
14 October 2026, onlineIntelligent Futures: Understanding the Impact of AI
9 December 2026, onlineThe Joy of Text: Creative Approaches to Written Interpretation
20 January 2027, onlineMoving on Up: Making an Impact with Your Career
3 February 2027, onlineShow Time: Designing Great Exhibitions
March 2027, Date and venue TBC
We’re kicking off the year with our annual conference Museum Tech: A Digital Festival for Museums (22 April 2026 at the Barbican), which will explore the latest digital developments in the sector through a packed agenda of talks, demos, panel discussions and networking. The programme will include the latest thinking on AI, the future of small websites and social media, and case studies demonstrating embedded digital thinking.
Later in the year, we’ll return to technology with a new event Intelligent Futures: Understanding the Impact of AI (9 December 2026, online). Aimed at anyone interested in how AI will shape the sector, this conference provides an opportunity to take stock of the potential opportunities and risks and develop actions plans to ensure your organisation is ready for the changes ahead.
Another new online event for 2026 is Handle With Care: New Approaches to Conservation (14 October 2026, online). Through a mix of practical case studies, panel discussions and networking opportunities, this essential conference will explore how conservation practices continue to evolve, with a greater focus on climate and sustainability, balancing preservation with accessibility, and a more proactive, holistic and ethical approach to caring for objects.
With the MA set to relaunch our Empowering Collections report in 2026, we’re taking the opportunity to run an in-person conference to support you in putting the recommendations into practice in your museum. Future of Museums: Empowering Collections (17 June 2026, National Museum Scotland) will explore topical issues such as rationalisation and disposal; future priorities on emerging technologies like AI; and innovations in online collections, decolonisation and storage solutions.
We’re also excited to return to some of our most popular and impactful events in 2026/27.
In spring, we’ll be looking at anti-ableist museum practice at All Inclusive: Championing Accessible Museums (20 May 2026, online). This annual conference focuses on practical ways we can create more inclusive museums through our collections, buildings, programmes and workforce.
In summer, we will hold Visitor Voices: Understanding Your Audiences (8 July 2026, online), looking at the profound shift in the way that audiences perceive and engage with museums and asking how we can gather and use visitor insight to be more strategic and address the challenges faced.
In early autumn, there will be the chance to explore new innovative approaches to commercial activities at Money Talks: Income Generation for Museums (16 September 2026, online). As in previous years, the programme will include practical support and explore the importance of tapping into commercial opportunities that tie in with your wider strategic priorities and values.
Moving into 2027, we’ll start the new year with a creative bang, running a day-long conference dedicated to the art of designing and writing labels, text panels and other written interpretation. The Joy of Text: Creative Approaches to Written Interpretation (20 January 2027, online) aims to support your professional practice and give you ideas for how to deepen engagement, tackle challenging or emotive subjects and bring new perspectives into exhibitions.
The following month, those looking to invest in their professional development can join our annual careers event, Moving on Up: Making an Impact with Your Career (3 February 2027, online).
Last but not least, in March 2027 we will hold our popular in-person conference Show Time: Designing Great Exhibitions, with the date and venue to be confirmed as soon as possible.