The Museums Association Conference & Exhibition is the largest event of its kind in Europe for museums and heritage professionals. Over 1,500 senior staff discuss the latest issues, discover new practice and meet world leading suppliers and consultants.

Special discounted rate for AAM members
This year we have a special offer for AAM members – just £340GBP to attend, including all refreshments, lunch, attendance at social events and Saturday tours.

Our theme is ‘Dissent: Inspiring Hope, Embracing Change’ – having the courage to challenge traditional thinking to transform museums and society. And what better place to do this than Belfast? We highlight the role museums of all sizes and types can play as dissenting organisations, standing with their communities as they encourage activism and promote positive social change.

Featured speakers include:

• Rita Ann Higgins, award-winning Irish poet and playwright
• Elaine Gurian, consultant/advisor to museums
• Paddy Gilmore, head of programmes, National Museums Northern Ireland
• Sara Wajid, head of engagement, Museum of London
• Laura Raicovich, writer and former president and executive director of Queens Museum, New York
• Lynn Scarff, director, National Museum of Ireland
• Hilary McGrady, director-general, National Trust
• Kathryn Thomson, chief executive officer and director, National Museums Northern Ireland
• Kim Streets, chief executive, Museums Sheffield
• Roisín Higgins, historian and director, Irish Association of Professional Historians

Other sessions cover topics such as co-curation, activism, curating conflict, diversity, equality, protest, Brexit, soft power, and the future of collections. There are a host of other sessions, practical workshops and training – all developed to facilitate fresh thinking. The social events give you the opportunity to see Belfast City Hall, Ulster Museum and HMS Caroline. Look out for the Festival of Change which is a series of creative interventions exploring the serious issues we’re all dealing with while indulging in some much-needed fun. Who says change has to be painful?

The third day to conference this year is a chance to visit a range of museums and galleries across Northern Ireland and Dublin. There is a programme of special events, exhibition tours, expert talks and behind-the-scenes visits to museums, galleries and cultural venues in the area, all included in the price. The programme includes cultural and political tours in Belfast, Downpatrick, Dublin and Derry~Londonderry, the UK City of Culture 2013.

Read the full programme to find out more

Book your place now

The statements and opinions expressed by panelists, hosts, attendees, or other participants of this event are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of, nor are endorsed by, the American Alliance of Museums.