Find answers to your questions about Museums Advocacy Day 2026!

Jump to:

• About Museums Advocacy Day
• Attendee Information
• Location, Travel, and Shuttles
• Congressional Meetings
• Accessibility at Museums Advocacy Day
• Registrations and Cancellations – Registration for Museums Advocacy Day 2026 will open in late November or early December

About Museums Advocacy Day

Who should attend?

All members of the museum ecosystem are welcome to attend. Whether you are a museum worker, independent or industry professional who works with museums, board member or trustee of a museum, museum studies student, or if you work with museums in some other capacity, you are encouraged to attend. Individuals at any career stage and in any museum role are welcome.

See AAM’s Trustee Resource Center to learn more about engaging your board in advocacy.

Can my company be a sponsor?

Yes! Please contact us at CorporatePartnerships@aam-us.org

How can my organization support Museums Advocacy Day?

Visit Become an Organizational Supporter for information about supporter levels and benefits.

What can I expect leading up to Museums Advocacy Day 2026, and how can I prepare?

At any time, you can access our breadth of Advocacy resources to learn about your legislators, deepen your own advocacy skills, and engage in year-round advocacy for museums. In particular, start researching your members of Congress and consider preparing an economic and/or education impact statement. In your registration confirmation email, you will be given access to the attendee Event Center, where you will find materials to start helping you prepare. That webpage will be continuously updated with additional materials as the event gets closer.

In the weeks leading up to Museums Advocacy Day 2026, registered attendees will receive materials to help them prepare and learn about their legislators, the legislative process, issues affecting museums, and advocacy tips and best practices.

What can I expect during Museums Advocacy Day, how does the overall event go, and what’s included?

Registration for Museums Advocacy Day includes access to all Museums Advocacy Day programming and events. Museums Advocacy Day 2026 takes place in Arlington, VA and Washington, D.C. Starting on Sunday February 22 with an evening Welcome and Networking Reception and followed by a full day of advocacy and policy programming on Monday February 23 at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel. Advocates spend Tuesday, February 24 on Capitol Hill for Congressional meetings and ending with a Congressional Reception. On Feb. 24, the AAM Charter Bus will run between the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel and Capitol Hill (exact schedule TBA).

More information about programming, events, and registration desk hours will be updated in the Event Resource Center and in emails to registered attendees prior to Museums Advocacy Day.

More information about programming, events, and registration desk hours will be updated on this page and in emails to registered attendees prior to Museums Advocacy Day.

How can I receive email updates about Museums Advocacy Day?

1. Ensure you are subscribed to AAM emails by filling out this form (it will notify you if you are already subscribed).
2. If you haven’t already done so, add communications@aam-us.org to your Safe Senders list.
3. Sign up for updates about Museums Advocacy Day!

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Attendee Information

How do I access participant-only materials from AAM?

Access the Museums Advocacy Day Attendee Event Center with the password that was included in your registration confirmation email. The Event Center has homework to help you prepare before you come, advocate resources, the full program, and more.

How do I access my Congressional visit schedule if I am participating in February 24 visits?

You will access your meeting schedule and related information for Museums Advocacy Day 2026 in the Advocacy Day app. You will receive your access to your unique schedule via email in mid-February.

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Location, Travel, and Shuttles

Where will the Museums Advocacy Day 2026 programming take place?

The Museums Advocacy Day headquarters hotel for February 22-24, 2026, where Sunday night reception and Monday programming takes place, will be:

Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
900 South Orme Street, Arlington VA, 22204

Pentagon City is an vibrant neighborhood across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. There are many retail and dining options near the Pentagon City Metro stop.

What travel options are available?  

In the DC Metro area and for the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel in Arlington, the following transportation options are available:

Hotel Shuttle: 15-passenger black and gray shuttle for those staying at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel

• Complimentary round-trip shuttle to DCA/Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
• Complimentary round-trip shuttle to Pentagon City Metro for hotel guests
• Learn more about amenities and transportation on the Sheraton Pentagon City’s website.

AAM Charter Bus – between hotel and Capitol Hill on Tuesday, February 24 only

• AAM will have a charter bus for attendees staying at the Sheraton Pentagon City providing transportation to the Capitol Building (Garfield Circle) and back to the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel.
• Attendees not staying at the hotel should use ride share, mobile app ride services, taxis or Metro to reach the Capitol building or the Sheraton.
• More details on the AAM charter bus schedule will be released closer to the event.

WMATA – Metro/Bus

• The hotel is located in the vicinity of the Pentagon City Metro, on the Metro’s Blue and Yellow lines.
• WMATA’s website has information on Metro bus routes, train stations, schedules, fares, and SmarTrip cards. More information on the ART Buses and Fares.
• The hotel is located in the vicinity of the Pentagon City Metro, on the Metro’s Blue and Yellow lines.
• Bus Routes traveling to and from Sheraton and Army Navy Drive (dropping off and picking up near the restaurants and shopping area of Pentagon City): Metro Bus A40, Metro Bus F44, Art Bus 42 (5 minutes bus ride) costs $2.25 per ride. All three buses pick up in front of the Sheraton at the intersection of S. Orme and Columbia Pike (you will need to cross Columbia Pike to get to the bus stop that goes towards Pentagon City).
• Bus Routes traveling to and from Sheraton and Pentagon City Metro Station: Metro A40 (6 minute bus ride) costs $2.25 per ride. The bus picks up in front of the Sheraton at the intersection of S. Orme and Columbia Pike (you will need to cross Columbia Pike to get to the bus stop that goes towards Pentagon City).
• Bus Routes traveling to and from the Sheraton and the Pentagon Metro Station: Metro F44, Art Bus 42 (8-13 min bus ride) costs $2.25 per ride. Both buses pick up in front of the Sheraton at the intersection of S. Orme and Columbia Pike (you will need to cross Columbia Pike to get to the bus stop that goes towards the Pentagon).

Taxi/ride-share

• It is an estimated six-minute ride from DCA/Ronald Regan National Airport to the hotel.
• Dependent upon traffic conditions and time of day, it is an estimated 15-30 minute ride from the hotel to Capitol Hill.

Are rooms available in the Museums Advocacy Day room block at the hotel?

The AAM room block can be accessed at this link. Note, if it says sold out, that means the room block is sold out but the hotel might still have rooms available if you go to the hotel’s main webpage.

The last day to book at the Museums Advocacy Day group rate is January 31, 2026 or until room block is full.

Is parking available at the hotel?

Onsite parking is $32.00 daily. 

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Congressional Meetings

How are Congressional meetings scheduled?

After registering for Museums Advocacy Day, AAM will arrange your Congressional meetings on Capitol Hill based on the information you provide during registration, including grouping you with any fellow advocates from your state or congressional district. Do NOT schedule meetings yourself. Museums Advocacy Day is advocating as a unified group into Congressional offices and not as individual meetings.

Access to your Congressional meetings schedule will be emailed to you prior to Museums Advocacy Day 2026, including fellow advocates in your meetings. In some cases an advocate may be making visits in more than one state, in some states or congressional districts there may be delegations of one.

Scheduling is a fluid process, and updates will be ongoing until the time of Museums Advocacy Day. Once you’ve accessed your meeting schedule, it will always be available to you via electronic format as any updates are made.

How do Congressional meetings go, and what can I expect?

• One or more congressional staff may join your meetings. Meetings may range in length from 10-30 minutes, and could take place in individual offices, conference rooms, common office spaces, or even hallways.
• Meetings should generally include introductions, exchanging business cards, sharing relevant stories, making the field-wide asks, engaging with legislators and staff (not just talking at them!), and building rapport.
• Advocates participating in congressional meetings should be prepared to be flexible, polite, and positive when moving around Capitol Hill and meeting with congressional offices.
• Always thank legislators and staff for any ways they have previously supported museums or your museum and for their time meeting with you. Meeting follow-up is a valuable way to cover any information that was not raised during a meeting. Templates will be made available from AAM to help you easily send thank you messages to the offices that met with you.

What should I know about visiting Capitol Hill?

• The United States Capitol Police provides information for general access, awareness, and navigational ease throughout the Capitol Complex. Prior to visiting, review the regulations and prohibitions.
• The Capitol Visitors Center (CVC) provides:
  • Capitol Etiquette resource
  • List of items that are prohibited in the CVC
  • Frequently Asked Questions
• Security is high across Capitol Hill. Carry your photo ID with you at all times during Museums Advocacy Day. Be prepared for security checks when you enter legislative office buildings or the Library of Congress—build time into your schedule to get through security. The less metal you wear, the quicker it will be to enter.
• D.C.’s weather can vary day-to-day. Check the forecast and pack accordingly—and wear comfortable shoes!
• Bring lots of business cards to share and leave with Congressional offices.
• Don’t forget your cell phone charger, or external battery if you’ve got one.

More details will be available soon about the program and details Museums Advocacy Day 2026. If you have additional questions, please contact AAM staff at museumsadvocacyday@aam-us.org.

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Accessibility at Museums Advocacy Day

The American Alliance of Museums is committed to making attendance at Museums Advocacy Day accessible for all.

How can I share my accessibility and accommodations needs?

Please include your accessibility need(s) during your registration, when prompted in the form. If you require any of the following for Museums Advocacy Day:

• Special Assistance – an aide or personal assistant to help you navigate
• Sign Language Interpreters
• Accessible Housing
• or if you have Accessible Transportation concerns

Please also contact AAM staff at museumsadvocacyday@aam-us.org with information about your accessibility and accommodations need(s).

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Registrations and Cancellations

I registered but am no longer able to attend.

Below is the cancellations and substitutions policy for Museums Advocacy Day 2026:

All cancellation requests must be made via e-mail museumsadvocacyday@aam-us.org. The Alliance is not responsible for cancellation or transfer requests that are incomplete or are not received. Cancellation requests received on or before February 1, 2026, will receive a refund minus a $25.00 administration fee. The $25.00 administration fee covers the cost of processing cancellations. No refunds will be granted if received on or after February 2, 2026.

If you become unable to participate in Museums Advocacy Day 2026, please notify AAM as soon as possible, especially so we are aware of impacts to Congressional meetings being scheduled by AAM. Substitutions may be accepted as is feasible. Registrants who are no longer able to attend Museums Advocacy Day may request a substitution by submitting their request in writing email museumsadvocacyday@aam-us.org.

When will registration be open?

Registration for Museums Advocacy Day 2026 will open in late-November or early-December 2025. Registration deadline will be January 16, 2026. If you would like to inquire about registration, or have questions or updates regarding your previously completed registration, please email museumsadvocacyday@aam-us.org.

What are the registration rates for Museums Advocacy Day 2026?

For those who are able, each year we hope they will support our cause further by registering at the Sustainer, Champion, or Super Advocate rate—registration supports this critical work for our field! The true cost of Museums Advocacy Day is around $500 per person.

All registration rates include access to all Museums Advocacy Day 2026 programming and events. Registration is for in-person programming and participation.

How are registration rates determined for Museums Advocacy Day?

The registration structure for Museums Advocacy Day has been designed to minimize barriers to participation while ensuring the event continues to be sustainable. While we estimate participation in Museums Advocacy Day to cost around $500 per participant, the registration rates are designed to be as affordable as possible for participants. Among these costs are the development and production of advocate materials, contractor services for meeting scheduling and event registration, and rising costs for event spaces as well as food and beverage. We are grateful to the individuals and our partners whose financial support helps keep registration as affordable as possible and provides advocates access to the high-quality training and resources they need to effectively make the case for museums and have successful Congressional meetings.

I have a question about registration options, a technical issue, or need more information.

Contact our team at museumsadvocacyday@aam-us.org. 

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