The stories that museums tell aren't always cut and dry. History museums have to confront contentious and politically divisive topics. Science and technology museums must explain complex concepts in layman's terms. What are the best ways to approach tough stories? And how can we do so clearly, concisely, and fairly?
The annual SMA conference attracts more than 300 museum professionals, board members, and volunteers from a wide variety of small museums. They attend sessions on topics ranging from collections and education to staffing and board issues. We offer a large Museum Resource Hall and plenty of informal networking opportunities for you to talk with (and get ideas from!) other small museum professionals and volunteers.
We are seeking proposals for the theme "Telling Tough Stories." Proposals are due by July 1, 2023 - find more information here.
Registration opens summer 2023.
The SMA 2024 Conference will take place at the Omni Richmond Hotel.
King, Queen and Double Rooms are available for the discounted rate of $139 a night. Book your discounted hotel rooms now, using this link!
The Small Museum Association is committed to holding events and programs that are open and welcoming to all. Please see SMA's Accessibility Statement for more details.
Sponsorship opportunities open summer 2023.
Scholarship applications and awards nominations will open summer 2023.
Scholarship application and award nomination forms open summer 2023.