The annual SMA conference attracts hundreds of museum professionals, board members, and volunteers from a wide variety of small museums across the county. They attend sessions on topics ranging from collections and education to staffing and board issues.
This year, our theme is: "Seizing the Moment, Opportunities for Radical Change." Small museums are uniquely positioned to pivot quickly to respond to the changing needs of our audiences. As we reflect on the impacts of the dual pandemics that came to the forefront in 2020, that of COVID-19 and racial injustice around the world, how can we seize the moment to create lasting, meaningful change for our institutions and our communities? If not now, when?
As part of each conference, we offer a Resource Hall and plenty of informal networking opportunities for you to talk with (and get ideas from!) other small museum professionals and volunteers.
Get started by clicking the black "Register Now" button at the bottom left of this page!
Current Sponsors
Thank you to our current sponsors/vendors: Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, Goucher College MA in Cultural Sustainability, FAIC, Collector Systems, Conserv, Hollinger Metal Edge, Maryland Center for History and Culture, Dorfman Museum Figures, Better Lemon Creative Audio, K.M. Kramer Consulting, NEDCC, Museum Textile Services, topaz studios, Lucidea, and PastPerfect.
Registering Multiple Attendees
If choosing a support package that includes multiple conference registrations, you will be able to register yourself and your colleagues under the same support package registration. Additional colleagues not included with your support package must be registered under the main conference registration.
Payment
You may pay online with a credit card or PayPal account. If you prefer to pay offline, send check or money order payable to "Small Museum Association" to Nora Venezky, SMA Treasurer, 276 Castle Street, Apt 2, Geneva, NY 14456. Your registration is not complete until your payment is received.
Hotel
Take advantage of the hotel room block rate by booking your room by May 2, 2022. Find out more at https://smallmuseum.org/hotel.
COVID-19 Documentation Requirements
All vendors and sponsors who attend the conference must provide proof that they are or will be fully vaccinated per current CDC guidelines by the start of the conference or provide documentation of a negative COIVD test within 72 hours before the start of the conference. Click here to submit your documentation.
Online Schedule
This year the SMA is using Sched, an online scheduling site for our event program and schedule! To view the SMA schedule, follow the below link, make an account, or log-in for the full experience. The schedule is always being updated, so check back regularly for the most up to date information!
Click here at access Sched.
Schedule
Friday, June 3
The best time to set up for the Resource Hall is Friday between 12PM and 4:30PM. Some conference attendees will be present at the Hotel for workshops and there is on offsite evening event to which you are welcome to attend the evening events as Resource Hall sponsors! Details TBD.
Saturday, June 4
If for some reason you cannot set up on Sunday, the earliest set up time for the Resource Hall on Saturday is 7am and the Hall will be open from 7:15am to 4:15pm. All displays must be set up by 8am, prior to the beginning of the morning keynote. On Saturday, the Conference begins at 7:15am with breakfast and continues with sessions throughout the day to 4:00PM. The conference Banquet will take place in the main Ballroom at the Hotel from 5:30pm to 9pm Monday evening. Vendors are encouraged to purchase Banquet tickets to participate during this capstone event. Tickets to the banquet can be purchased for $50 as an add-on during registration.
Sunday, June 5
The Resource Hall will be open 7:15am to 12pm. All displays must be broken down by 1pm.
Schedule
Banners / Signage
All sponsors confirmed by the print deadline will be included on sponsorship posters and the conference schedule app. There is no printed program this year.
Table / Chairs
Every Resource Hall vendor includes one 6’ x 30” table with black tablecloth and one or two chairs.
Wi-Fi
The Hotel provides wi-fi to all conference attendees including vendors. Feel free to bring a hotspot or other device if you want to ensure a solid wi-fi connection.
Security & Storage
There is no security for Resource Hall items. If you are planning to keep your table and display up overnight, please remove any valuables. SMA is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. If you need to store valuables overnight, SMA will allow access to the organization’s supplies storage room.
Table Signage
There is no pipe-and-drape infrastructure for any of the Resource Hall tables. Please plan to bring your own pipe-and-drape or only items that are free-standing, have a base, or use an easel. We cannot affix banners or signs to walls.
Electricity
SMA will absorb the cost of electricity for Resource Hall participants. Bring your own extension cords and power strips or you can rent them from the hotel for a fee.
Loading Dock
The loading dock is located directly behind the Hotel between Campus Drive and Hotel Drive on Greenhouse Road.
Shipping
If you are shipping part of your display, please email “resourcehall@smallmuseum.org” the estimated arrival date and number of boxes. Boxes can be accepted as early as 3 business days prior to the program start date. Packages that need to be shipped out must be sealed upon departure and include a label with billing details. All boxes shipped to the Hotel should be addressed as follows:
[Your Name]
Small Museums Conference
June 3-5, 2022
7777 Baltimore Avenue
College Park, MD 20740
Photographs
By registering, you give the SMA Board and Conference Committee permission to take and use photographs of you at SMA Conference programming for publicity purposes.
Small Museum Association