Back to Events

2027 Annual Conference

Join us for our 2027 Annual Conference in Charlottesville, VA!

Saturday, March 13, 2027 to Tuesday, March 16, 2027

Virginia Guesthouse Hotel & Conference Center

2017 Ivy Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903
United States

* Registration open until 3/6/27 at 11:59 PM (EST)

Event Details

VAM 2027 Annual Conference: Back to Basics: Museum Building Blocks

March 13–16, 2027 | Charlottesville, Virginia

How do we keep museums relevant, mission-minded, and connected to our communities while investing in the staff who make our work possible?

As museums navigate changing visitor expectations, economic challenges, and evolving workforce needs, it is essential to return to the foundational building blocks of successful institutions: mission, people, community, accessibility, and sustainability.

The VAM 2027 Annual Conference, Back to Basics: Museum Building Blocks, embraces the revolutionary spirit of innovation and change while exploring practical strategies to strengthen museums from within.

From expanding community partnerships and creating engaging visitor experiences to supporting staff retention, professional growth, and workplace well-being, museums must balance the needs of their audiences with those of their teams.

This year's theme encourages museum professionals to rethink traditional approaches, share creative solutions, and explore how institutions of all sizes can remain relevant, accessible, and sustainable.

By strengthening our foundations, investing in our people, and connecting with our communities, we can build museums that are resilient, relevant, and ready for the future.

Conference Registration: 

  • Early Bird Member - $400
  • Member - $450
  • Non-Member - $500
  • Multi-Member - $400 (3 or more individuals from member institutions)
  • Student - $250
  • Speaker/Panelist - $350
  • Conference Committee/Volunteer (Program Committee and Local Arrangements) - $300
  • Single Day - $250
  • CEO Forum - $75
  • Pre-Conference Workshops - $50
  • Evening Receptions - $45

PLEASE READ 

Registration Instructions: 

  1. Select Download Agenda to view the Schedule!
  2. Sign into your account before registering! This ensures you receive your applicable registration rate, such as the discounted rates for members. The promo code will only apply once per member. Contact us if you need assistance. 
  3. Select your applicable conference registration rate from the Full or Single Day Registration section. 
  4. Be sure to scroll to the end of the registration page to view optional ticketed events.
  5. While most meals are included, please ensure you confirm your attendance for planning purposes. 
  6. Add any free or paid events you wish to attend under the Optional Tickets section. If you have questions about guest tickets, please contact us.
  7. Fill in applicable information for each ticket item.
  8. Complete registration by paying online. 
  9. After March 2, you can register in person for the conference and/or additional events each day of the conference. 

Download Agenda

For More Information:

Melissa A Maxwell
Melissa A Maxwell
Director, Membership and Programs Virginia Association of Museums (804)774-7810

More Tips: 

  1. If you are a museum wishing to register multiple attendees, please fill in the required Attendee Information for each person for each ticket. 
  2. Museums sending 3+ representatives should select the Multiple Member Registration to receive the additional discounted rate.
  3. Optional event tickets can be added to an order after conference registration is processed. For example, for those whose employers will pay for conference registration but not events. 

          Questions? Contact membership@vamuseums.org


Registrants may request a full refund through January 31, 2026. Unfortunately, refunds will not be issued after that date.