Student Poster Competition

The Virginia Association of Museums recognizes the future of the museum profession is in the hands of current college and university students. We hope this opportunity will help further our student members' careers and offer stronger connections to emerging professionals.

Undergraduate and Graduate students are invited to apply to participate in the Virginia Association of Museums' Student Poster Competition during the 2026 Annual Conference taking place in Williamsburg, VA on March 14-17. The student poster competition showcases presentations on the latest museum-based student projects and research and offers a way for students to connect with experienced museum professionals and other students to gain new insights, share ideas, and network. Those selected will receive a scholarship to attend the conference.

Eligibility:

Undergraduate and Graduate students that are based in any region of Virginia or Washington, D.C.

Guidelines:

• Please submit proposals and resume by 5:00 pm on November 21, 2025. 
• A review panel will select presentations based on individual merit and relevance, and invite selected students to present their posters at the 2026 VAM conference in Williamsburg, VA. 
• Students will be contacted by late December if their submission has been selected.
• Selected students need to submit PDF of final poster by Friday March 6, 2026 to membership@vamuseums.org.
• The poster should be 24" x 36" and mounted to a foamcore board (gator board or corrugated white board)
• Select students will be required to present their final projects or research in person on Sunday March 15, 2026 at the VAM conference in Williamsburg, VA.
• A panel of judges will assess the posters and presentations for a financial prize for first place ($300), second place ($200), and third place ($100).
• The selected student presenters will be awarded a scholarship to cover conference registration and a $100 stipend to reimburse the cost of posters. All travel, lodging expenses, and event tickets will be the responsibility of the presenters.
• Students are responsible for bringing the poster to the conference and are expected to deliver a presentation on Sunday, March 14. Shipping will not be accepted. 
• Information regarding poster set-up and location will be sent closer to the conference date. 
• Students must be present at the assigned space during the designated time to deliver their presentation.

Submit a Proposal

* Students will be notified if their proposal has been selected. Further details and tips for poster preparation will be sent with selection notification.

For questions, please contact us at membership@vamuseums.org.