2021 Conference

 

Re/Create, Re/Charge, Re/Imagine
2021 Annual Conference
November 17-19, 2021

March 11, 2021
 
Dear NEMA Friend:
 
I’m writing today to let you know that the 2021 NEMA Conference will once again be an online gathering rather than in person. As you may know, we had planned to host the conference November 17-19 in Newport, Rhode Island. However, after a great deal of research and listening to our NEMA community, we have decided that an in-person conference would not be viable this year.
 
We have made this decision for two important reasons. First, the health and safety of our NEMA community is our top priority, and, even though the Covid-19 pandemic is beginning to abate, we know that we couldn't create the kind of conference experience attendees expect from NEMA, especially while also following health guidelines.
 
Second, it is clear from our audience research that an in-person conference would be a challenge to museum professionals economically. Many museums in our region have eliminated or significantly curtailed their staff travel budgets. That, coupled with the unfortunate fact that many museums have laid off or furloughed staff, means that an in-person conference is probably out of reach financially for many folks in our community. In a recent survey of our membership, only 25% of respondents indicated that they were likely to attend an in-person conference this year.
 
So our plan is to build on the success of last year’s virtual conference with yet another outstanding online event in the fall of 2021. Featuring the theme “Re/Create, Re/Charge, Re/Imagine,” the conference will explore ways in which museums have inspired, innovated, pivoted, and survived in the past months, and how these challenges are paving the way for the future. Because of our change of plans, we are extending the deadline for our call for proposals until June 11. If you’re interested in submitting a proposal, you can find information HERE.
 
As the public health picture becomes clearer in the coming months, it is our hope that we can organize some smaller in-person gatherings in the fall. We will keep you informed about those opportunities as soon as possible, recognizing that all of us are excited to reconnect with colleagues in person.
 
Thanks so much for your understanding and your participation in the NEMA community. I hope to see you virtually at the 2021 online NEMA Conference if not before! If you have any questions please email me at dan.yaeger@nemanet.org.
 
Dan Yaeger
Executive Director
New England Museum Association