Ready to trade the gallery floor for the conference hall? As we move through 2026, the global museum community is pivoting toward some of its most ambitious conversations yet.
Whether you’re here to master AI curation, build climate-resilient archives, or just recharge with thousands of colleagues, 2026 is packed with "can't-miss" stops.
We’ve rounded up the definitive list of 2026 museum conferences, including the dates, the destinations, and exactly why you should be booking your flight (or your Zoom link) right now.
January
MuseumNext – Museum Wellness Summit
January 28–29 | Virtual
Kicking off the year, MuseumNext partners with AAM to host the Museum Wellness Summit. This is a virtual gathering dedicated to the wellbeing of museum professionals.
If burnout, mental health, and workplace culture are topics your institution is grappling with, this is the right conversation to be part of. Virtual attendance makes it easy to tune in from wherever you are.
February
AAAS Annual Meeting
February 12–14 | Phoenix, Arizona
The American Association for the Advancement of Science hosts a major annual event that brings together researchers, educators, and science communicators.
For museum and science center professionals, it’s a chance to connect with scientists and explore how new research can shape public programs.
Informal Science Education Association of Texas (ISEA) Annual Meeting
February 11–13 | Houston, Texas
A regional event, the ISEA Annual Meeting brings together professionals in informal science learning across Texas.
It focuses on collaboration, networking, and practical discussions that support the everyday work of science educators and museum professionals.
Science for All Summit
February 19–20 | Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Hosted by Morehead Planetarium, the Science for All Summit focuses on accessibility and equity in science engagement.
If your institution is working toward more inclusive programming and outreach, this is a focused, values-driven event worth attending.
MuseumNext – Green Museums Summit
February 25–26 | Virtual
The Green Museums Summit brings together museum professionals to discuss environmental responsibility and sustainable operations.
The virtual format means no travel is needed, which aligns well with the event’s focus.
March
National Art Education Association Convention
March 5–7 | Hyatt Regency Chicago, Chicago, IL
If you work at the intersection of art and education, this one's for you. The NAEA Convention is the largest gathering of visual arts education professionals in the world.
Expect hands-on workshops, quality professional development sessions, and a community of like-minded educators who genuinely love what they do. No matter your specialty or career stage, there's something here worth your time.
AISES 2026 Canada National Gathering
March 5–7 | Ontario, Canada
Advancing Indigenous People in STEM hosts its Canada National Gathering to support Indigenous students and professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math.
For museums and science centers, it’s a valuable opportunity to engage with Indigenous communities and promote representation.
2026 National Humanities Alliance (NHA) Annual Meeting and Advocacy Day
March 8–10 | Washington, D.C.
The National Humanities Alliance Annual Meeting brings together humanities advocates from across the country. Participants sharpen their advocacy strategies and explore new approaches to community engagement.
The event also prepares attendees for direct meetings with House and Senate offices on Capitol Hill. If federal funding for the humanities matters to your institution, this is where you need to be.
Building Museums™ Symposium
March 11–13 | Baltimore, MD
Planning a renovation, expansion, or new build? The Building Museums Symposium is the go-to event for museum professionals navigating the complex world of facility planning and design.
It’s a focused, practical gathering that brings together architects, project managers, and museum leaders. Together, they address the unique challenges of building and improving cultural spaces.
National AfterSchool Association (NAA) Convention
March 11–14 | Washington, D.C.
The NAA Convention gathers afterschool and out-of-school time professionals for a week of programming, advocacy, and connection. For museums with strong afterschool or youth programming, this is a valuable opportunity to engage with partners and expand your reach into the community.
Virginia Association of Museums (VAM) Annual Conference
March 14–17 | Williamsburg, VA
The Virginia Association of Museums Annual Conference is a key regional gathering focused on best practices, professional development, and peer networking. Williamsburg provides a rich, historic backdrop and is home to some of the state’s most celebrated cultural institutions.
With sessions covering collections care, community engagement, and institutional leadership, the event offers practical conversations with real takeaways.
Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Mid-Year Meeting
March 21–26 | Portland, Oregon
The AZA Mid-Year Meeting is a focused event for zoo and aquarium professionals, covering policy, governance, and accreditation.
Portland's thriving cultural and natural landscape makes it a fitting host city for conversations about animal care, conservation, and the evolving role of zoos and aquariums in public life.
MuseumNext – Museums Digital Summit
March 25–26 | Virtual
MuseumNext's Digital Summit returns with a focus on technology and innovation in the museum sector.
This virtual event brings together professionals shaping how museums engage audiences, from digital collections to immersive experiences.
ASC Science Talk '26
March 26–27 | Portland, Oregon
Hosted by the Association of Science Communicators, Science Talk '26 is where science communication professionals gather to sharpen their craft.
For museum educators and public engagement specialists, it's a high-energy event full of fresh ideas and practical tools for reaching diverse audiences.
April
ARIS Summit 2026
March 30–April 1 | Virtual
The Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society hosts an annual virtual summit on expanding the reach and relevance of research.
For museum professionals in research communication, community science, or public engagement, ARIS provides practical frameworks and case studies.
North Carolina Museums Council (NCMC) Conference
April 11–13 | Greenville, NC
The NCMC Conference is known for its collaborative, community-driven atmosphere. It’s the kind of event where practical conversations happen and real connections are made.
If you're looking to strengthen your regional network and stay current on issues affecting museums in the Southeast, this is worth the drive.
Main Street Now Conference
April 13–15 | Tulsa, OK
The Main Street Now Conference is the largest national gathering of local leaders focused on using preservation to boost downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. It brings together community developers, preservationists, local government leaders, and cultural advocates.
If your work connects museums, heritage sites, or cultural institutions to the economic and civic life of your community, this conference is worth adding to your calendar.
STQRY will be there! Visit our booth and see how we're helping cultural destinations create unforgettable visitor experiences.
National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) National Conference
April 15–18 | Anaheim, California
The NSTA National Conference is one of the world’s largest gatherings of science educators.
With hundreds of sessions across all grade levels and disciplines, it offers plenty of inspiration for science learning and public engagement.
International Foundation for Cultural Property Protection (IFCPP) Annual Conference
April 18–22 | New Orleans, Louisiana
Security and risk management may not be glamorous, but they’re essential for museums.
The IFCPP Annual Conference gathers cultural property protection professionals to share strategies, case studies, and best practices, with New Orleans adding its unique character to the event.
Association of Children’s Museum (ACM) Interactivity 2026
April 21–23 | San Diego, CA
InterActivity is the premier annual conference for children's museum professionals, and San Diego provides a fitting stage. Attendees can expect deep dives into child development, exhibit design, community programming, and the evolving role of play-based learning.
It's an energizing event that reminds you exactly why this work matters.
Canadian Association of Science Centres (CASC) Annual Conference
April 28–30 | Ontario, Canada
CASC’s annual gathering is Canada’s premier event for science center professionals.
Attendees share programming ideas, explore emerging trends in informal science learning, and build relationships that strengthen the field. It’s valuable for both Canadian and international participants.
MuseumNext – Museums & Nature Summit
April 29–30 | Virtual
Nature-based institutions like botanical gardens, natural history museums, and wildlife centers play a key role in environmental education.
This MuseumNext summit looks at how these institutions connect audiences to nature and address the urgency of the climate crisis.
May
American Alliance of Museums (AAM) Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo
May 20–23 | Philadelphia, PA
This is the big one. The 2026 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo (AAM 2026) is the largest museum conference in the world, drawing professionals from art museums, history museums, and everything in between.
Philadelphia 2026 features landmark keynotes, a large MuseumExpo floor, and dynamic cross-sector conversations. Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning, AAM consistently delivers a valuable experience.
STQRY will be on the expo floor! Stop by our booth and discover how we're helping museums worldwide build more accessible, engaging, and connected visitor experiences.
Giant Screen Cinema Association (GSCA) International Conference
May 20–22 | Los Angeles, California
Giant screen and dome theater professionals meet in Los Angeles for the GSCA International Conference.
With sessions on content production, technology, and audience engagement, it’s a specialized but essential event for science centers and natural history museums with giant screen theaters.
Association for Advancing Participatory Sciences (AAPS) Annual Conference
May 26–29 | Virtual
Citizen science and community-based research are reshaping how museums engage the public.
The AAPS Annual Conference brings together practitioners and researchers to share what's working, what isn't, and where the field is headed. Virtual format means open access for teams of all sizes.
MuseumNext – Museums & School Summit
May 27–28 | Virtual
School partnerships are among the most impactful and most complex relationships museums maintain. This MuseumNext summit explores how institutions are deepening those relationships, from curriculum integration to field trip programming and beyond.
June
Ecsite 2026 Annual Conference
June 2–4 | Gothenburg, Sweden
The European Network of Science Centres and Museums holds its flagship annual event in Sweden.
Ecsite brings together science engagement professionals from across Europe and beyond, making it one of the most internationally diverse gatherings, with Gothenburg providing a vibrant, design-forward setting.
American Public Gardens Association (APGA) Annual Conference
June 8–12 | San Francisco, California
The APGA Annual Conference is the key event for professionals at botanical gardens, arboretums, and public green spaces.
San Francisco offers a stunning backdrop for discussions on horticulture, conservation, education, and the evolving role of public gardens in urban life.
ISEA 2026 Annual Meeting (Summer)
June 24–27 | San Antonio, Texas
ISEA returns with a summer gathering in San Antonio, offering another opportunity for informal science educators in Texas to connect, learn, and recharge. It’s a strong regional event with a dedicated community.
American Library Association (ALA) LibLearnX
June 25–29 | Chicago, Illinois
ALA’s annual conference is the largest library gathering in North America.
For museum professionals in research libraries, archives, or community education, LibLearnX provides cross-sector programming and a chance to connect with library colleagues facing similar challenges.
July
Visitor Studies Association (VSA) Annual Conference
July 21–23 | Kansas City, Missouri
The VSA Annual Conference brings together professionals focused on visitor engagement in museums.
With research presentations, case studies, and methodological discussions, it’s an essential event for educators, evaluators, and exhibit developers, hosted in Kansas City’s vibrant cultural scene.
August
Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) Annual Summit
August 24–28 | Midland, Michigan
Nature centers play a unique role in informal learning, and ANCA’s Annual Summit brings their community together.
Midland, Michigan offers a natural setting for discussions on programming, operations, and connecting communities to the outdoors.
September
Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) 41st Annual Meeting
September 7–11 | Cape Town, South Africa
The Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections heads to Cape Town for its 41st annual gathering. The theme, “Bridging Hemispheres: Collaborating for a Unified Natural Heritage”, highlights the global nature of natural heritage work and the importance of cross-border collaboration.
Natural history professionals from around the world will convene to discuss collections care, biodiversity data, and the future of natural history institutions.
Held in one of the world’s most biodiverse and culturally rich cities, this event is a must for anyone working with specimens, collections, or conservation.
IAMFA 2026
September 14–18 | Florence, Italy
The International Association of Museum Facility Administrators brings its annual conference to one of the world’s greatest museum cities. Florence, home to some of the world’s most famous museums, provides the perfect setting to discuss facilities management, sustainability, and museum operations.
Whether you’re managing a historic building or a modern gallery, the expertise in the room will be unmatched.
American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) Annual Conference
September 16–19 | Providence, Rhode Island
AASLH’s annual gathering is the premier event for history museum professionals, historic sites, and cultural heritage organizations.
Providence, a city rich in American history, provides a fitting host, with programming on interpretation, collections stewardship, and keeping history relevant for today’s audiences.
ASTC 2026 Annual Conference
September 16–19 | Phoenix, Arizona
The Association of Science and Technology Centers’ flagship event brings together science center and museum professionals from North America and beyond.
Hosted in Phoenix, it’s one of the most energizing gatherings in informal science learning, offering something for everyone in exhibits, education, operations, or leadership.
Nineteenth International Conference on the Inclusive Museum
September 22–24 | Chau Chak Wing Museum, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia & Virtual
The Nineteenth International Conference on the Inclusive Museum takes place at the Chau Chak Wing Museum. The University of Sydney setting adds academic depth, supporting both research-driven dialogue and practical application.
Expect meaningful sessions on accessibility, equity, community representation, and the evolving social role of cultural institutions worldwide.
With in-person and virtual attendance options, the conference embodies the inclusive principles it promotes.
Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Annual Conference
September 26–October 1 | Portland, Oregon
AZA’s full annual conference builds on the mid-year meeting with a broader program.
Portland’s environmental culture and world-class zoo make it a fitting host. The conference features in-depth sessions on animal care, conservation, audience engagement, and leadership.
October
North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Annual Conference
October 6–9 | Portland, Oregon
NAAEE’s annual gathering is the premier event for environmental education professionals.
For museums and nature centers, it offers a chance to connect with educators and advocates across formal and informal learning. Portland’s strong environmental culture makes it an ideal host.
Association for Science Discovery Centres (ASDC) Annual Conference
October 14–15 | Cardiff, United Kingdom
The UK’s science center community meets in Cardiff for its annual conference.
The event features focused programming on exhibit design, public engagement, and the evolving role of science centers in informal learning. It’s valuable for UK professionals and offers an interesting perspective for international attendees.
Advancing Indigenous People in STEM (AISES) National Conference
October 15–17 | Minneapolis, Minnesota
AISES hosts its flagship national conference in the fall, bringing together Indigenous students, professionals, and allies in STEM.
For museums and science centers focused on Indigenous representation and community partnerships, it’s an important event and a chance to listen and learn.
MCN 2026
October 21–23 | Hyatt Regency Seattle, Seattle, WA
Held at the Hyatt Regency Seattle, MCN 2026 brings together museum and cultural heritage professionals from across North America and beyond.
The conference offers an inspiring space for our community to connect, share knowledge, and explore the latest innovations in digital technologies for museums.
American Museum Membership Conference (AMMC) Annual Conference
October 26–29 | Los Angeles, California
Membership is the lifeblood of many cultural institutions, and AMMC’s annual conference helps membership professionals sharpen their skills.
Los Angeles attracts a strong crowd, and the sessions on acquisition, retention, donor cultivation, and digital strategy are consistently practical and applied.
SACNAS National Conference
October 29–31 | Long Beach, California
The Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science hosts one of the country’s most culturally vibrant STEM conferences.
For museums aiming to broaden participation in science and build authentic community relationships, SACNAS offers both inspiration and a call to action.
November
National Association for Interpretation (NAI) National Conference
November 17–21 | Oakland, California NAI’s National Conference brings together interpretive professionals who bring stories to life at parks, museums, historic sites, and nature centers.
Oakland’s rich cultural landscape and proximity to California’s renowned natural and cultural sites make it a fitting end-of-year destination.
National Digital Forum
November 23–25 | Harbourside Function Venue, Wellington, New Zealand
NDF26 Hononga \ Connections is the 2026 edition of the National Digital Forum conference in Pōneke Wellington.
Organised by NDF, this year's theme explores connections within and beyond the digital. Sessions will tackle how cultural organisations can navigate AI, information spaces, and technological change together.
For anyone working at the intersection of digital strategy and cultural heritage, this is the Southern Hemisphere's essential gathering.
December
American Geophysical Union (AGU) Annual Meeting
December 7–11 | San Francisco, California
The AGU Annual Meeting is one of the world’s largest gatherings of earth and space scientists.
For science museums, planetariums, and institutions with earth science or climate programming, it offers a view of the latest research. It’s also a chance to connect with scientists who could become collaborators, speakers, or advisors.
Bring Your Museum to Life with STQRY
This list will be updated as new conferences are announced. Know of one we missed? Let us know. You can also visit the full museum conference directory for more events.
You may also learn more about STQRY ahead of time. We help museums, cultural sites, and visitor attractions build self-guided tours. These experiences engage every visitor at their own pace, in their own language, and on their own terms.
From audio guides and multimedia storytelling to location-based guidance and accessible content, STQRY gives your institution the tools to turn a great visit into an unforgettable one.