Call for AAM Content Advisory Committee Members

Become a Content Advisory Committee Member

AAM’s volunteer Content Advisory Committee (CAC) is a diverse group of subject matter experts with extensive knowledge of the museum field and the professional development needs of museum professionals. The CAC’s primary role is to evaluate and recommend session proposals for the AAM Annual Meeting through a review and selection process. CAC members receive a complimentary registration to the 2026 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo.

If you’re interested in gaining valuable insight into what your peers are doing across the field and shaping the 2026 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo program, learn more about the requirements and apply by August 26.

What AAM is Looking for in a CAC Member?

AAM seeks subject matter experts from across disciplines, museum or museum-related organizations, and functional roles to serve on the CAC and help shape the 2026 AAM Annual Meeting program. Members serve a one-year term, with a few invited to continue for a second year to ensure continuity. Applicants must complete a brief application to be considered.

Preferred qualifications and abilities include:

• Early-career, mid-career, or senior museum professional employed by a museum or museum-related organization.
• Current individual or institutional AAM member.
• Prior attendance at AAM Annual Meetings.
• Deep understanding of museum issues and practices.
• Commitment to the integrity and quality of the content review process.
• Willingness to discuss and provide feedback on proposals during selection meetings.
• Ability to use the proposal review platform (training will be provided).

Standard Agreement for CAC Chairs & Committee Members

As a CAC member, I agree to:

• Serve for the full term agreed upon, which includes reviewing, evaluating, and recommending Annual Meeting session proposals.
• Review proposals within the assigned thematic track.
• Maintain active AAM membership (individual or institutional) throughout my term.
• Complete all reviews by the deadlines provided.
• Follow the scoring system and guidelines provided.
• Abstain from reviewing proposals where I have a conflict of interest.
• Maintain confidentiality throughout the review process. I will not disclose proposal content, scoring, comments, or discussions.
• Participate in a blind review process: presenter names and institutions will be hidden until final selections are made.
• Notify AAM staff if I am unable to fulfill my responsibilities.
• Attend virtual and/or in-person CAC meetings for planning in 2025. I will notify AAM staff in advance if I am unable to attend.
• Cover my own travel and lodging expenses if attending the in-person selection meeting.
• Understand that I will receive a complimentary registration to the 2026 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo. This waiver is non-transferable and cannot be applied to future meetings or to another individual.
• Cover my own travel, lodging, meals, and event tickets if attending the 2026 Annual Meeting.

Meetings & Time Commitment

Virtual: Full CAC Kick-Off Meeting
Tentatively September 15, 2025; 2 pm ET
This meeting includes an overview of the process and a tutorial for the review portal. The meeting will be recorded and shared with CAC members.

Virtual: Proposal Review and Scoring
September 29 – October 24, 2025
CAC members, as part of sub-teams, will review proposals submitted during the call for proposals which runs August 26 – September 26. Each committee member can anticipate spending 7-10 hours reviewing proposals over the course of a month. All reviews must be completed by October 24 at 11:59 pm ET.

In-person: Selection Meeting
November 3-4, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA
Following the review period, sub-teams will meet in person in the AAM 2026 host city, Philadelphia, to finalize selections. Travel and lodging expenses are the responsibility of the CAC member or their employer. This is a required meeting for all CAC members.

Virtual: Annual Meeting Update Meeting
Date TBD between mid-March and mid-April 2026
CAC members will receive final updates during this virtual meeting.

In-person: CAC Luncheon at the 2026 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo
Details will be shared closer to the event. AAM 2026 is taking place May 20-23. CAC members will receive a complimentary registration to AAM 2026, but travel and lodging are the responsibility of the CAC member or their employer.

How to Apply

You’ll be asked to provide information about your background and expertise, and to confirm your agreement with the CAC requirements and responsibilities. Applicants will be notified of selection in late August 2025.