2026 Schedule at a glance
AAM 2026
SCHEDULE
AT A GLANCE
Use the schedule at a glance below to begin planning your AAM 2026 experience.
The full AAM 2026 program will be available in January.
Here is some of what you can expect:
- Interactive and hands-on programming and workshops that will help you learn new skills and leave with strategies and tools to bring back home.
- Events and parties to grow your network and celebrate being together.
- A MuseumExpo packed with exhibitors ready to show you the latest and greatest. Plus, we’re partnering with the Museum Store Association again this year for an incredible MuseumExpo experience.
- Free and reduced admission to area museums so you can experience all Philadelphia has to offer.
- Experiential workshops at Philadelphia museums so you can see local museums in action (and have a great field trip)!
Exhibitor move-in is 8am – 6pm on May 19 and 20.
Registration is open Tuesday, May 19, from 7:30am – 5pm, and at all other times listed below.
Pre-conference
Wednesday,
May 20
Welcome to AAM 2026,
Experiential Workshops
7:30 am–5:00 pm: Registration Open
9:00 am–5:00 pm: Choose from over a dozen pre-conference Experiential Workshops at Philadelphia-area museums
Thursday,
May 21
KEYNOTE
SESSIONS
MUSEUMEXPO
AAM PARTY
CEO/DIRECTORS RECEPTION
7:30 am–5:00 pm: Registration Open
8:30 am–9:30 am: Concurrent Sessions
9:30 am–10:00 am: Attendee Coffee Break
10 am–11:30 am: General Session & Keynote
11:30 am–5:00 pm: MuseumExpo Open
12:00 pm–1:30 pm: MuseumExpo Opening Reception with Solutions Center & Poster Presentations
1:30 pm–2:30 pm: Concurrent Sessions
1:30 pm–2:30 pm: Concurrent Sessions
3:45 pm–5:00 pm: MuseumExpo Break with Solutions Center and Poster Presentations
6:00 pm–8:00 pm: CEO/Directors Reception at the National Constitution Center
7:00 pm–10:00 pm: AAM Party at The Franklin Institute
Friday,
May 22
SESSIONS
MUSEUMEXPO
CONNECT NETWORKING EVENT
7:30 am–5:00 pm: Registration Open
8:30 am–9:30 am: Concurrent Sessions
9 am–5 pm: MuseumExpo Open
9:45 am–10:45 am: Concurrent Sessions
11 am–12:00 pm: Concurrent Sessions
12 pm–1:15 pm: MuseumExpo Break with Solutions Center & Poster Presentations
1:15 pm–2:15 pm: Concurrent Sessions
2:30 pm–3:30 pm: Concurrent Sessions
3:45 pm–5:00 pm: MuseumExpo Break with Solutions Center & Poster Presentations
7:00 pm–10:00 pm: Connect Networking Event at Philadelphia Art Museum
Saturday,
May 23
SESSIONS
SPECIAL EVENT
7:30 am–12:00 pm: Registration Open
8:30 am–9:30 am: Concurrent Sessions
9:45 am–10:45 am: Concurrent Sessions
11:00 am–12:00 pm: Concurrent Sessions
12:00 pm–5:00 pm: MuseumFest: Historic District Philly
Powered by the American Alliance of Museums
Join an afternoon of discovery—pop-up performances, living history, and surprises across some of Philadelphia’s most iconic historic district museums. Free, family-friendly, and designed for locals and AAM attendees to explore together. This event is made possible through the generous support of the William Penn Foundation. Ticket information coming soon.
This is a schedule at a glance for the 2026 AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo. All times are listed in Eastern Time. Please note that this is subject to change.
The American Alliance of Museums’ mission is to champion equitable and impactful museums by connecting people, fostering learning and community, and nurturing museum excellence.
