The AAM 2026 Experience
The AAM 2026 Experience
At AAM 2026, new ideas surface in every space, whether you’re front row at the keynote, recharging in the MuseumExpo, or deep in conversation at a community meetup with your peers.
Join over 4,000 colleagues from institutions of all types and sizes as you discover innovative solutions, connect with peers, and explore the breadth of Philadelphia’s museums.
Every part of AAM 2026 is crafted so you return home with actionable strategies, lasting connections, and renewed passion for the field.
Networking & Community
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As a first-time attendee, I had an amazing time. Everyone was eager to talk and make connections. The pre-session that was provided for first-time members immensely helped get rid of the pre-conference jitters. I had a stack of business cards and my goal was to get rid of them, and I did, all to museum nerds.
–Erika Dahl-Stamnes, San Antonio Museum of Art, TX
Find Your Folks & First-Timers Coffee
At such a large conference, finding your peers can feel daunting. Let us help you navigate AAM 2026 like a pro. Grab a coffee, meet new people, and discover Communities of Practice (CoP) that match your interests, including those for functional roles and identity-based groups.
Museum People Meetups
Ready to make new connections? AAM coalition partners (state, regional, and affiliate) and museum groups and collectives will program activities to help you find your people, while we provide the space and support. Share your work, grow your network, and spark real conversations with your peers.
Career Café
Are you job hunting, new to the field, or wondering “what’s next?” The Career Café can help you build confidence, clarify career goals, and gain tools to navigate change and lead effectively. Programming will include sessions on résumé writing, managing career transition, personal branding, networking, interviewing, and more.
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I have been an AAM member for 40 years and in each phase of my career I have found rich connections and resources in the conference experience. It is an energizing time and a chance to reset, as well as to have a break from our usual multi-tasking days.
–Lisa Tremper Hanover, Doylestown, PA
AAM Party
The AAM Party is the single biggest event of the conference, celebrating all of the new connections, insights, and inspiration you’ve experienced thus far. This party at The Franklin Institute is one you won’t want to miss!
Connect Party
Spend your evening after hours at the Philadelphia Art Museum which hosts this unique party designed to help you celebrate with new friends and create even more connections through engaging activities at the museum.
CEO Roundtables & Reception
These roundtable discussions are created by and for museum directors and CEOs to discuss shared challenges and solutions. Unwind at the reception hosted by the National Constitution Center.
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As a first-time attendee, the conference was inspiring and transformative! I cannot wait to go back!
– Tinashe C. Princeton, NJ
Experiences
Experiential Workshops
Experiential workshops take you out of the convention center and into Philadelphia’s museums for “how we did it” workshops, special access tours, and other experiences for museum people like you.
Show Your Badge
Your AAM 2026 badge gives you free and discounted access to dozens of museums in the greater Philadelphia area. Bringing the family? You can grab a guest pass for them as well, so they can explore while you’re deep in sessions.
Immerse Yourself in History and Culture
Between sessions, you’re literally walking through America’s birthplace. Explore Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Plus, Philadelphia’s vibrant food scene.
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The AAM 2025 meeting was a vital gathering for addressing the pressing challenges museums face today, from the rise of AI and immersive digital art to navigating capital campaigns and deepening engagement with audiences and your Board. It offered a rich spectrum of topics that are shaping the present and future of museums.
—Cynthia Prida, Long Beach, California
AAM 2025 exceeded all my expectations, and I made so many connections I wasn’t expecting. I was able to put faces to names I’ve been corresponding with over email, and I learned SO much from the variety of sessions. The conference has inspired me to dream bigger and do so much more at my museum. I can’t wait to see where my career takes me in the future (hopefully another AAM meeting!)
–Oriana Va’i, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Learning
Unmatched Professional Development
With 200 educational sessions, you get unmatched professional development and opportunities to learn from perspectives you’d never encounter. These cross-pollinating conversations reveal universal challenges and unexpected solutions that transcend institutional type, budget size, or geographic location.
Cutting Edge Solutions and Innovations
The MuseumExpo isn’t just about finding vendors—it’s about discovering solutions that have been pressure-tested by the entire field. Plus, the informal networking that happens at booths with vendors and their museum clients gives you intelligence you simply can’t get from a sales pitch or website.
A New Session Track for Foundational Functions
Your voice matters, and we’ve been listening! In event surveys, you’ve expressed a need for more sessions focused on museum essentials and evolving practices. In 2026, we’ve created a dedicated session track that explores the foundational functions, emerging strategies, and core competencies across a broad range of job functions.
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Attending the AAM MuseumExpo was an incredibly enriching and affirming experience. It provided me with a renewed sense of purpose in my work within the museum and heritage sector, and offered an invaluable opportunity to engage with global best practices, emerging trends, and inspiring professionals from diverse backgrounds.
–Lornadale C., St. George, Grenada
The American Alliance of Museums’ mission is to champion equitable and impactful museums by connecting people, fostering learning and community, and nurturing museum excellence.
