Each year I look forward to reconnecting with museum colleagues, meeting new people, getting inspired, and having fun at the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) conference. This year, I’ll be joined by our president, Peter Linett,and we are both excited about 2019’s theme—Dynamic, Relevant, and Essential: Sustaining Dynamic Museums. (And, I’m not going to lie, it’s hard to pass up an opportunity to visit an amazing city like New Orleans!)

I’ve got my eye on several sessions, many of which will be presented by our current and past clients:

• “Stories of the OF/BY/FOR ALL first wave” with Nina Simon of Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History;
• “The Loyalty Equation: Developing Relationships that Deliver” with Ryan Auster from Museum of Science Boston; and,
• “Impact of Awe on Memories of Art and Science Museums” with our colleagues from Museum of Science and Industry, Minneapolis Institute of Art, and Denver Zoo.

And this year, we’re trying something new in celebration of Slover Linett’s 20th anniversary: being an AAM sponsor. Specifically, we’re sponsoring a breakfast hosted by the Committee on Audience Research & Evaluation and the PR & Marketing Committee (CARE and PRAM, in AAM acronym-speak). Peter will give some brief remarks, and we’ll both be there despite not being morning people.

I’m always game for debriefing on sessions, catching up on what’s new (and challenging) at your organizations, making new connections in the museum sector and beyond, and enjoying some of the evening events together. So, let me know if you will be at AAM this year—it would be great to meet up!