Newport, Rhode Island
November 13-15, 2013
Who Cares? Why Museums Are Needed Now More Than Ever

 Behind the question "Who cares?" lies the fundamental struggle challenging today's museums to stay relevant in an evolving, revolving, revolutionary world. How do we deliver the "authentic" experiences the public craves as an alternative to the virtual, electronic worlds of mass entertainment? Who is our audience in an increasingly diverse community? What do we have to do understand and connect to those audiences? Where are communities headed if they don't have vibrant museums in their midst? Most important, why do museums have value at all?

These are the important questions we'll be raising at the 95th Annual NEMA Conference in Newport, Rhode Island. Fueled by the theme "Who Cares? Why Museums Are Needed Now More Than Ever" (which you and your colleagues crowdsourced at the 2012 conference), the museum field will descend on Newport with more ideas, interactivity, and inspiration than ever before. It's your chance to add your voice to the debate about who cares about museums and the roles we play in society. So put on your thinking cap and make plans for a dynamic conference session that helps us find the answer to "Who cares?"

 In addition to theme-related sessions, we also welcome sessions exploring issues of technology, future leadership, and public accountability in museums. Sessions on professional development topics for individuals such as networking, personal growth, and public speaking are also welcome. NEMA strives to offer sessions on topics including museum governance, administration, visitor services, volunteer management, human resources, education, exhibitions, curatorial and conservation, registration, membership, development, and marketing. In content and in format, all sessions should stimulate discussion, raise new ideas, debate solutions, and spark imagination. Join us and share your experience!


A great conference begins with great NEMA members! Consider joining us in Newport as a session chair or presenter. To submit a proposal click here. Proposals must be received by February 1, 2013.