Call for Program Participation
2011 Conference Theme: How do we prove the value of museums?

As museums and heritage organizations across the state argue their cases for greater integration in an increasingly stressed educational system, for attendance and volunteerism in increasingly time-constrained leisure hours, and for funding in an increasingly challenging economic climate, the need to prove the value of our work to a whole host of stakeholders is more critical than ever. But what values to quantify and how to do it? And who will care unless we can compellingly convey our impact? 

Proposal Deadline October 1
2011 Museums in Conversation Conference Session/Workshop Proposal Form

If you’re interested in participating in a session proposed by a colleague for our early topic submission deadline, click here

Developing a proposal
We welcome proposals from a wide range of institutions and practitioners, within and outside the museum community, to encourage lively discussions that offer new perspectives on our work and create new connections to each other.
Program Facilitators should represent different sizes and/or types of museums and single discussion facilitators should gear their discussions to a wide audience with varied resources. There is nothing wrong with narrowing down a topic for a specific group, but this should be clearly stated in your program title and description. Sessions should not simply be a “show and tell” but should demonstrate advice and methodology that others can implement and needs to include discussion! Don’t discount less successful projects as potential subject matter. Perhaps there is an opportunity for discussion and growth in exploring the question of “what went wrong?”

Format Options:
Discussion Sessions: Single (75 minute); Double (150 minute)
(Structured Conversation; Experiential; Point-Counterpoint; Forum; 75 ideas in 75 minutes)
Workshops: Full-day (6-8 hours); Half-day (3-4 hours)
Poster Sessions

Format Structures:
Structured Conversation Session: Sparked by a shared interest or need, these facilitated participant-driven discussions are designed to encourage audience dialogue. Start with a provocative problem statement and see where the conversation goes.
Point/Counterpoint Session: A facilitated discussion that offers opposing points of view. The discussion leader moderates the conversation in a debate format.
Experiential: Participants simulate, role-play, or play games to convey key principles and learning objectives. Off-site activities are possibilities to explore.
Forum: This type of session is often used when the topic is more theoretical as opposed to practical. You can have several contributors who offer several perspectives on the topic, but the majority of the time is spent in conversation with the participants.
75 ideas in 75 minutes: Facilitators quickly move the session through a variety of quick tips designed to leave participants with inspiration and ideas.
Workshops (Workshops will be held on Sunday April 5 only): Whether full or half-day workshops must be experiential and practical.
Poster Session (Poster session will be held on Tuesday April 5 only): An opportunity to informally demonstrate materials and research, focus on a specific issue or case study that has broad application, or gather detailed feedback on your work using a table-top display, handouts, and Q & A

Looking for ideas for a discussion or workshop topic? How about…

• Programs and practices that instigate or foster resource development or sharing, relationship-building, community collaboration
• Innovative uses of collections that spark new connections and garner public support
• High impact museum and library collaborations
• Education programs that continue to thrive even as schools cut back
• Voices of the users of museum programs and services
• How forward-thinking museum boards and staff prove and model value
• What institutions value and why

Or, click here to see what topics have already been proposed by your colleagues and need your help!

Photos by Kevin Gray

2011 Museums in Conversation Conference Session/Workshop Proposal Form

Questions? Want more information? Call Museumwise at 800.895.1648 or email us.