Submit your session proposals for OMA 2018!

It's once again time to send in your innovative and thought-provoking session ideas for the 2018 OMA Annual Conference! This year’s meeting will be held April 15-16 in Ohio's beautiful Gem City - Dayton - a place that knows a thing or two about making new ideas take flight.

In an ever-changing landscape of new technology, new concepts and new experiences, there is a choice: ask big questions and generate extraordinary ideas – or risk becoming obsolete.

Across Ohio, museums are tackling the ideas and questions that reshape the way we function, change the way we think and communicate, and impact how we grow and serve both our mission and our communities.

Museum professionals from across the state will be joining us in Dayton, April 15 and 16 as we explore these topics and more - but we need your help! OMA is currently accepting session proposals for innovative and engaging sessions that will create an interactive experience for our conference attendees.

Click here to download a Session Proposal Form

So, what makes a great OMA session?

  • Our attendees love programs with high take-away values—something that equips them with knowledge and skills they will be able to immediately put into practice.

  • Sessions that engage the attendees in open discussion, and provide an opportunity for museum professionals to discover how others solve problems, develop programs, produce exhibits and deliver what the public wants while staying true to a mission are always big hits.

  • Because OMA is a state-wide conference, the audience comes from a wide variety of institutions that vary in size and discipline, so sessions that can engage this unique group are highly sought after. Sessions that can apply their topics to any type of museum, and ideas that can scale to any budget level are key.

  • To help foster the growth of our emerging museum leaders, we are encouraging proposals with speakers that include students partnering with current museum professionals. Student speakers offer a unique perspective that is invaluable and invigorating for our attendees!

Submit your session proposal now for the 2018 annual conference of the Ohio Museums Association as we explore best practices and innovative ideas in Ohio museums. We're seeking session proposals that will foster dynamic conversations around:

  • Telling your museum’s stories in unique ways – Integrating innovative programs, partnerships and interpretation to stay relevant to both new audiences and existing ones.

  • Museums and workforce development – From early education to adult workforce readiness, how are museums filling this vital community role?

  • Fiscal responsibility, sustainability, and keeping true to your mission – How can museums remain sustainable, both financially and environmentally, while continuing to serve as trusted cultural stewards?

  • The role of museums in community inclusion – How museums can better reflect our diverse communities in how we serve our audiences, and for those seeking museum careers.

  • Un-success stories – Lessons learned, and how to bounce back from a less-than-successful venture.

A variety of formats are encouraged from hands-on sessions, round table discussions, panel Q and As, and workshops (to name a few). All sessions are 45 minutes long.

Session proposals are being accepted until October 13, 2017. For complete Session Proposal information and up-to-date conference details, visit the OMA 2018 Conference Page. Please feel free to contact the OMA office at 614.297.2375 or [email protected] with any questions.

OMA 2018 - We look forward to seeing you in Dayton!

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