Alberta Museums Association

The AMA is pleased to announce the appointment of Lauren Wheeler as the next Executive Director of the Canadian Museums Association / Association des musées canadiens. Lauren will officially join the CMA on Monday, July 27. ⁠
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Lauren has worked at the Alberta Museums Association for the past 13 years, first as Program Lead for the Recognized Museum Program and, since 2022, as Strategic Services Director. Her expertise spans museum best practice, accreditation, non-profit governance, operations and finance, deaccessioning and repatriation, visitor experience, and emergency and disaster planning and response. ⁠Her last day at the AMA will be on July 22.
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Lauren believes museums play a vital role in creating safe, accessible spaces for exploration, connection and a deeper understanding of our responsibility to people and the environment. She holds a Master of Arts in Public History from Carleton University and is looking forward to returning to Ottawa with her family. ⁠
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Please join us in congratulating Lauren in this exciting next chapter. We know that she will excel in her new role and do great things for Canada’s museum sector.

Only 99 days remain until the 2026 Adaptable Museum Conference! Make the most of your experience in Edmonton by staying at the Wyndham Hotel & Conference Centre. Enjoy direct access to inspiring keynotes, dynamic breakout sessions, a vibrant trade show, and the AMA’s 55th Anniversary Gala and Awards Ceremony presented by Know History. ⁠
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Shuttles to the Opening Reception at the Royal Alberta Museum, off-site Learning Labs, and the Closing Party at TELUS World of Science - Edmonton all depart from the Wyndham. ⁠
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Adaptable Museum Conference delegates can enjoy exclusive room rates at the Wyndham Hotel & Conference Centre from September 21 to 26. Book your room by September 1 to secure this special rate: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/adaptablemuseum2026/details/hotel

Museums in a Changing World: Audience Trends, Impact, Trust. Start day two of the Adaptable Museum Conference with this keynote session, in which Susie Wilkening will delve deep into research findings, discuss who does (and who doesn’t) trust museums, and how controversy and politicization are changing how museums plan for the future. The session will be followed by a keynote panel discussion, moderated by Alexandra Hatcher, Partner at Hatlie Group. We are pleased to welcome Hatlie Group as the sponsor of our day two keynote session and panel.
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Susie Wilkening is the Principal of Wilkening Consulting, an audience research firm focusing on the museum field. She has over 25 years of experience in museums, including 20 years fielding groundbreaking research on the role of museums in American society. ⁠
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Register by June 17 to take advantage of Early Bird Pricing for the 2026 Adaptable Museum Conference: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/adaptablemuseum2026/home/

Don't wait, get your Early Bird tickets for the Adaptable Museum Conference by June 17 and save! For only $395, this all-inclusive registration fee covers:

- Attendance at conference sessions on Wednesday and Thursday
- Breakfast and lunch at the Wyndham on Wednesday and Thursday
- Shuttle transportation to and from the Wyndham for the Opening Reception at the Royal Alberta Museum, the Closing Party at TELUS World of Science - Edmonton, and a Learning Lab
- One ticket to the AMA's 55th Anniversary Gala and Awards Ceremony presented by Know History

One-day, student, and additional tickets for evening events are also available. Register today: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/adaptablemuseum2026/home

The Alberta Museums Association (AMA) is seeking Members to join our Board of Directors for the 2026 - 2029 term!

The AMA Board is looking for individuals who have a shared belief in the AMA's core values, knowledge of policy governance, and an understanding of provincial government.

All nominees must be Individual Voting Members of the AMA in good standing. See full requirements and review necessary documents: https://www.museums.ab.ca/

We are pleased to announce our opening keynote session for the 2026 Adaptable Museum Conference, 'Museum Diplomacy: Adapting Global Engagement in the Age of Polycrisis'⁠
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From climate crisis to social fragmentation, museums are navigating complex global realities. What does meaningful engagement look like today? Join us on Wednesday, September 23 for the opening keynote session with Dr. Sascha Priewe. The opening keynote session is sponsored by ATB Financial.
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Dr. Sascha Priewe is the Director, Collections & Public Programs, at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, and previously worked at the Royal Ontario Museum, British Museum, and the German Foreign Office. He also serves as the President of ICOM Canada.
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Register by June 17 to take advance of Early Bird pricing. Check out the full conference schedule and register today: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/adaptablemuseum2026/home

Join us on June 10 with Isabelle Hebert, Culture Banker at ATB, to take a look into strategic financial management and compliance for mid-size non-profits.

Free for AMA members - check the latest e-bulletin for your registration link!
$10 for non-members
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/strategy-and-compliance-for-mid-size-non-profits-tickets-1989229240206

As rainfall warnings sweep across the province, the Alberta Museums Association (AMA) is closely monitoring potential emergency situations. We encourage museums to review their Emergency Preparedness Plans. The AMA has Emergency Preparedness Resources available on our website: https://www.museums.ab.ca/what-we-do/emergency-preparedness.aspx
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The Emergency Preparedness Resources are designed to empower museums and museum professionals with information and tools that will ensure the ongoing success and sustainability of the museum sector. By accessing the most up-to-date tools and information available, museums can work to minimize the short- and long-term effects of emergency situations on their institutions and be fully prepared in the case of future emergencies. ⁠
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Stay alert, stay informed, and stay safe.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Metro Cinema last week for our International Museum Day screening of 'Alberta Number One'!⁠ We loved connecting with AMA members, meeting new faces, and sharing a glimpse into the work we do at the AMA.

It is no secret that we ❤️ Alberta museums, and it is always inspiring to spend time with others who feel the same. As mentioned in the introduction to the film, the fact that our museums and heritage spaces helped spark creative work deserves recognition. Seeing them appear in contemporary media reminds us that they remain culturally relevant and alive in the public imagination.

Supporting these places of memory, curiosity, and experimentation is vitally important. Thank you for being part of that support.