Let’s Go to Springfield!
We are so excited to meet with friend and colleagues this week at the 2022 New England Museum Association Conference. Before you hit the road, check out some of our conference packing tips and plan some things to do in the 413!
It’s been a minute or two since many of us have been to an in-person conference! The lineup for speakers and presentations at this year’s New England Museum Association Conference looks great! Besides professional development, conferences are a great time to connect with colleagues, consultants, and other museum pros and make some future plans.
Packing List
These are a few of our favorite things to pack for NEMA:
Technology and chargers - make sure you have what you need to work AND relax. If you’re presenting, be sure to check your inbox for any special instructions from the NEMA team!
Comfortable shoes - for many of us in the field, comfy shoes are a given. You’ll do a surprising amount of walking at the conference and in downtown Springfield.
Layers - one room might be 75 and another might be 62. It’s always a good idea to have a few layers of clothing on so you can be comfortable in any condition
Healthy snacks and a water bottle - snacks might not be there when hunger strikes and the hotel convenience store is usually pricey. Pack a few non-perishable, healthy treats. Don’t forget your reusable water bottle, too!
Business cards - yes, this is a networking event! We’ve all been guilty about leaving our contact information behind, so make it a point to pack lots of business cards. Use the cards to take short notes about conversations you had with new friends.
Backpack - we love a backpack over a tote. You’re neck and shoulders will thank you at the end of the day.
COVID supplies - this might be your first time around a lot of people indoors. It doesn’t hurt to have a mask in your pocket or hand sanitizer in your bag.
Things to Do in Springfield and the Region
If you’re a gambler, you’re a short walk to the MGM Casino. Even if you’re not a slot fanatic, the “campus” is a blend of old buildings that were saved after the tornado about a decade ago and some splashy, new architecture to connect it together. There is also a movie theatre and some great, quick-service restaurants if your not going to do conference meals.
Eat Local! The Red Rose Pizzeria, Student Prince, and Theodore’s are classic eateries that are a short walk from conference central.
Springfield Museums were among the first field trips memories for our founder and combine history, art, science, and Suess! More of a sports fan? Shoot some hoops at the Basketball Hall of Fame!
Everything in Hamden County is truly easy to access. There are wonderful local restaurants, museums, and things to do in the surrounding communities if you want to get out of the conference zone for a bit!
The Small Museum Toolkit
Wednesday 11/2, 11:00 a.m.
Preventative care? Social media? Online programming? Disaster Preparedness? These topics can be intimidating for small museums with little to no staff - but we’re here to help you fill your toolkit and get the jobs done! Join us for tips, tricks, and ideas in this judgment-free zone to take your organization to the next level.
Facilitator: Julie Arrison-Bishop, Founder, MuseumTastic, MA
Speakers: Susan Baker, Collections Manager, The House of the Seven Gables; Kaylee Redard, Assistant Guest Experience Manager on the Mayflower II, Plimoth Patuxet Museums, MA; Donia Conn, Professor, Simmons University, MA
We’ll be presenting on opening day at 11:00 a.m. The Small Museum Toolkit will