Let’s go to Portland!
Are you ready for the 2023 New England Museum Association Conference? We sure are!
Before you head Downeast, check out some of our conference packing tips and check out what there is to do (and eat and drink in this food and beer holy grail!)!
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.
If you’re coming to Maine on November 7, don’t forget to vote for your most museum-friendly candidates!
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 Portland.
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.
Mask-Friendly Conference - It doesn’t hurt to have a mask in your pocket or hand sanitizer in your bag. Do what makes you comfortable!
Things to Do in Portland
Last year, we had the advantage of our founder’s knowledge about Springfield, MA with great suggestions of things to eat, see, and do in between sessions. We recommend checking out some of these sites and blogs to help you plan your downtime:
Check out Visit Portland - Destination Marketing Organizations always know the best things to do!
We love this article from Codne Nast of the 15 Best Things to do in Portland
Eat Local! Here is a food map and calendar of food events!
Skip the conference and just visit the many, many museums in Portland. Just kidding - plan a return trip instead!
Mini Marketing Plan Demonstration Station
Wednesday 11/8, 2:30 p.m.
Do you have a marketing plan for your small museum? If you don’t (or do and want to improve it!) join MuseumTastic to create a one-page starter marketing plan. This jam-packed talk will include tips and inspiration to get your museum’s message out to a wider audience.
Facilitator: Julie Arrison-Bishop, Founder, MuseumTastic, MA
Career Support: Resume Review
Thursday, 11/9 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
You excel at your job, but does your resume reflect all your hard work? Sign up at the walk-in registration desk to get a fresh pair of eyes and some collegial advice on your most recent resume!