Call for Proposals 

The Adaptable Museum: Embracing Creative Stewardship for a Sustainable Future
Dates: September 22 - 24, 2026
Location: Edmonton, Alberta

Museums today are navigating a world defined by compounding uncertainty and constant change. Economic instability, climate disruption, social inequity, political issues, and evolving public expectations continue to reshape the environment in which museums and cultural centres operate. The Adaptable Museum Conference, presented by the Alberta Museums Association (AMA), will examine how adaptability functions as a guiding principle for the museum sector. Conference theme developed in collaboration with the Canadian Museums Association.

The Adaptable Museum Conference will be delivered through dynamic formats including Think Tanks, Workshops, Conversations, and Case Studies. Sessions will engage the following thematic areas:

• Advocacy and Public Value
• Operations and Organizational Sustainability
• Adaptation and Resilience
• Inclusion and Transformation

 

Participants will engage with ideas and examples that address the following questions:

• How can museums embed wellness and equity into daily operations?
• In what ways can advocacy strengthen public trust and demonstrate value?
• What does operational preparedness look like in practice?
• How does financial preparedness support flourishing museums at all stages of organizational life?
• How can collaboration, compassion, and creativity build resilience in the face of crisis?

 

All session proposals will be reviewed by the Conference Program Committee. Complete the online session proposal form by 11:59 p.m. on February 23, 2026. To review the required information in advance of submitting, please see the  submission requirements. 

For questions about The Adaptable Museum Conference, please contact communications@museums.ab.ca