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| 2021 Annual Conference |
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We are optimistically planning to hold the conference in St. George with some aspects of the conference available for attendees who wish to participate virtually. Plans will be adjusted as needed based on the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finding ways to take our museums into the community is not a new concept for museum professionals, and 2020 thrust each of us into uncharted territory in many unique ways. Faced with the reality of literally closing our doors, museums quickly pivoted to find innovative and clever avenues to ensure that community care remained at the center of our practice. John R. Dichtl, President and CEO of AASLH notes, “hundreds of institutions redirected staff time to digital projects, making collections and tours available to millions of out-of-school kids and stay-at-home workers. Organizations quickly began collecting COVID-19 stories and artifacts.” Additional data clearly demonstrates that “...the worth of museums extends far beyond their building’s walls…(and we proved it when) people needed it most.”
Furthermore, the demand for greater diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion reverberated throughout 2020. While “many institutions have been highlighting issues of race and other inequities for decades, alongside their efforts to record examples of resilience and achievement,” we know that “...museums know how to spark the curiosity of visitors and inspire change.” Museums are integral and integrated into the process of helping our audiences find tools for greater understanding.
Conference Program Book
 Read through the program, start making your plans, and register for the conference today! CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE PROGRAM BOOK.
Need to make a change to your session or field trip selections? Instructions to do so can be found here. Registration includes all sessions, opening reception on Oct 27, lunch and dinner on Oct 28, and lunch on Oct 29. No refunds will be given after Aug 31, 2021 however registration can be transferred to a colleague at no charge. The fee to attend either in person or virtually is the same. During the registration process you will select how you plan to attend. If your plans change, you can update your registration or contact Ruth White.
Early Bird Registration [June 30 - extended through August 31, 2021] $185 General $150 Student
Registration [extended to October 7, 2021] $195 General $160 Student
Late Registration [Oct 8 - Oct 29, 2021] $215 General $180 Student
Attendees must be UMA Members (find out more about membership).
Conference attendees may choose to bring a guest to the Opening Reception or Thursday Dinner. This requires a separate ticket. A limited number of guest tickets will be available. If you would like to purchase a guest ticket please contact
Ruth White.
Opening Reception Guest: $25 Thursday Dinner Guest: $40
COVID-19 Protocols We strongly encourage in-person attendees to be fully vaccinated before attending UMA events. The CDC notes that being vaccinated greatly reduces your likelihood of contracting or transmitting the COVID-19 virus. Vaccination maintains your own health and safety, and reduces transmission rates within spaces and at events.
Regardless of vaccination status, face masks worn properly over mouth and nose will be required during all indoor conference activities. Masks may be temporarily removed for eating and drinking in designated areas. Presenters may remove masks while presenting if physically distanced from fellow presenters and attendees. If you forget or misplace your mask there will be masks available at the information desk.
If experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 (a fever of 100.4°F or higher, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches and pains, feel sick) attendees must attend the conference virtually. Any attendee who has had a COVID-19 exposure within the last 14 days must test negative for COVID-19 prior to attending UMA events.
For information on vaccination and testing, please visit: coronavirus.utah.gov.
The health of our museum community continues to be our utmost concern. Our museum community has been significantly impacted by the pandemic in both our professional and personal lives. We invite each of you to read more about the Communities for Immunity initiative to learn more about resources and funding opportunities available to help increase vaccine confidence in your community.
Conference Scholarships Through the generosity of the Utah Division of Arts & Museums Office of Museum Services with funding from the State of Utah we are able to offer a number of scholarships to the 2021 UMA Conference. Scholarship applications will be accepted July 1-31, 2021. APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP Museum Leadership Dinner
Pre-registration is required. Ticket cost: $45 Join us for the annual UMA Museum Leadership Dinner. This event is open to all in leadership positions at Utah museums and offers the opportunity to network with colleagues from around the state. While this event is held in conjunction with the Annual Conference it requires a separate registration. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE.
Volunteer at the Conference
Volunteering at the conference is a great opportunity to attend the conference in exchange for your service. Sign up to be a volunteer here. Volunteers who sign up for at least 10 hours of services will be given complimentary registration for the conference.
Silent Auction
Each year UMA hosts a fundraising silent auction in conjunction with our annual conference. All proceeds support programs that help build the capacity for museums across our state. Please consider donating an item to the silent auction
and come to the conference ready to bid!
Conference Venue
Dixie Center
1835 Convention Center Dr. St. George, UT 84790 Conference Hotel [primary]
Hilton Garden Inn St. George
1731 S. Convention Center Dr. St. George, UT 84790 It is best to call 435.634.4100 and reference UTMUS when booking your lodging. We have arranged for a block of rooms at the conference rate of $104 + taxes per night. There are very few rooms available for Tuesday, October 26. You may choose to book Tuesday night at the Holiday Inn (see below) and then move to the Hilton Garden Inn if you wish.
Conference Hotel [secondary]
Holiday Inn St. George
1808 Crosby Way St. George, UT 84790 It is best to call 435.628.8007 and reference UTMUS or Utah Museums Association when booking your lodging. You can also book your rooms online here. We have arranged for a block of rooms at the conference rate of $104 + taxes per night.
If you have any questions about lodging please contact Ruth White.
Annual Awards
Each year the Utah Museums Association presents awards to honor individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions to Utah Museums. Award nominations are due August 31, 2021.
If you have any questions please email Ruth White directly. The Utah Museums Association gratefully acknowledges conference support from our partners.
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