September 2025 | Collecting More Than Objects

From the desk of Katy Knight | UMA Board President [2025-2026]

Collecting More Than Objects

In my experience, museum professionals tend to have something in common: we love to collect. Sure, we work with physical objects—artifacts, art, specimens, documents—but our collecting doesn’t stop there. We collect experiences, stories, and friendships, too. We track things, we make lists, we document. It’s in our nature.

So, excuse me for getting a little personal here—I recently turned 49, and I decided to lean into that collecting instinct. I created a personal “bingo” card of 49 fun things I want to do before I turn 50. It’s a mix of new experiences, local adventures, and small joys that I want to collect along the way. You can check out my list at katyknight.com, and this coming week at the UMA Conference in Kanab, I’m excited to check off a few: eat at a new restaurant, play pickleball, and visit a new museum!

Conference Week Is Almost Here!

We’re just days away from the UMA Annual Conference, and I’m genuinely excited to spend time in beautiful Kanab with all of you.

One thing I’m especially looking forward to? Pickleball! I’ve been practicing my dinks and drop shots. 🏓 Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned player, all levels are welcome—it’s a fun, relaxed way to connect with colleagues. Don’t have a paddle? No problem. We’ll have some available, and you might just spot a few up for bid in the silent auction. 😉

We’re also thrilled to welcome Elizabeth Merritt as our keynote speaker. I remember hearing her speak years ago when our conference was in Cedar City, and I’ve never forgotten how thought-provoking and future-focused her message was. I can’t wait to hear what she brings to us this year.

Make the Most of Your Conference Experience

If you haven’t already:

• Sign up for a Wednesday morning field trip or service project.
• Check the conference program and plan which sessions you’re most excited about.
• Visit the conference registration page to make sure you’re signed up and ready.

And above all, I hope you’ll take a moment—whether it’s over a meal, in a session, or during a museum visit—to connect with someone. For me, this conference is a reminder that I’m not alone in this work. I’m part of a community of people who care deeply about informal learning, collections stewardship, and public service. When we share knowledge and resources, we amplify the impact of what we do across the entire state.

I can’t wait to see you next week. Let’s collect some memories together.