UMA Annual Conference   |   September 23-26, 2026   |   Salt Lake City, UT   |   Aspire

The 2026 Western Museums Association’s (WMA) Annual Meeting will be held in partnership with the Utah Museums Association (UMA) in Salt Lake City from September 23-26. The annual meeting is a distinct opportunity for museum people to exchange ideas, learn from peers in unique sessions, and cultivate skills to best serve their communities through museums.

This year we gather in Salt Lake City, UT, a place shaped by layered histories, evolving communities, and ongoing efforts to reckon with land, identity, and belonging with not only the Utah museum community but also our colleagues in the western region.

With the theme of ASPIRE, WMA and UMA invite museum professionals to imagine boldly, reaching beyond inherited boundaries to shape futures not yet written. To ASPIRE is not simply to dream; it is to take intentional steps toward transformation. Whether expanding community engagement, rethinking stewardship, or exploring new interpretive strategies, to ASPIRE requires us to hold space for possibility - and to take action!

This is an opportunity for Utah museums to shine! How can you contribute? We encourage all of you to consider submitting a proposal by the deadline of Friday, March 27, 2026. All proposals must be submitted through WMA’s website. 

LEARN MORE AND SUBMIT A PROPOSAL

Have an idea but not quite sure where to go with it or looking for co-presenters? We are here to help!

• Use the 2026 Conference Presenter Connector Sheet to help you shape proposals, connect with others, or let us know what topics you want included in the program.
• Attend the Session Proposal Brainstorm on Thursday, March 5 at 12 pm MT. This is an opportunity to come with your half-baked ideas for a session, enthusiasm to participate, or desire to learn more about the WMA|UMA Annual Meeting. We will start with a quick overview of the RFP process and tips and tricks for how to submit a compelling proposal. Then we will break into smaller groups for discussion. We hope you leave with new ideas, stronger connections with colleagues, and feeling inspired to submit a proposal!