Colleague Connect provides the space for you to grow your network, exchange ideas, and elevate yourself as a museum professional. For each session, you will gather virtually with peers from across the state to explore a professional development or industry-related resource together. Afterwards, the group will take time to learn from one another by sharing personal experiences, challenges, lessons learned, and tips and tricks related to the topic of the day. 

April 29, 2026 | 2:00 pm-3:00 pm

Leadership

Leadership is evolving—are you ready? Join us for an engaging online discussion exploring what truly defines great leadership in the 21st century. Inspired by a powerful TED Talk, this session invites participants to rethink what effective leadership looks like today. Together, we'll examine how forward‑looking leaders anticipate change, build diverse networks, and take courageous leaps that shape the future.

May 20, 2026 | 2:00 pm-3:00 pm

Advocating for Resources and Programming

Great advocacy starts with a great story. This session uses insights from Clay Hebert’s TEDxReno talk “The Best Way To Answer ‘So What Do You Do?’” to help you articulate your program’s value with clarity, confidence, and purpose so you can build support and spark engagement. We’ll learn how to craft powerful, concise messaging that helps people instantly understand what you do—and why it matters.

July 15, 2026 | 2:00 pm-3:00 pm

Self-Care

In this session, inspired by an insightful TED Talk, we’ll rethink self‑care as a practical, holistic, and communal practice. Together, we’ll discuss how to build sustainable habits, navigate cultural expectations around strength and success, and support one another in creating healthier, more balanced lives.

August 19, 2026 | 2:00 pm-3:00 pm

IDEA

This reflective conversation draws on Cecile Shellman’s Inward, Outward, Upward, Onward to help us examine the relationship between our identities and our professional practice. Together, we’ll explore questions about compassion, representation, and how museum environments can support more inclusive and empathetic interactions.