Wednesday, October 15th, from 8:30-11:15am, 

Conversation Stations are similar to poster sessions at more formal or academic conferences, but with a broader application. You can propose an idea or ask questions about any topic you think the field might be interested in. Conference attendees can visit one or multiple stations to have informal chats with the station facilitator and other attendees. Example topics from past conferences include The Work We All Must Do: Diversity & Your Museum; Storytime—from Program to Community Collaborations; and When Entry Level Isn’t.

2025 Conversation Stations:

Fostering Belonging and Value Through Museum Programs

Erin Pilarski, Visitor Experience Coordinator & Events Manager, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Don La Barre, Historian, Michigan History Center

Join Don and Erin as they explore how the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center cultivates community value through free, inclusive programs that inspire learning, discovery, and engagement with maritime heritage.

Cultural Heritage Emergency and Disaster Response
Jared Yax, Cultural Heritage Emergency Responder/Smithsonian Instructor
Join in for a discussion on the emergency response methodology of cultural heritage professionals in regards to their institutions as well as training and preparation guidance for their institutions.

Negotiating NAGPRA
Chris Green, Independent NAGPRA Practitioner
This station is a spot to come discuss your unique circumstances, challenges, or successes in NAGPRA compliance or broader repatriation efforts.

Creating MOAs for Cultural Action with Municipal Partners

Megan McCullen, Associate Director, Grosscup Museum of Anthropology, Wayne State University

Collaboration allows museums and cities to move forward in historic preservation efforts together. Talk with us about how we created an MOA over 2 years. It was worth the time!