The Ontario Museum Association (OMA) is forming the Annual Conference 2021 Program Committee. The purpose of this committee is to provide direction in Conference planning and to ensure that the Conference program reflects sector needs and provides information and inspiration to museums and museum professionals across Ontario. The OMA Annual Conference 2021 will be a virtual event held over two days in fall 2021.

The OMA invites members to join this committee. Terms begin March 15, 2021 and finish December 31, 2021. The Committee will meet online at least monthly with additional online communication between meetings as necessary

Responsibilities of the Committee

1. To develop program content and format according to the theme approved by OMA Council and with guidance provided by the PD Advisory Committee.
2. To develop the call for proposals elaborating on the conference theme to guide submissions.
3. To act as an ambassador of the OMA Conference and to use professional networks to encourage proposal submissions and attendance at conference among museums and individuals.
4. To review all proposals for OMA Conference according to relevance to and reflection of the Conference theme.
5. To maintain the confidentiality of deliberations and discussions of the Committee.
6. To recommend keynote speakers, presenters, and other programming as necessary to ensure a full Conference program that reflects the diversity of Ontario’s museum community.
7. To work with OMA staff to prepare for Conference:
   1. Assist with the organization of the pre-conference activities as needed.
   2. Connect OMA Staff to potential partners and exhibitors.
8. To register for and attend the virtual Conference, (efforts will be made to make a committee or speaker rate available, within budget parameters).
9. To be available throughout virtual Conference for:
   1. Moderating panels or sessions, welcoming, introducing and/or thanking speakers/sponsors (Personalized schedules and speaking notes will be provided by OMA staff).
10. To review the conference evaluation report and make recommendations for the following year’s Conference Program Committee.
11. It is expected that committee members and/or their institutions will be responsible for their conference registration and other costs related to the business of the committee.

Member Requirements

• Committee members must:
  • Be members in good standing of the OMA (as individuals or institutions);
  • Have an interest in professional development;
  • Commit to a one year term.

In order to create a diverse and representative committee, we encourage members:

• from all parts of Ontario;
• who identify as Black, Indigenous or as Persons of Colour;
• of all genders, ethnic groups, and abilities;
• who identify as emerging, mid-career and senior professionals, board members, or volunteers;
• working in all areas of museum practice.

We also encourage members:

• who are affiliated with regional networks or special interest groups,
• who represent post-secondary museum or heritage programs in Ontario.

Deadline for expressions of interest: March 7, 2021

Questions? Please contact Mary Collier, Professional Development Program Manager at [email protected]