OMA Conference 2020 Highlights

The OMA’s first virtual conference was a success! With a new format came new possibilities, and we wanted to share some highlights from this transformed version of our Annual Conference.

The OMA Conference 2020 program was inspired by the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but also addressed the many challenges facing museums during the COVID-19 pandemic and social upheaval that made 2020 an extraordinary year. Throughout the conference, delegates embraced the opportunity to reimagine their practices and the place of museums in society. The sessions and webinars addressed timely and important topics for the museum sector, such as climate change, social justice, digital transformation, tourism recovery, and cultivating resilience and well-being.

We were pleased to welcome The Honourable Lisa McLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, who addressed OMA delegates and answered important questions about the future of Ontario's museums.

We also welcomed 221 museum professionals from 80 different institutions on our virtual platform for a full month of learning and connection:

• 80 delegates participated for the first time, and we were happy to welcome back 60 conference regulars.
• Colleagues in different stages of their career and in diverse roles gathered in the conference’s online venue, including a contingent of emerging museum professionals.
• Conference bursaries supported by OMA Council increased access to the event.
• 11 conference sessions and 4 Webinars
• 6 Celebratory and Awards videos
• 2 Video Lunchtime Performances
• 2 Member Check-ins
• and the 6th Annual GOEMP Trivia Night!

Thank you to See you at the OMA Annual Conference in 2021!

“Thank you all for an engaging and inspiring conference! I think you've proven that we can think of and do conferences in new ways - this wasn't just an adaptation to the current pandemic situation, I think it provides an example of and inspiration for how such events might change in the future. Thanks for working so hard to pull this event together - I've really enjoyed it.”
- Rhonda, OMA Conference 2020 Participant
 

If you wish to make a donation to the Ontario Museum Association and its work you may do so HERE. Donors will be acknowledged and thanked for their contribution to Ontario’s museum community.

The Ontario Museum Association's online Annual Conference 2020 and Annual General Meeting 2020 are supported by the Government of Ontario.