2026 OMA Annual Conference

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Join OMA in Columbus, April 18-20 for our 2026 annual conference!

(Please note: You must be logged in to register)

Resilience Through Growth: From Firsts to Futures

2026 Annual Conference

Defined by innovation and perseverance, Ohio has long been a land of firsts—from transformative inventions and historic movements to pioneering cultural institutions. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, museums are not just reflecting on the legacy we’ve inherited, but actively shaping the future to come.

In an era of challenge and change, museums have proven their resilience—adapting to new realities, redefining their roles, and continuing to serve as vital pillars in their communities. But resilience is more than survival, it is the soil in which we grow.

What will it take to sustain this momentum? How can we continue to innovate while honoring our roots? What does it look like to grow with intention—driven by mission, grounded in equity, and ready to meet the next generation head-on?

Join us in Columbus, April 18-20, 2026 for the Ohio Museums Association’s Annual Conference, Resilience through Growth: From Firsts to Futures, as we chart a course forward—rooted in legacy, powered by resilience, and inspired by the promise of what’s next.
 

Click here to download the full conference brochure

Click here to view the complete OMA 2026 Conference website

Order Your Limited Edition OMA 2026 Conference T-Shirt!

Back for 2026—Celebrate the unique culture of Columbus with this limited edition OMA 2026 t-shirt, designed by Columbus artist John Luchin!  Shirts are locally printed on cotton tees, available in sizes Small-4XL. Please indicate size when ordering.

These limited-edition tees are available for pre-order only, so be sure to add one to your conference registration below! We'll have your shirt ready for you at conference check-in in Columbus.

Code of Conduct, Meeting Photo Policy, and Health Policy: By submitting your registration, you are agreeing to OMA’s Code of ConductPhoto Policy, and Health Policy for this event. All policies are available to review on the OMA Conference Resources Page.

Registration Policy: Early Bird Rates good through March 1, 2026. After March 1, Full and Single-Day registration increase $20. Late registration (April 13 - April 17) available, however, confirmations may not be sent. Onsite registrations are welcome at an additional $20 increase, but meals cannot be guaranteed.

Cancellation Policy: 80% refund for cancellations before March 1, 2026. No refunds after March 1, 2026.

*Sunday/Monday registration includes the Sunday tour, awards dinner, Monday breakfast, all conference sections, and keynote lunch. Saturday tour(s), Sunday workshop(s), Sunday tour(s) and Sunday Affinity Group Lunches are NOT included in Sunday/Monday registration, but can be added as additional tickets in the program area.

 

Please sign in to view and choose your main registration option. Additional events and programs can be added on from the program options below after your main registration option is selected. 

When
4/18/2026 - 4/20/2026
Registration is closed.

Saturday, 18 April 2026

Description
Back for 2026—Celebrate the unique culture of Columbus with our limited edition OMA 2026 t-shirt, designed by Columbus artist John Luchin of Classic Interactions!  Shirts are locally printed on cotton tees, available in sizes Small-4XL. Please indicate size when ordering. Pick-up on-site.
See more of Columbus and join us on Saturday, April 18 for a full day of exploration on our Firsts to Futures tour. This immersive experience will take attendees to seven organizations that celebrate the city’s trailblazers and visionaries. From historic landmarks to creative spaces leading the way forward, these stops celebrate innovators and pioneers who defined Columbus’ past, and places that continue to inspire its future.
Time
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
9:30 AM

Sunday, 19 April 2026

Description
Join us for a special walking tour of several locations on The Ohio State University's storied "Oval," with Dr. Loren Babcock, Professor, School of Earth Sciences and Director of the Orton Geological Museum. On this tour, attendees will explore the treasures in OSU's Orton Hall, Hayes Hall, Hopkins Hall, the Wexner Center for the Arts, the John Glenn Center, and OSU's Main Library.
Time
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
10:00 AM
Introducing Affinity Group Lunches for 2026! Continue the energy of our bi-monthly virtual chats, only this time, face-to-face. Join fellow professionals in your area of focus—Directors—for a guided lunchtime discussion that digs deeper into the topics shaping your work. Connect, share insights, compare challenges, and walk away with ideas you can immediately put into practice.
Time
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
12:00 PM
Introducing Affinity Group Lunches for 2026! Continue the energy of our bi-monthly virtual chats, only this time, face-to-face. Join fellow professionals in your area of focus—Membership—for a guided lunchtime discussion that digs deeper into the topics shaping your work. Connect, share insights, compare challenges, and walk away with ideas you can immediately put into practice.
Time
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
12:00 PM
"Building the Dream: A Case Study in Designing A Collections Care Center"
Time
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
12:00 PM
"The Death of the Gala: Fundraising Reimagined at the National Museum of the Great Lakes"
Time
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
12:00 PM
Join us for a special walking tour of several locations on The Ohio State University's storied "Oval," with Dr. Loren Babcock, Professor, School of Earth Sciences and Director of the Orton Geological Museum. On this tour, attendees will explore the treasures in OSU's Orton Hall, Hayes Hall, Hopkins Hall, the Wexner Center for the Arts, the John Glenn Center, and OSU's Main Library.
Time
12:30 PM - 3:00 PM
12:30 PM
Please Note: Sunday Tour and Dinner IS INCLUDED in Sunday/Monday Conference Registration. YOU DO NOT need to submit a seperate Sunday Tour and Awards Dinner Ticket if you are submitting a Sunday/Monday Conference registration. Ticket includes: Transportation from and to the conference hotel, Sunday evening museum tours and Annual Awards Dinner.
Time
3:00 PM - 9:30 PM
3:00 PM

Monday, 20 April 2026

Description
Please add this program to your registrations to identify yourself as a conference speaker if you are presenting a session at OMA 2026
Category
Conference
Please note, Monday breakfast IS INCLUDED with Sunday/Monday Conference Registration and Monday-Only Registration. You DO NOT need to purchase a seperate Monday breakfast ticket if you are submitting a Sunday/Monday or Monday-Only registration.
Time
8:20 AM - 9:10 AM
8:20 AM
Please note, Monday keynote luncheon IS INCLUDED with Sunday/Monday Conference Registration and Monday-Only Registration. You DO NOT need to purchase a seperate Monday Keynote Luncheon ticket if you are submitting a Sunday/Monday or Monday-Only registration.
Time
12:10 PM - 1:30 PM
12:10 PM

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