2026 OMA Annual Conference - "Resilience through Growth: From Firsts to Futures"
April 18-20, 2026
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 OMA 2026 Conference Brochure
OMA 2026 Conference At-a-Glance
Saturday, April 18
9:30 am-5:00 pm –First and Futures Tour
Sunday, April 19
10:00am-11:30am - OSU Morning Walking Tour
12:00pm-2:00pm - NEW FOR 2026: Affinity Group Luncheons
Executive Directors
Membership and Development
Underground Railroad Sites
12:30pm-3:00pm - OSU Afternoon Walking Tour
12:00-3:00 pm - Sunday Workshops
The Death of the Gala: Fundraising Reimagined at the National Museum of the Great Lakes (12pm-2pm)
Building the Dream: A Case Study in Designing A Collections Care Center for Diverse Collection (12-3pm)
Please note: This is an off-site workshop. Transportation to the workshop site (Ohio History Center) is included.
3:00-6:30 pm - Sunday Evening Museum Tours
7:00-9:30 pm – Annual OMA Awards Dinner - Sponsored by Museum Acrylics Co.
Monday, April 20
8:10-9:10 am – Annual OMA Business Meeting
9:15-10:15 am – Concurrent Sessions Morning I
10:15-11:00 am - Morning Break & Roundtable Session
11:05 am-12:05 pm - Concurrent Sessions Morning II
12:10-1:30 pm – Luncheon & Plenary Address
1:30-2:30 pm - Keynote Leadership Workshop
1:30-2:30 pm – Concurrent Sessions Afternoon I
2:35-3:05 pm - Afternoon Break
3:10-4:10 pm - Concurrent Sessions Afternoon II
See the full line-up of conference programming on the Program page.
Visit the Registration page for complete details and to register for OMA 2026.