Georgia Association of Museums State Conference

March 31, 2021 by Visit Statesboro Blog, Events, Statesboro 0 comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marietta, GA. – The Georgia Association of Museums (GAM) is excited to announce its annual conference, April 26-28, 2021. As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues statewide, GAM is pleased to offer a hybrid experience to conference-goers, who may opt to attend in-person sessions in Statesboro, GA, or virtually using the Zoom teleconferencing platform.

“We are excited to bring our first ever hybrid conference to Statesboro,” said Matt Davis, GAM President. “Statesboro has helped create a great program with wonderful evening events and sessions, museums to visit, and protocols in place to keep all members safe. I look forward to seeing everyone, either virtually or in person, in April.”

Building on the success of GAM’s 2019 and 2020 conferences, which set attendance records and drew museum professionals from three states, the 2021 conference slate will feature 15 sessions that address all aspects of museum operations, appealing to those from volunteer-led organizations as well as the state’s flagship institutions. Keynote speaker Zinnia Willits, Executive Director of the Southeastern Museums Conference, will energize GAM’s members with her reflections on the field after a tumultuous yet inspiring year. Recipients of GAM Awards, which recognize excellence among Georgia’s museum employees, volunteers, and supporters, will also be honored.

In-person sessions and workshops will take place in the Russell Union and Williams Center at Georgia Southern University (GSU). These wonderful facilities will provide a central location for attendees and vendors to gather, along with the technology to connect with virtual conference attendees. In addition to GSU’s existing campus safety measures and limited seating capacities, all in-person attendees will be required to wear masks correctly and maintain six feet of social distance from others.

A great slate of programming at Statesboro museums also awaits in-person attendees. Evening events will take place at three local institutions supported by GSU – the Botanic Garden, the Center for Wildlife Education and Lamar Q. Ball, Jr. Raptor Center, and the Georgia Southern Museum – as well as the Statesboro Convention and Visitors Bureau, home of the Museum on Main. Attendees will visit other area museums on their own throughout the week before relaxing at host hotel Home2Suites near GSU’s campus.

“Statesboro and Bulloch County are steeped in history and appreciate tradition, yet the communities also have long encouraged education and innovation,” said Brent Tharp, Georgia Southern Museum Director and GAM conference host committee chair. “That makes it the perfect place for the museum community of Georgia to gather, learn, share, and revive.”

To register for the conference or for more information, visit gamg.org or contact GAM Administrative Director Michele Rodgers at gamg@gamg.org.