More than 5,000 museum professionals are headed to St. Louis over the weekend to hear diverse perspectives on a wide range of topics, connect with colleagues from around the world, and engage in meaningful dialogue with peers.

Organization: American Alliance of Museums

Conference: 2017 Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo

Venue: America’s Center Convention Complex

City: St. Louis

Following Sunday’s welcoming events, concurrent sessions, and MUSE Awards ceremony, Haben Girma will take the stage on Monday for the AAM 2017 opening session. Girma, a disability rights advocate and the first deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, will speak on the importance of inclusive design. Also on the agenda:

Get your culture on. During the Go Explore St. Louis evening events, more than two dozen local museums and cultural institutions are opening their doors after hours for attendees to explore. The best part: Admission is included with registration.

Meet those new to the industry. Attendees can stroll, ask questions, and chat with colleagues during Monday’s Emerging Innovators Forum. This open “marketplace showcase” gives presenters with less than five years in the field the chance to share their perspectives on topics like audience engagement and accessibility.

Have fun on the tradeshow floor. In addition to visiting exhibit booths, attendees can stop by the Play Zone and challenge friends to chess, corn hole, and tic tac toe—or head to The Park to help fellow attendees create a piece of art from a famous St. Louis attraction.

The usual social spaces—Facebook and Twitter (#AAM2017)—will have more meeting details.

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