Annual Conference

Join us for the 2025 NYCMER Annual Conference on Monday, May 19, 2025 at Teachers College, Columbia University. This year’s theme is Welcome: Museums in Community.

What does it truly mean for museums to serve their communities? Who is included—or excluded—when we talk about "community" in practice? How can museums create welcoming spaces that foster connection, engagement, and belonging?

The New York City Museum Educators Roundtable (NYCMER) invites proposals for its 2025 Annual Conference, centered on the theme Welcome: Museums in Community. This conference calls on educators in museums, libraries, zoos, nature and science centers, and other cultural spaces to explore and share ideas for building and strengthening connections across both local and professional communities. We will discuss the current welcoming efforts of museums and explore how museums can be spaces for communities to congregate, feel a sense of belonging, and access resources. We encourage submissions that address the intersections of access and inclusion, place and technology, and the evolving role of museum education in today's world.

We are seeking engaging conference sessions and poster presentations that spotlight creative approaches to fostering authentic community connections. Proposals should offer practical strategies and insights that inspire museum educators to build inclusive, meaningful relationships within and beyond their institutions.

The Conference Committee is interested in proposals that represent the interests of institutions of varying sizes and disciplines, as well as the experiences of professionals in all areas of art, science, and culture work at all career levels. 

We welcome connected expertise from outside the museum field, including from classroom educators, library workers, art historians, artists, public historians, students, etc. We encourage collaboration between individuals at different institutions.

For full details of the proposal process, including styles and options, and proposal templates, please review the Request for Proposals folder HERE. 

When you are ready to submit, please use the Request for Proposals Form below.

• PLEASE NOTE: While you are welcome to submit multiple proposals, you may only present at one NYCMER Conference Session. For any questions or concerns, we welcome you to reach out to vicepresident@nycmer.org.
• For Sessions: complimentary registrations are offered to 3 total presenters (including the Session Chair). All additional presenters must register separately and are responsible for their Conference registration fees.
• For Posters: complimentary registrations are offered to a maximum of 2 total presenters (including the Session Chair).