Oregon Museums Association upcoming events

Board Governance Affinity Group (08 May 2026)

Fri, 08 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Welcome to a supportive space for museum board members, trustees, and advisory council members! Board service can be a solo journey, and this is a rare chance to connect with peers from other organizations. Join us to dive into the unique challenges of museum governance, share insights on strategic oversight, discuss effective fundraising, and fiduciary duties. Together we can trade best practices, problem-solve, and build a vital network of shared support for confident leadership.

Host: Nicia Ahrenholtz, Co-President of Adventure! Children's Museum
Cost: Free

Partnerships & Outreach Affinity Group (11 May 2026)

Mon, 11 May 2026 19:00:00 GMT

This meet-up will be focused on the impact and power of outreach and community partnerships. It’s for nonprofit leaders, staff, volunteers, community advocates, and business professionals. We can discuss the art of relationship building and talk about common obstacles and strategies for working through them like building trust, recognizing cultural sensitivity, and resource needs. I hope to collaborate on best practices and learn from each other during this time together.

Host: Val Van Alstyne, Executive Director at Albany Regional Museum and OMA Board Member
Cost: Free

Programming Affinity Group (05 Jun 2026)

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Programming is a critical part of community and connection in museum work. From pre-K and lower elementary to lifelong learners and senior communities, there are countless opportunities for your programs team to share all that your institution has to offer. Let's share ideas, resources, and connections!

Host: Julia Triezenberg, Education Supervisor at the Columbia River Maritime Museum

Cost: Free

Collections Affinity Group (25 Jun 2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Managing a museum collection is a rewarding challenge, but it can also be daunting, overwhelming, and exhausting! So why not put our heads together and collaborate? The OMA “Collections Affinity Group” is an opportunity for collections managers, curators, registrars, and people specializing in similar positions to come together and share our triumphs, challenges, and most importantly, learn from one another!

Host: Rebekah Averette, Collections Manager of Deschutes County Museum

Cost: Free

Project Management Affinity Group (13 Jul 2026)

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Museum work is full of projects — from exhibitions and public events to community programs and cross-department collaborations — and managing them well makes all the difference. This affinity group brings together museum professionals who plan, coordinate, and deliver projects of all sizes, whether that’s part of your job or something you’ve been asked to take on along the way. We’ll share real-world tools, workflows, and lessons learned. The goal is to create a supportive space where we can problem solve together, build confidence, and strengthen project leadership skills.

Host: Tara Cole, Administrative Manager Oregon Historical Society

Cost: Free

Directors & Senior Staff Affinity Group (01 Sep 2026)

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join fellow executive directors and senior staff for an informal affinity group focused on leading humans in 2026. Explore people-centered leadership, workplace culture, and real personnel challenges. Bring questions, wins, and tough moments to discuss with peers. Whether you lead one person or one hundred, this group offers connection, problem-solving, and shared support.

Host: Lydia Heins, Executive Director of the Coos Art Museum and OMA Board Member

Cost: Free

Programming Affinity Group (04 Sep 2026)

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Host: Julia Triezenberg, Education Supervisor at the Columbia River Maritime Museum

Cost: Free

Collections Affinity Group (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Host: Rebekah Averette, Collections Manager of Deschutes County Museum

Cost: Free

Board Governance Affinity Group (08 Oct 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Host: Nicia Ahrenholtz, Co-President of Adventure! Children's Museum
Cost: Free

Project Management Affinity Group (19 Oct 2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Host: Tara Cole, Administrative Manager Oregon Historical Society

Cost: Free

Programming Affinity Group (04 Dec 2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Host: Julia Triezenberg, Education Supervisor at the Columbia River Maritime Museum

Cost: Free