Collections with Rebekah Averette, Collections Manager of Deschutes County Museum
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!

2026 Dates: March 26, June 25, September 24

Directors & Senior Staff with Lydia Heins, Executive Director at the Coos Art Museum
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.

2026 Dates: February 3, September 1

Programming with Julia Triezenberg, Education Supervisor at the Columbia River Maritime Museum
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!
2026 Dates: March 6, June 5, December 4

Partnerships & Outreach with Val Van Alstyne, Executive Director at Albany Regional Museum

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.

2026 Dates: January 12, May 11

Project Management with Tara Cole, Administrative Manager Oregon Historical Society

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.

2026 Dates: March 16, July 13, October 19