Call for Speakers

MuseumNext : Museums & Social Impact Summit – Virtual Conference
22 – 23 May 2024

MuseumNext is a global conference series on the future of museums. Over the past 12 months our events have brought together more than 20,000 museum professionals for our virtual conference series, which has offered insight, inspiration and actionable advice.

Each MuseumNext conference has a theme, around which our community comes together to discuss the future of museums. In May 2024 we’ll be holding a virtual conference looking at how museums are transcending their traditional roles to make significant contributions to addressing pressing societal challenges, such as poverty, climate change, mental health and equality for all..

These cultural institutions, once seen primarily as repositories of history, art and science have evolved into dynamic hubs for social impact and change. They are no longer content with simply showcasing the past; instead, they are actively shaping the future by engaging with the most pressing issues of our time.

The Museums and Social Impact Summit will delve deep into this transformation, highlighting how museums are harnessing their unique resources, collections, and expertise to drive positive change in society.

We’re now looking for speakers to make 20-minute (pre-recorded) presentations for this event.

Some subjects which you may choose to address:

• How can Museums be beacons of hope?
• How are Museums driving social change?
• How are Museums championing inclusive practices?
• How can a Museum foster community engagement?
• How are Museums transforming lifelong learning?
• What role can Museums play in advancing social justice?
• Which Exhibitions Elicit Empathy: Understanding Human Connections
• When Museums Face Ethical Dilemmas: Balancing Values
• How are Museums embracing therapeutic programs?
• How can Museums help battle poverty?

Please feel free to put forward any proposal that you feel fits with the theme of this event.

The Museums & Social Impact Summit will take place online 22 – 23 May 2024.

Please note: The ideal MuseumNext presentation features museum professionals sharing their first hand experience of working on the digital side of museums. We’re not looking for talks on theory or commercial presentations showcasing products or services.

Presentation Format

MuseumNext follows a fast-paced, twenty-minute presentation format, emphasising practice over theory.

All talks must be pre-recorded to ensure high-quality presentations and minimise technical difficulties. Speakers should be available for live Q&As if time zones permit (event runs 2pm – 7pm London time zone).

All presentations must be in English.

IMPORTANT: Download our speakers guide here, to see examples of past presentations and tips for making your MuseumNext presentation a success.

How to Apply

Submit proposals using this form, including the title, presenter names, theme summary, relevant links, and expected learning outcomes.

Deadline: February 23rd 2024

What’s next?

Our conference peer panel will review all proposals and curate the event program.

We will respond to all applicants by March 5th, 2024.

Pre-recorded talks will be required by May 8th to allow for captioning, use in marketing and tech checks.