The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) will host more than 5,000 museums professionals in May when they convene for the organisation’s Annual Meeting and MuseumExpo, which takes place this year in St. Louis, Missouri.

Taking place between 7-10 May at the America’s Center Convention Complex, this year’s meeting – the largest of its kind worldwide – will explore “Gateways to Understanding: Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion in Museums”.

More than 100 sessions are scheduled to take place over the four-day period, with topics ranging from collections management and curatorial practice, to education and audience research.

According to AAM, this year’s annual meeting will be more more accessible and inclusive, both in terms of physical access and affordability, to welcome the broadest possible cross-section of museum professionals. Because of this, fees have been eliminated for off-site evening events in an attempt to help more attendees enjoy increased access to learning and networking opportunities.

The expo portion of the show will focus on showcasing the latest in technology, with more than 250 exhibitors demonstrating and displaying exhibit design, lighting, security and other innovations critical to the museum field.

AAM will also will share the results of its comprehensive survey of museum board chairs and chief executives at the event, with additional plans to explore best practice for museum governance at the first-ever AAM Trustee Summit.

“We know museums contribute powerfully to creating a more informed and empathetic society,” said AAM President and CEO Laura Lott. “As our communities confront racism, discrimination, and oppression, the commitment of museums to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion has never been more important. St. Louis is an excellent place to explore these issues, with its rich history and its museums so connected to the community.”

AAM last year unveiled a strategic plan up until 2020, which aims to build upon its recent success of a near 70 per cent increase in museum membership.

AAM set out a number of new goals in its plan, including expanding thought leadership to inspire and influence innovation in the field and to help foster global exchange of museum practice. It appointed a new chair in June, with Douglas S. Jones, director of the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville now in the position until 2018.

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