Southeastern Museums Conference

Check back often as we update the 2023 Virtual Program Schedule! All sessions will be run on the Zoom Platform. Programs are FREE for SEMC members, but you must register to attend.

Zoom’s built-in transcriptions will be provided. Please contact us if you require additional services, such as ASL interpretation.

SEMC is thankful to the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation for generous support of the Virtual Program Series

2023 Virtual Programs

October 2023

How to Acquire Funding for Your Collections Storage

October 19, 12:00 pm EST/11:00 am CST

In this webinar, we will explore the avenues for acquiring funds for appropriate collections storage – including capital campaigns, grants, and government funding. Three seasoned museum professionals with experience securing funding for significant projects will lead the discussion and provide helpful perspectives, tips, and insights for museums of all sizes. This program is generously sponsored by Patterson Pope.

Registration is free. Secure your spot today!

Register Here!

September 2023

Join Felicia Ingram, Manager of Interpretation, Accessibility, and Diversity at the North Carolina Museum of Art to learn about better practices for delivering an in-person (or virtual) presentation. These skills and tips can be integrated into all types of presentations, such as lectures, programs, workshops, and more. Ms. Ingram will explore how to integrate accessible speaking tips and demonstrations into various types of programs and how these skills can benefit everyone. This program will focus on audio descriptions, intentional pauses, slide designs, and more. SEMC 2023 Conference speakers are highly encouraged to watch the recording to gain tips to provide the most accessible experience for all conference attendees.

The recording for this session is available under the "SEMC Members-Only Video Access" tab (under Virtual Program Series). You must be logged in (with your SEMC member email) to access the recordings.

September 2023

Building a Team Culture

SEMC and the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries (AAMG) present the next installment of The Launchpad Series: Building a Team Culture.

What is the staff culture like at your museum? If you are a supervisor, how do you foster a collaborative team environment that elevates inclusion, professional growth and creativity? How are new staff welcomed into the existing museum "family" and how can leadership support this process? Whether you're a curator, an educator, an administrator, or anyone passionate about the cultural sector, this program offers information and insight into crafting a team culture where all staff feel included, supported, and heard. Panelists explore the synergy between professional practice, camaraderie, and innovation, and discuss the creation of a museum environment where not only the exhibits shine, but the teams behind them shine even brighter.

Moderated by:
Kristina Durocher, Director and Curator, Museum of Art, University of New Hampshire

Panelist:
Youmi Efurd, Curator, Richardson Family Art Museum
Angie Albright, Director, Shiloh Museum of Ozark History
Andrea Miskewicz, Interim Director, Museum of History and Holocaust Education

Watch the Recording

Access Building a Team Culture Panelist Bios

August 2023

Many cultural institutions have created or are looking to create a mobile app to increase their digital footprint and enable easy access to their collections and content. Technology can be an easy way to solve a number of issues from accessibility, wayfinding, education programming, and inclusivity. Join Kyle Pierce from STQRY and two different museums to learn how they have enhanced their digital presence. During the discussion, panelists will share their experience with digitizing tours at their respective museums, describe their process and explore the decision-making process and its inception, the building and launching process, as well as outcomes and ongoing feedback.

The recording for this session is now available under the "SEMC Members-Only Video Access" tab (under Virtual Program Series). You must be logged in (with your SEMC member email) to access the recordings.

July 2023

Join Katy Menne for a conversation about DEAI efforts and how to reframe assumptions that these efforts are inherently political, and make them approachable to anyone who comes through your institution’s doors. The conversation will center around planning that anchors accessibility and inclusion. Ms. Menne will share national and state statistics and guidance on how people learn and retain information, preparing attendees to pitch these changes to management, Boards, donors, and community groups. This program focuses on the theoretical approach to framing change as opposed to specific implementation efforts.

The recording for this session is now available under the "SEMC Members-Only Video Access" tab (under Virtual Program Series). You must be logged in (with your SEMC member email) to access the recordings.

Access the Discussing DEAI & Inclusion Program Powerpoint

June 2023

Nuts, Bolts and Brass Tacks of Exhibit Design

For the average small museum, creating new exhibits with engaging visuals and professional content can be a huge challenge. Join Kyle Warmack, Program Officer, West Virginia Humanities Council to learn how to meet those challenges in this can-do workshop, where attendees will look at specific materials, visual strategies, and essential tools for building exciting exhibits on a tight budget. The session will include relatable case studies, practical tips, and a Q&A.

The recording for this session is available under the "SEMC Members-Only Video Access" tab (under Virtual Program Series). You must be logged in (with your SEMC member email) to access the recordings.

Access the Nuts, Bolts and Brass Tacks Program Powerpoint

May 2023

Many of us in small museums wear a lot of hats: collections manager, educator, administrator, director, janitor, etc. However, the role of Human Resources often gets overlooked until something goes wrong. Having employee/board handbooks in place helps directors, managers, staff, and volunteers define roles and understand responsibilities. In this program we discuss what to include in your handbook: from employee conduct (attendance, social media, weapons policies, etc.), to vacation time and sick leave, compensation and overtime, evaluations and termination, and more. In addition, panelists reviewed what it means to be "employed at will," the classification of employees, equal opportunity employment, and how these policies can outline reporting harassment and discrimination in the workplace.

The recording for this session is available under the "SEMC Members-Only Video Access" tab (under Virtual Program Series). You must be logged in (with your SEMC member email) to access the recordings.

Access the I'm Going to Call HR Program Powerpoint

The recording for this session is available under the "SEMC Members-Only Video Access" tab (under Virtual Program Series). You must be logged in (with your SEMC member email) to access the recordings.

April 2023

2023 Resume Review and Panel Discussion

SEMC and the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries teamed up again to present this engaged program to help emergent members of either organization make moves in their careers and connect with colleagues as they prepare to enter the field. During Finding Your Seat: Assessing Organizational Culture, panelists discussed different types of museum cultures and structures, how to decipher/deconstruct a job description and understand an organizational chart.

Watch the Recording

Access Finding Your Seat Panelist Bios

Access Additional Finding Your Seat Session Materials

Thank you to Banks Creative Studio for sponsoring this program!

March 2023

Preservation is an underlying responsibility of any collections caretaker, whether you are an archivist, a public librarian, a family collector, or anyone in between. Preservation has a lot to dowith knowing your collections and prioritizing the materials that need the most help to survive. Join Stephanie Garofolo, Associate Preservation Specialist with the Northeast Document Conservation Center, in a discussion on methods and projects that require no additional funding or supplies, including collection management, storage environment assessment, care and handling practices,and emergency preparedness.

The recording for this session is now available under the "SEMC Members-Only Video Access" tab (under Virtual Program Series). You must be logged in (with your SEMC member email) to access the recordings.

Access the No Budget Preservation Tips Program Powerpoint

Access the No Budget Preservation Quick Tips

The March 2023 virtual program was generously sponsored by the Northeast Document Conservation Center

February 2023

What can you do when your museum lands in the middle of public controversy? Hear from colleagues who have experienced controversy, how they navigated the storm, and lessons learned. Also hear from the President and CEO of Wilbron, Inc. a public relations expert who will provide helpful tools and guidance to equip you for navigating controversy.

The recording for this session is now available under the "SEMC Members-Only Video Access" tab (under Virtual Program Series). You must be logged in (with your SEMC member email) to access the recordings.

Access the Navigating Unexpected Controversy Program Powerpoint

Recordings of 2022 Virtual Programs

November 2022

Presented in partnership with the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries as part of The Launchpad initiative, this program offered a moderated discussion between mid-career professionals who have recently changed roles and/or re-committed to their current positions and advocated for themselves to reconnect with the field.

Watch the Recording

Access Taking Off Panelist Bios

Thank you to Banks Creative Studio for sponsoring this program!

Access Taking Off Panelist Bios

October 2022

We are looking forward to SEMC 2022 in Northwest Arkansas! Grab lunch and join the SEMC staff as we share important information about this year's annual meeting. Learn about all the fun offerings and ask questions so you will "know before you go."

Watch the Recording

Access the powerpoint from this session HERE

September 2022

Organized in partnership with the National Emerging Museum Professionals Network, during this session, members of the Atlanta Emerging Museum Professionals leadership team shared insight into their conference experiences, and presented advice, best practices, and pro-tips for making the most out of the SEMC Annual Meeting (or any professional conference) experience. Panelists discussed how to prioritize events, networking tips and tricks, conference self-care, communication best practices, and much more!

Watch the Recording

Access the powerpoint for this session HERE

July 2022

Polly Brasher, Executive Director of the River Discovery Center, Paducah, KY.

Tired of mindfulness tips that leave you even more stressed? Join this session to learn how to recharge during and after work. Polly Brasher will give you ideas to include in your day to respond to your own mental needs and reconnect with the love of family and a career that can sometimes become cloudy. Participants will leave with mindfulness tips that can be applied to our varied lives.

*The recording for this session is now available under the "SEMC Members-Only Video Access" tab (under Virtual Program Series). You must be logged in (with your SEMC member email) to access the recordings.

Access Adding Self Care to your Day Program Powerpoint

June 2022

Ambitious goals require developing strategic partnerships, expanding audiences, creating new models, and taking advantage of opportunities both planned and unexpected. The Directors of three organizations differing in size, audiences, and age in Albany, Atlanta, and Statesboro discuss institutional and environmental transformation in the process of reaching aspirational objectives.

*The recording for this session is now available under the "SEMC Members-Only Video Access" tab (under Virtual Program Series). You must be logged in (with your SEMC member email) to access the recordings.

May 2022

Calling all creative and innovative museum professionals! Creating a space that is accessible and welcoming to ALL visitors is the ultimate goal right? We are here to help you along on this journey! Speaker, Meegan Winters with Able Eyes, is a former special educator who specialized in working with students on the Autism Spectrum. Her teaching experience paired with having a best friend that was a wheelchair user has created a passion for improving accessibility for people with both physical and invisible disabilities (Autism, anxiety, PTSD, and more,) in all community locations including museums. This session will cover 20 accessibility resources and ideas to help you take next steps. The resources provided are a combination of free ideas that can be implemented internally as well outside resources. The guide was created with the input from other museums around the US doing amazing things to help visitors have meaningful experiences with their families. Upon completion of the session, all participants will receive the free accessibility guide with 20 ideas to help improve accessibility.

*The recording for this session is now available under the "SEMC Members-Only Video Access" tab (under Virtual Program Series). You must be logged in (with your SEMC member email) to access the recordings.

Access Giving Voice to 20 Ideas Program Powerpoint

*The recording for this session is now available under the "SEMC Members-Only Video Access" tab (under Virtual Program Series). You must be logged in (with your SEMC member email) to access the recordings.

April 2022

Watch the Recording

Join this session for a moderated discussion on how to be prepared and confident for your next interview. You'll hear from emerging museum professionals who have recently landed a job and from seasoned leaders who have filled many positions. Gain valuable knowledge about timely topics including salary discussion, trends in interviewing etiquette, and how to convey your interest in a position with emphasis on the virtual interview process.

Access Landing the Job Panelist Bios

Thank you to Banks Creative Studio for sponsoring this program!

March 2022

*The recording for this session is now available under the "SEMC Members-Only Video Access" tab (under Virtual Program Series). You must be logged in (with your SEMC member email) to access the recordings.

Access Under the Influence Panelist Bios

Access Under the Influence Program Powerpoint

Access Under the Influence Program Resources

February 2022

*The recording for this session is now available under the "SEMC Members-Only Video Access" tab (under Virtual Program Series). You must be logged in (with your SEMC member email) to access the recordings.

Access Giving Voice to Your Collections Panelist Bios

Access Giving Voice to Your Collections Program Powerpoint

Access Giving Voice to Your Collections Program Resources

January 2022

*The recording for this session is now available under the "SEMC Members-Only Video Access" tab (under Virtual Program Series). You must be logged in (with your SEMC member email) to access the recordings.

Access Going Virutal Panelist Bios

Access Going Virtual Program Powerpoint

Access Going Virtual Program Resources

Thank you to Banks Creative Studio for sponsoring this program!

Recordings of 2021 Virtual Programs

January 2021