Southeastern Museums Conference

Check back often as we update the 2025 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 has a closed captioning feature and written program transcripts will be provided upon request. Please contact us if you require additional services, such as ASL interpretation. hnowak@semcdirect.net

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

Virtual Programs

January 2025

Session Proposal Planning & Informational Meetup

January 8, 11am EST/10am CST

The SEMC2025 Call for Proposals is officially open, and we want to hear from you! If you’re considering submitting a session or workshop proposal for SEMC2025 in Montgomery, AL, this meetup is for you.

Join us to:

Explore suggested topics inspired by 2024 evaluations
Learn expert tips to make your proposal stand out
Share your ideas and get real-time feedback
Ask questions directly to the SEMC team

This is your chance to connect with SEMC staff, refine your proposal, and ensure you’re ready to showcase your expertise. Don’t miss it! The meetup is free, but please register to attend.

Register Here

November 2024

Join Zinnia Willits, Executive Director of the Southeastern Museums Conference (SEMC), along with fellow SEMC members, for an engaging discussion on leveraging professional museum organizations to advance your career. State, regional, and national associations serve as advocates, facilitators, and resources for museums and professionals alike. They provide platforms for networking, knowledge sharing, and personal and professional growth. Learn about opportunities to get more involved, actively participate, grow your network, branch out beyond your museum, and develop new skills that may serve you in future career advancement!

Watch the Recording

October 2024

Mark your calendar and join us on Tuesday, October 8th for an informative Zoom call with all the details you’ll need for SEMC2024 in Baton Rouge, LA! Bring your questions and our staff will be available to make sure you’re prepared and equipped for an amazing conference experience.

Watch the Recording

September 2024

In this webinar, we will finish the discussion on creating sustainable and adaptable collections storage environments – whether renovation or new construction. While Part One dealt primarily with best practices, ideas and considerations for the project, this program will focus more on the solutions available and used to create these environments. With the four seasoned museum professionals returning for the discussion, there will be valuable information and insights for any sized museum.

Did you miss Part One of this series? Scroll down to May 2024 to view the recording!

Watch the Recording

Thank you to Patterson Pope for generously sponsoring this program!

The Launchpad Series is back this fall with the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries (AAMG), the Southeastern Museums Conference, and special guest partner, the Association of Midwest Museums (AMM) to continue the conversation about navigating the museum field with purpose and clarity. Have you been curious about the diverse world of museum careers? Wondering how various roles contribute to the vibrant ecosystem of cultural institutions? Join us for “Navigating the Ecosystem of Museum Careers” where we will explore the multifaceted roles and opportunities within the museum sector.

This comprehensive program will provide an in-depth look at how different positions within museums interconnect and contribute to the overall mission of preserving and showcasing our cultural heritage. You’ll gain valuable insights into the diverse career paths available and how each role plays a crucial part in the museum ecosystem.

Moderated By:

Kristina Durocher, Visual Arts Director, University Museum of Contemporary Art, Augusta Savage Gallery, and Hampden Gallery, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Panelists:

Joy Beckman, Professor and George S. Parker II Chair in Art History, Director of the Wright Museum of Art

Despi Mayes, Technologist, Artist, Author, and Museum Professional

Carrie Heflin, Regional Sales Manager, Art Sentry

Watch the Recording

August 2024

Are you ready to advance your career? Join us for a program overview of one of SEMC's premier professional development opportunities: The Jekyll Island Management Institute (JIMI). Hear from past participants and instructors about how JIMI can enrich your knowledge and propel your career forward. Discover how this immersive experience can equip you with the tools and insights needed to excel in the museum field and help you build your professional network.

Watch the Recording

May 2024

This webinar explored best practices, solutions, and ideas to create a sustainable and adaptable collections storage environment. Four seasoned museum professionals engaging in the discussion provide helpful perspectives, lessons learned, and insights for museums of all sizes.

Watch the Recording

Thank you to Patterson Pope for sponsoring this program!

Join Katy Malone, Manager of Education & Community Engagement at the McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture for a discussion about Safe Zone. Safe Zone is a DEI training offered on many college campuses. It provides a brave space for participants to learn how to be better allies and build a more accepting community for LGBTQ+ individuals. This training takes the college-focused Safe Zone content and retools it specifically for museum professionals. Attendees will be equipped to develop basic strategies, understanding, and language with which to better communicate with and serve LGBTQ+ people. Whether Safe Zone is familiar to you or not, there is always a new perspective to gain. Join us to help us make museums in the Southeast a respite for our LGBTQ+ visitors, colleagues, and communities.

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 Safe Zone for the Museum Field Program PowerPoint

April 2024

SEMC, the Association of Midwest Museums (AMM) and the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries (AAMG) present the next installment of The Launchpad Series: Switching Planes: Harnessing Transferable Skills for Success.

Discover practical strategies from industry leaders for leveraging your unique skill set within and outside the museum realm. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this discussion will provide valuable insights, empowering you to navigate career transitions with confidence. Learn how to recognize and apply your transferable skills effectively, communicate them to potential employers, and open doors to exciting opportunities. Don't miss this chance to broaden your horizons and elevate your career journey.

Moderated by:

Alexandra Chamberlain, AAMG Director of Operations, Bloomington, Indiana

Panelists:
Marcy Breffle, Consultant, Purpose Possible, Atlanta, Georgia
De'Andrea Matthews, PH.D., Chief Diversity Officer, Detroit Zoological Society, Detroit, Michigan

Watch the Recording

Thank you to Banks Creative Studio for sponsoring this program!

March 2024

Whether your museum is interested in first-time accreditation or getting ready for reaccreditation, the process can feel daunting. This program will break it all down for you, from determining your museum’s readiness, through core document review and the application process, to hosting the site visit. Learn how the process can positively move your organization forward and the roles and responsibilities various museum departments play. This program will also address how best practices in Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion are being included in the accreditation review. Learn from colleagues who have recently been through the accreditation process and leave with a plan of action to get started on the road to accreditation.

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 Accreditation Program PowerPoint

February 2024

Mentorship is a proven catalyst for career advancement. In this program, panelists will explore why mentorships are central to personal and professional development. Methods for identifying, pursuing, and utilizing a mentor will be explored. Learn how mentorships can create a supportive environment for networking, enabling you to expand your professional circle and open doors to new possibilities.

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.

January 2024

Join Eileen Tomczuk, Research Assistant, Phyllis M. Taylor Center for Social Innovation and Design Thinking, for a facilitated discussion about the potential uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in museums, including hope for its benefits, and concerns about its drawbacks. Hear about current applications of AI in museums and its impact. Then participate in a roundtable discussion which will provide a platform for diverse perspectives, fostering a collective vision for the responsible and meaningful integration of AI in cultural institutions.

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 Artificial Intelligence in Museums Program PowerPoint

October 2023

This webinar, explored 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 discuss perspectives, tips, and insights for museums of all sizes.

Watch the Recording

Thank you to Patterson Pope for sponsoring this program!

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.

Access the How to Give an Inclusive Presentation Program PowerPoint

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

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

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!

May 2021