• Caroline Braden, The Henry Ford
• Shelly Grifka, The Henry Ford

Do you ever wonder what it is like to work on accessibility at a museum? Or how to even get started doing this type of work? During this session, you will hear from two speakers with different levels of experience, who will share their perspectives, insights, and tips. Whether you are new to this work or looking to do more, this session is for you.

• Chelsea Denault, Michigan Digital Preservation Network
• Richard Adler, Michigan Service Hub, Digital Public Library of America
• Biz Gallo, Library of Michigan

CMS, DAMS, MODS, PPI, PII – feel like you need a translator for all those acronyms out there? Or do you have another question about digital collections that’s been stumping you? We all could use an opportunity to connect with and learn from each other. In this highly-participatory, audience-driven session, attendees will have access to the expertise of three statewide digital collections specialists, as well as the knowledge and experience that other attendees bring to the table to share. This session will encourage open questions and facilitated discussion on roadblocks and successful strategies to create and care for digital collections.

• Kate Poweska, Michigan Emerging Museum Professionals
• Jason Dake, Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
• Giles Simmer, Fair Lane: Home of Clara and Henry Ford

Join us for an insightful session on launching the Michigan Emerging Museum Professionals' Mentorship Program. Learn firsthand from a mentor and mentee as they share the journey of this first cohort. Discover key strategies for building effective mentorship programs and gain valuable insights into the experiences of both mentors and mentees. The session will include a dynamic Q&A segment, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into the program's development and impact.

• Miriam Hahn Thomas, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
• Jacqueline Thompson, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

This year, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts celebrates its 100th anniversary with a special exhibition – Legendary Voices: Art for the Next Century. The exhibition design will encourage visitors to view much-loved pieces from our collection in new and unexpected ways. In keeping with this goal, our mini-workshop will allow participants to respond to selected artworks through poetry. Together we will explore several different approaches to writing poems and responding to visual art. No prior experience is required. On Wednesday, participants who visit the museum will have the opportunity to see their poems displayed alongside their selected pieces.

• Claire Johnston, Historic Charlton Park/Lowell Area Historical Museum
• Ashley Ross, Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum

Are you a parent? Thinking about jumping on the baby bandwagon? Sit down with your colleagues to have a constructive and realistic conversation about parenting while working in museums. We’ll discuss what’s changed for parents in the workforce since 2017, when this topic was previously addressed, what’s remained the same, and new resources to help you on your journey. Guided by the moderators, you will have the opportunity to discuss challenges and successes when it comes to museum work and the apple(s) of your eye. Finish the discussion with next-steps and ideas for how to keep the conversation going.