Thousands of museum directors, curators, financial officers, exhibit design professionals, educators, and registrars will head to Phoenix in the next few days to share best practices, resources, and strategies that will drive rich educational experiences and inclusive, lifelong learning.

Organization: American Alliance of Museums

Conference: 2018 Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo

Venue: Phoenix Convention Center

City: Phoenix

Following concurrent sessions on Sunday afternoon, AAM 2018 will begin on Monday morning with an opening session featuring keynoter Kevin Jennings. The president of the Tenement Museum and former assistant deputy secretary of education during the Obama administration will discuss the power of storytelling and how important it is for museums to be authentic and inclusive in that work. Also worth noting:

Discussion is nurtured. This year’s meeting theme is “Educate, Engage, Elevate! Museums on the Rise.” Attendees are encouraged to explore the many ways in which museums are hubs of community activation and learning, and they’ll talk about how issues like immigration, criminal justice reform, economic inequality, LGBTQIA concerns, and disability advocacy affect the educational ecosystem.

Volunteering is encouraged. AAM member volunteers sign up to help with registration, welcome attendees, work in the bookstore, staff sessions, and assist with offsite tours and events. Those who volunteer for four hours receive a complimentary one-day registration, which includes access to the exhibit hall, general sessions, and networking events at the convention center.

Kids are welcome. For parents who are bringing children to the conference, the Arizona Science Center’s CAMP INNOVATION will be open just for the kids. For $75 per day, children will be inspired and engaged by taking part in STEM activities and other learning.

Head to Facebook and Twitter (#AAM2018) for other details you’re looking for.

(Kirkikis/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)