Federation Welsh Museum Conference
Consultation
Dear Colleagues
The Federation is currently looking at the arrangements for our 2019 conference. After last year’s conference, the committee discussed the level of attendance from local authority museums, which had fallen to a 7 year low.
While the conference has been well attended and reached venue capacity, it is important that we develop a conference that will attract representation from all types of museums in Wales. I would be grateful if you could spend a few moments to provide some feedback, particularly if you have not attended the conference in recent years. Our intention is to use your feedback in developing the 2019 conference.
Is location an issue for you?
We have held the conference in The Cardiff Story for several years, as it is relatively accessible particularly by regular public transport for both audience and speakers. Cardiff also has good transport links. The Cardiff Story can provide a suitable space for up to 60 people as well as the necessary facilities.
Should the conference move around Wales? Should it always be held in a museum? Would you attend more often if it was held in your region?
Is the format and theme an issue for you?
The conference is only for one day to keep costs low, but that places a limit on networking. Often people leave before the end to catch a suitable train. We engage keynote and expert speakers as well as drawing on expertise from within the Welsh museum community. Themes are suggested and developed by the committee and Development Officer.
Should the conference be held over two or more days or is one day enough? Have the themes been useful and appropriate? Is the structure for the conference the right one?
Is cost an issue for you?
Last year the conference cost £30 which included refreshments and lunch. Grants are available from the Federation. Has your conference and travel budget been deleted, so you are not allowed to travel? Would it help if we called the event something other than a “conference”? Do you want to attend but cannot as you are not allowed to travel outside of your council boundaries?
Please supply some feedback to the above questions by the 10th September.
Yours
Chris
Chris Delaney
Development and Grants Officer