GEM Conference 2024

The Value of Learning

Join GEM Conference 2024 to connect and learn together with colleagues from across the UK on 11 – 13 September 2024.

Grow your skills and expand your network at GEM Conference 2024 – where advocacy meets impact, creativity ignites change and dynamism shapes the future.

Engage with thought-provoking keynotes, insightful member presentations and topical panel discussions. Amplify your expertise through hands-on workshops and inspiring site visits and gain a comprehensive understanding of current examples in museum learning, which you can embed in your practice. Join us for a dynamic, environmentally responsible conference. 

Secure your Early Bird ticket until 17 June 2024.

The Conference will be held in a hybrid form, with all keynotes, panel discussions and presentations on the main stage being available to join live online for those unable to travel to Bristol. A variety of ticket options are available, including online, in-person, one-day and ‘all staff’ institutional tickets. Please visit our booking page to learn more and reserve your space.

Conference Bookings Page

 

Call for Proposals

We are delighted to announce the Call for Proposals for GEM Conference 2024: The Value of Learning.

The Call for Proposals will be open until Monday 29th April 2024, with results announced in late May 2024.

Presenting or delivering a workshop at the GEM Conference is a brilliant opportunity to share your work with the museum learning community and broaden your network.

This year, we are looking for presentations and workshops focused on the theme “The Value of Learning”. We want to consider the internal and external advocacy, wellbeing within the workforce, the value of learning for communities and the importance of sustainable development.

We welcome proposals focused on the following topics:

  • Diversity and inclusion in museum learning

  • The value of evaluation and measuring impact

  • Advocacy in museum learning

  • New ways of working with communities

  • Innovative and flexible business models

  • Sustainable development and environmental responsibility

We will focus on the following criteria when making a decision regarding the proposals:

1. Innovative and Creative Approach:

· Demonstrate a unique and inventive perspective in exploring the theme.

· Showcase creative methodologies, technologies, or interactive elements that engage the audience.

· Highlight how the presentation brings a fresh and imaginative approach to the topic.

2. Depth of Reflection on Lessons Learnt:

· Provide a thorough analysis of experiences, challenges, and successes related to the presented topic.

· Showcase a deep understanding of the subject matter, supported by well-researched insights.

· Illustrate how the lessons learned contribute to the broader context of museum learning and education.

3. Addressing the Needs of Audiences:

· Clearly identify and articulate the specific needs or challenges addressed by the presentation /workshop.

· Demonstrate a practical and applicable approach to meet the diverse needs of the conference audience.

· Showcase strategies or solutions that can be implemented in various educational settings.

GEM Conference 2024 will be held in a hybrid format. All presentations will be live-streamed. However, we cannot livestream the workshops due to their hands-on nature, so you must be prepared to travel to Bristol if you wish to deliver a workshop.

To submit your proposal, fill out the relevant form below. Please provide us with as much detail as possible – it will help us decide regarding your submission and curate the Conference programme.

We kindly ask you not to book your Conference ticket until you hear back from us regarding your proposal: if you are selected to present/deliver a workshop, you will be entitled to a discount.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Katya.

Keynotes, panel discussions and the full Conference programme will be announced shortly. Follow us on X and sign up to the eUpdates to stay updated.

What is GEM doing to make the conference environmentally responsible? 

GEM is committed to protecting and restoring the natural environment. Working closely with M Shed, we will work to minimise the environmental impact of the conference. Learn more about the M Shed’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint here. With your help we can reduce emissions and reduce waste. 

GEM will: 

  • Work with Bristol Museums to ensure the catering and overall facilities at the conference are as environmentally sustainable as possible including offering water refilling and using no single use plastic. 
  • Reduce the amount of paper used throughout the conference by encouraging exhibitors to reduce the amount of literature they hand out. 
  • Offer digital programmes for delegates on the conference app. Paper copies will be available for those requiring them which can be recycled. 
  • Provide reusable lanyards  
  • Provide a hybrid offer that allows delegates with a choice to join digitally

Delegates and speakers are encouraged to: 

  • Travel by public transport where possible. You can use the Trainline app and website to find out the carbon footprint of your journey, and how much you can save by using the train.  
  • Bring your own water bottles and/or use water receptacles provided by MShed. 
  • Reuse your GEM tote bag and any other items you are given by exhibitors. 
  • Share your innovative ideas about sustainability at the conference. 

 

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