TAM 2024 Lubbock | Expanding Horizons: Illuminating our Cultural Tapestry

TAM 2024 Lubbock
April 14-17, 2024

Join us at the TAM 2024 conference in Lubbock, Texas, as we look to the future inspired by the city's renowned sunsets and united community. Explore the City of Lubbock, embrace its vibrant arts and cultural scene, and join the conversation about collaborating to nurture and expand our cultural fabric. At TAM 2024 Lubbock, we'll interlace diverse perspectives and experiences as well as create a vibrant tapestry that celebrates heritage, sparks creativity, and strengthens our bonds. Inspired by Lubbock's continuing commitment to professional ideals and the collections and communities served, let’s embark on this journey together and discover what lies just beyond the horizon for our collective cultural enrichment.

Venues Include The Museum of Texas Tech University, The National Ranching Heritage Center, Science Spectrum, The Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts, the Silent Wings Museum, and more!

Sponsor, Exhibit, or Advertise at TAM 2024

Be a part of this premier gathering of museum professionals and connect with individuals and institutions in the museum sector. As a sponsor, exhibitor, or advertiser, your brand will enjoy 6 months of exposure across TAM materials, websites, newsletters, and social media. With events held at iconic venues like the Museum of Texas Tech University and the National Ranching Heritage Center, you'll have the opportunity to engage with 400+ decision-makers in the museum industry. Don't miss this chance to expand your horizons—click the link below for our sponsor, exhibitor, and ad packet today!

Click Here for the Sponsor, Exhibitor & Ad Packet

Conference FAQ

The Texas Association of Museums (TAM) Annual Meeting has been the cornerstone of Texas' museum community for nearly fifty years. As the largest gathering of museum professionals in the state, this premier event offers a unique opportunity to connect with a vibrant and ever-expanding audience of museum enthusiasts.

Please review the FAQs below for more information.

INDEX

Dates & Location

Registration

Scholarships & Volunteers 

Programming

Exhibitors, Sponsors, & Advertisers 

Registration Open!

TAM members receive a discounted rate! Not a TAM member? Join Now! 

DATES & LOCATION

What are the dates and location of TAM's 2024 Annual Meeting?

The TAM 2024 Annual Meeting will take place April 14-17 in Lubbock, Texas. Visit a place where rich western history meets a thriving metropolitan hub, and where creative expression meets fine wine, eclectic food, craft beer, lively events, world-class art and serene outdoor spaces. From cultural festivals to Texas Monthly-recognized BBQ joints to classical symphony concerts, Lubbock has a taste of something for every visitor. Take a deeper look into Lubbock with Visit Lubbock's Visitor Guide here. 

Will there be a pre-conference event?

We will be kicking off TAM's Annual Meeting with an unforgettable, award winning pre-conference event: Lubbock's Art Festival! 

Learn More Here! 

What are the host venues of the TAM 2024 Annual Meeting?

The Annual Meeting events will be held at various cultural institutions around the City of Lubbock, including Science Spectrum, The Museum of Texas Tech University, The Ranching Heritage Center, the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for Arts, Silent Wings Museum, and more. 

What is the TAM conference hotel?

The TAM Conference headquarters hotel is the Overton Hotel.  

Conference shuttle services will rotate between the TAM host hotel and TAM conference venues throughout the conference. Staying at the TAM host hotel facilitates connecting with colleagues and helps us keep the Annual Meeting affordable to attendees. Reserve your room online from Friday, April 12 to Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at a discounted rate of $149/night. Book your room and get directions on our Hotel Reservations Page coming soon! 

Why does conference programming take place inside museums? 

We opted to host our conference at local institutions instead of a hotel convention center for several compelling reasons. This approach keeps the conference more cost-effective for attendees as we don't incur convention center expenses. Moreover, the unique setting within these institutions enhances the learning experience by immersing attendees in the world of museums. This choice also allows us to fully embrace the host city's environment, offering a more authentic and enriching experience. To ensure convenient access, we'll have continuous shuttle service circulating between host venues and host hotels. Additionally, most locations offer ample parking if you prefer to drive rather than use the shuttle. 

Will there be an option to attend virtually? 

TAM 2024 is crafted as an in-person gathering aimed at fostering connections and advancing professional development. We've chosen not to include a virtual component for TAM 2024 because hybrid events essentially involve running two separate events, each with its own logistical complexities, expenses, and staffing requirements. Our primary objective is to keep registration costs as affordable as possible. Introducing a virtual option would significantly raise rates, limiting access to professional development opportunities.

However, you can catch a glimpse of the exciting events and updates at #TAM2024 by following TAM on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Stay connected with us through these social platforms to stay informed and engaged!

REGISTRATION

When is registration open? Is there an Early Bird Discount? 

Registration for TAM 2024 Lubbock is open now! See pricing chart below to learn about early bird discounts and dates.  

 
How do I register?

You will need to register using our online registration platform here. Please click the "Register Now" button towards the top of this page. Select the conference registration option that you would like and that applies to your membership status. Fill out the necessary information for registration and head to check out. You may pay by credit card on the website, or logged in TAM members can select an invoice to pay by check.

Reminder: All TAM members must be logged in to their member profile to receive member pricing and benefits. If you have any questions or trouble logging in, please contact admin@texasmuseums.org and vanessa@optinexperts.com for assistance.
 

What is the cancellation / refund policy for TAM 2024?

• Cancellations made in writing on or before March 1, 2024 will be refunded, minus a $100.00 processing fee. Cancellations March 2 and on will not be refunded. No-shows will not be refunded. Please contact TAM (admin@texasmuseums.org) for further information or if you have any questions. Refunds may not be processed until after the Annual Meeting. 

SCHOLARSHIPS & VOLUNTEERS

Are scholarships available for TAM 2024?

Yes! TAM offers a handful of scholarships to the Annual Conference. Scholarship submissions are accepted through December 15, 2023. Learn more our scholarships and how to apply at the link below. 

More Scholarship Information Here

Can I donate to support scholarships?

Certainly! Contributing to the TAM Annual Meeting Scholarship Fund allows you to support individuals who may face financial barriers to attending TAM's Annual Meeting. Your donation helps make it possible for a wider range of professionals to participate in this valuable event. The Annual Meeting offers a unique chance for all attendees to connect with peers, acquire best practices, and develop new skills that can benefit their institutions and local communities.

Create an impact by making a donation to the TAM Annual Meeting Scholarship Fund—click here to donate. 

Can I Volunteer at TAM 2024? What are the benefits?

Yes! TAM is actively looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support our team and event planners in various capacities during the Annual Meeting. If you're interested in getting involved, please contact admin@texasmuseums.org and vanessa@optinexperts.com to express your interest. 

PROGRAMMING

What is the theme of TAM 2024?

Expanding Horizons: Illuminating our Cultural Tapestry

We are looking to the future of the museum field inspired by Lubbock's renowned sunsets and united community. Through conversations about collaborating to nurture and expand our cultural fabric, we'll interlace diverse perspectives, celebrate heritage, spark creativity, and strengthen our bond. With four days of engaging programming, we'll be inspired by Lubbock's continuing commitment to professional ideals and communities served and we'll discover what lies beyond the horizon for our collective cultural enrichment. 

What sessions, events, and networking opportunities will TAM 2024 feature?

With over 20 sessions, three General Sessions and Keynotes, three Evening Events, a handful of tours & workshops, and many new opportunities to share content with colleagues and make in-person connections, #TAM2024 will be a fun and creative gathering of museum professionals. For more details on the Annual Meeting sessions, events, and networking opportunities, look for the Preliminary Program to be available soon.

Who is TAM 2024’s Keynote Speaker?

Keynote and plenary speaker information coming soon! 

Will there be a virtual option for TAM 2024?

TAM 2024 is crafted as an in-person gathering aimed at fostering connections and advancing professional development. We've chosen not to include a virtual component for TAM 2024 because hybrid events essentially involve running two separate events, each with its own logistical complexities, expenses, and staffing requirements. Our primary objective is to keep registration costs as affordable as possible. Introducing a virtual option would significantly raise rates, limiting access to professional development opportunities.

However, you can catch a glimpse of the exciting events and updates at #TAM2024 by following TAM on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Stay connected with us through these social platforms to stay informed and engaged!

EXHIBITORS, SPONSORS, & ADVERTISERS

Can I sponsor, exhibit, and advertise at TAM 2024? What's involved and what are the benefits?

Yes! Whether sponsoring, exhibiting, or advertising at the Annual Meeting, when you partner with TAM, you will have great exposure to a wide range of museum professionals and support the professional development TAM provides to the museum field all year long. Being a TAM 2024 sponsor, exhibitor, or advertiser will allow you to:

• Reach a concentrated group of museum professionals from a variety of sectors

• Increase your visibility among a diverse group of museums throughout the state

• Position your business as a supporter and leader in the museum field

• Build upon your existing relationships with decision-makers, while fostering new connections

• Support a high-quality forum dedicated to sharing cutting edge and emerging ideas being accessible to all museum professionals

Please take a look at our Sponsor, Exhibitor, and Ad Packet to learn more.

What is the Academic Showcase Session? What is involved in presenting?

The Academic Showcase provides a dynamic opportunity for individuals to present their academic research, innovative ideas, or program developments. This exciting event provides a platform for students to share their research contributions with a statewide audience of scholars and museum professionals. Accepted projects will be featured in the TAM 2024 Annual Meeting mobile app, and presentations will be evaluated by a panel of experienced museum professionals during the conference. The top three Academic Projects will receive prestigious TAM awards and recognition at the event. Students interested in presenting are invited to submit concise abstracts and supporting materials that align with specific project categories outlined in the submission form. We extend a warm welcome to TAM student members from all colleges and campuses.  

Winners and their affiliated college/university will be celebrated at the Annual Meeting, featured in a post-conference issue of the TAM Newsletter, and prominently acknowledged on the TAM website. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your academic contributions to the museum field! 

Learn More About the Academic Showcase & Competition Here