TAM 2026 McAllen & the Rio Grande Valley | Stronger Together Celebrating Communities Stories

TAM 2026: McAllen & the Rio Grande Valley

April 19–22, 2026 | McAllen, Texas
Theme: Stronger Together: Celebrating Community Stories

🌟 After nearly 50 years, the Texas Association of Museums is heading back to the Rio Grande Valley!
Join us for TAM 2026, where museum professionals from across Texas will gather in one of the state’s most culturally rich and dynamic regions. This year’s conference will be headquartered at the McAllen Convention Center, with evening events hosted at cultural institutions throughout McAllen and the greater Rio Grande Valley.

Celebrating Connection, Culture & Collaboration

The 2026 conference invites us to reflect on the powerful connections between community, culture, and collaboration.
Set in a region where stories cross borders and identities are beautifully complex, TAM 2026 will honor shared heritage, resilient communities, and the ways museums foster connection and belonging. Through inspiring sessions, meaningful conversations, and unforgettable experiences, we’ll explore what it truly means to be stronger together.

Experience the Rio Grande Valley

From vibrant arts and cultural centers to world-class cuisine and warm hospitality, the RGV offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for reflection, learning, and celebration. Attendees can look forward to special events and receptions held at partner museums and cultural spaces throughout the Valley—each one showcasing the creativity and diversity that define this extraordinary region.

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 

Academic Showcase

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

DATES & LOCATION

What are the dates and location of TAM's 2026 Annual Meeting?

The TAM 2026 Annual Meeting will take place April 19–22 in McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley. Experience a region where vibrant culture meets heartfelt community, and where stories cross borders through art, history, and heritage. From colorful markets and world-class birding trails to innovative museums, live music, and unforgettable cuisine, the RGV offers a warm welcome and a celebration of Texas’ rich cultural tapestry.

What is the TAM conference hotel?

To accommodate a range of budgets and preferences, TAM has partnered with three hotels within walking distance of the McAllen Convention Center. Attendees can choose from the Aloft Hotel, La Quinta Inn & Suites, and Cambria Hotel, each offering special conference rates and convenient access to TAM 2026 programming and evening events.

Will there be an option to attend virtually? 

TAM 2026 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 2026 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 #TAM2026 by following TAM on Instagram 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 2026 McAllen & the Rio Grande Valley opens in December 2025! Take advantage of early bird pricing to secure the best rates before they increase to regular pricing later in the registration period. Stay tuned for updates on registration categories, discounts, and important deadlines.

 
How do I register?

When registration opens, you’ll complete your sign-up directly through our online registration platform by clicking the “Register Now” button that will appear at the top of this page. You can pay instantly by credit card, or—if you’re logged into your TAM member profile—choose to receive an invoice to pay by check.

Reminder: TAM members must be logged in to their member profile to receive member pricing and benefits. For any questions or login issues, please reach out to admin@texasmuseums.org for assistance.
  

What is the cancellation / refund policy for TAM 2026?

Cancellations made in writing on or before March 1, 2026 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.

Is there a Student Discount?

Yes! A student registration option is available for TAM 2026. Proof of current student status is required and instructions for submitting verification will be provided during the registration process.

SCHOLARSHIPS & VOLUNTEERS

Are scholarships available for TAM 2026?

Yes! TAM offers a handful of scholarships to the Annual Conference. Scholarship submissions are accepted through December 15, 2025. 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 2026? What are the benefits?

Create 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@texasmuseums.org to express your interest. 

PROGRAMMING

What is the theme of TAM 2026?

Stronger Together: Celebrating Community Stories 

The theme for TAM 2026—Stronger Together: Celebrating Community Stories—honors the power of connection, collaboration, and shared heritage. Set in the vibrant Rio Grande Valley, where cultures intertwine and stories cross borders, this theme invites us to explore how museums uplift community voices, celebrate diverse identities, and build bridges that strengthen us all.

What sessions, events, and networking opportunities will TAM 2026 feature?

With over 30 sessions, three General Sessions and Keynotes, multiple Evening Events, a handful of tours, and many new opportunities to share content with colleagues and make in-person connections, #TAM2026 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 2026’s Keynote Speaker?

Keynote and plenary speaker information coming soon! 

EXHIBITORS, SPONSORS, & ADVERTISERS

Can I sponsor, exhibit, and advertise at TAM 2026? 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 2026 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.

ACADEMIC SHOWCASE

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

The Academic Showcase at TAM 2026 invites students to present their research and creative projects to museum professionals from across Texas. Selected projects will be featured in the conference program and evaluated by a panel of museum experts, with top entries receiving TAM awards and recognition at the conference, in the TAM Newsletter, and on the TAM website. Submissions are open to TAM student members from all colleges and universities, and organizers strongly encourage participation from individuals of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Learn More About the Academic Showcase & Competition Here