Conference

Hotel

The Oklahoma Museum Conference hotel is the Comfort Suites Idabel.  There is a block of rooms for conference guests to reserve at the rate of $107 + tax.  A light breakfast is included.  To make your reservation, contact the hotel directly at 580-286-9393 and tell them you are making a reservation in the Oklahoma Museums Association block.

The area is home to many other accommodations including privately owned cabins, Beavers Bend State Park lodge and cabins and other hotels which can be searched on your own. 

Presenter Information

All conference presenters are expected to abide by presenter expectations. Conference presenters can view or download the Presenter Expectations, Information & Tips here

Scholarship Information

 There are three types of conference scholarships being offered this year.   Refer to the scholarship program information here for more information and to apply.  Applications are due July 19, 2024.

Keynote Speaker

 The keynote speaker will be Dr. Ellen Censky. The title of her presentation will be Transforming a Beloved Institution: It’s Not Easy (but if you believe, you can do it).

Faced with a failing building with $100M in deferred maintenance, the probability of losing accreditation, diminishing donor engagement, and the likelihood of eventually closing the doors if nothing was done, the Milwaukee Public Museum was at a major turning point in its history. The 142-year-old institution needed to balance the beloved aspects of the institution yet reinvent itself for the future, all this starting just as the pandemic was hitting and the future was unclear. It has taken continuous outreach and engagement, a great team that never gives up, and a vision for the future that inspires donors and the community. It has not been easy, but it can be done. 

Keynote speaker bio: Ellen Censky, PhD has 47 years of museum experience, beginning her career at the Milwaukee Public Museum when she was a student. She spent her early career as a scientist at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History caring for collections and conducting scientific research, some of which was featured on the front page of the New York Times. She then became Director of the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History, where she developed the BioBlitz into a nationwide program featured on National Geographic Television. She moved on to be Director of the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History spearheading the Explorology program which won an IMLS National Medal Award.  And finally, she moved back home to Milwaukee and is now President/CEO of the Milwaukee Public Museum, leading the effort to transform the 142-year-old institution into a 21^st Century Museum. 

Attendee Waiver and Release of Liability, Photographs, and Harassment Prevention Policy

Conference Attendee Waiver and Release of Liability for Covid, Photographs and Harassment Prevention

Future OMA Conferences 

• • September 11-13, 2024 – Idabel, Oklahoma 
  • September 17-19, 2025  – Weatherford, Oklahoma
  • September 16-18, 2026 –  Edmond, Oklahoma

For more information on hosting a future OMA conference, please send an inquiry email to Brenda Granger and/or download the RFP here.

Note: All conference communities must commit to raising at least $7,000 in local funding and/or in-kind services for the conference (not including hotel meeting rooms or other amenities given in exchange for sleeping room reservations). In addition, it is expected the lodging location will provide three complimentary sleeping rooms for the duration of the conference.17-19