It’s already Q4 of 2025, but the conference season isn’t over yet. If you work in museums or tourism, there are still big events worth catching before the year ends.
These gatherings aren’t just about networking. They’re where you can learn about digital transformation, self-guided tours, and the latest tools shaping the visitor experience.
We’ve compiled a roundup of the most important museum and tourism conferences happening in Q4 2025 — complete with dates, locations, focus areas, and why each one matters.
1. Ohio Conference on Travel
Dates & location: October 1–3, 2025 at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio
Focus & audience: Travel and tourism professionals — DMOs, attractions, museums, and hospitality organizations
Notes:
- Educational sessions on marketing, governance, and tourism growth
- RUBY Awards recognizing excellence in tourism marketing
- STQRY is heading to the Ohio Conference on Travel! Stop by our booth to discover how our platform helps destinations, museums, and cultural sites create unforgettable visitor experiences.
Relevance: Broader than museums, but key for institutions looking to build tourism partnerships and boost visitation
Event website: https://ohioconferenceontravel.com/
2. Museum Computer Network Conference (MCN)
Dates & location: October 20–22, 2025 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Focus & audience: Museum technology, digital strategy, and innovation leaders
Notes:
- Programming on AI, AR/VR, digital inclusion, and data-driven practices
- International networking with museum digital professionals
Relevance: The go-to event for digital transformation in museums
Event website: https://mcn.edu/annual-conference/mcn-2025/
3. Southeastern Museums Conference (SEMC) 2025
Dates & location: October 20–22, 2025 at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa in Montgomery, Alabama
Focus & audience: Museums in Southeastern U.S., staff development, regional issues
Notes:
- Theme: Future Forward: Reach, Remember, Reclaim
- Offers sessions, awards, workshops, exhibits
Relevance: A key regional conference for Southeastern U.S. museums; strong on professional development, DEI, and practical operations. Ideal for small-to-mid sized institutions.
Event website: https://www.semcdirect.net/conference
4. Creative Museums Summit (MuseumNext)
Dates & location: October 22–23, 2025 — virtual
Focus & audience: Museum professionals, creatives, engagement strategists
Notes:
- Case studies, workshops, new ideas for programming & audience experience
- Virtual format allows global participation
Relevance: Great for museums exploring fresh creative programming ideas and global networking without travel — accessible to smaller teams thanks to its virtual format.
Event website: https://www.museumnext.com/events/creative-museum-summit/
5. Mid-Atlantic Association of Museums Annual Conference (MAAM)
Dates & location: October 27–31, 2025 at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Focus & audience: Professional development, networking, and advancing museum sector excellence in the Mid-Atlantic region
Notes:
- Call for proposals (panels, posters) open for conference sessions
- MAAM Awards announced in September and presented at the event
- STQRY will be at MAAM 2025 in Pittsburgh! Drop by our booth to see how we help museums share stories in new ways.
Relevance: A flagship regional museum conference with a strong focus on leadership and best practice
Event website: https://midatlanticmuseums.org/annual-meeting/
6. International Museum Construction Congress (IMCC)
Dates & location: November 2–4, 2025 at the Scandic Copenhagen Hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark
Focus & audience: Museum directors, architects, engineers, and project managers involved in construction and capital projects
Notes:
- Case studies on new museum builds and renovations
- Vendor showcases with leading firms in museum design and engineering
Relevance: Essential for institutions planning expansions or major facility projects
Event website: https://www.museum.construction/
7. International Council of Museums General Conference (ICOM)
Dates & location: November 11–17, 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE
Focus & audience: Global museum professionals, policymakers, and cultural leaders
Notes:
- The triennial conference on ethics, sustainability, and museum policy
- Largest international networking event for the museum sector
Relevance: A global flagship event for museum thought leadership and policy-making
Event website: https://dubai2025.icom.museum/
8. CIMAM Annual Conference 2025
Dates & location: November 28–30, 2025 in Turin, Italy
Focus & audience: Contemporary art museums, curators, theorists
Notes: Recommended for institutions with contemporary art orientationRelevance: Best fit for art museums and curators working in the contemporary art field, especially those interested in global dialogue and thought leadership.
Event website: https://cimam.org/news-archive/cimam-2025-annual-conference-enduring-game-expanding-new-models-of-museum-making/
9. New Jersey Tourism Conference (NJTIA)
Dates & location: December 10–11, 2025 at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, NJ
Focus & audience: Tourism professionals across New Jersey — museums, attractions, destination marketing, and hospitality
Notes:
- Sessions on marketing strategies, tourism advocacy, and visitor experience
- Industry awards and state-level networking opportunities
- Join us at the NJTIA Tourism Conference in Atlantic City. Stop by the STQRY booth to explore how our platform supports museums, destinations, and attractions with digital storytelling.
Relevance: While tourism-centered, it’s a valuable forum for museums strengthening regional visibility and partnerships
Event website: https://njtia.org/events/annual-conference-on-tourism/
Catch STQRY Live at Upcoming Museum Conferences
As the year winds down, these Q4 conferences are a great way to share ideas, build connections, and look ahead to 2026.
STQRY will be at the Ohio Conference on Travel, MAAM Annual Conference, and the NJTIA Tourism Conference. Stop by our booth to meet the team and check out our digital storytelling tools.
Want to dive deeper? Book a demo with us ahead of the conference so we can show you exactly how STQRY can support your organization.