The VSA Annual Conference
Each year, the Visitor Studies Association Annual Conference convenes a vibrant community of professionals committed to understanding, engaging, and advocating for visitors in informal learning environments. Together, we explore ideas, share practices, and imagine new possibilities for the future of visitor-centered work.
VSA conference attendees are a diverse and dynamic group of evaluators, researchers, educators, exhibit developers, designers, museum leaders, marketing professionals, academics, students, and funders—united by a shared commitment to improving the quality of visitor experiences and engaging new audiences. What distinguishes this gathering is not only the breadth of expertise in the room, but the generosity with which knowledge, challenges, and aspirations are shared.
The VSA Annual Conference is held every year, alternating between an in-person gathering one year and a virtual conference the next. Whether onsite or online, approximately 250 professionals come together for thoughtful presentations, energizing conversations, and authentic connection. VSA’s annual conference is known for its welcoming, community-forward spirit—an environment where peers learn from one another, emerging professionals find mentors, and long-standing colleagues reconnect.
Attendees include professionals who:
- Hail from all regions of the United States and countries around the world;
- Represent a variety of professional roles, including museum professionals and thought leaders who use research, evaluation, and visitor data to guide strategy;
- Span career stages, from students and emerging professionals to mid- and advanced-career professionals; and
- Work in or with a variety of informal learning contexts, including art museums, history museums and heritage sites, science museums and centers, zoos, parks, aquaria, botanic gardens, and libraries.
More than a conference, VSA’s annual gathering is a place to reconnect with purpose, build lasting relationships, and leave inspired to advance visitor-centered practice in your own institution and community.