SmithGroup at 2026 American Alliance of Museums Annual Meeting

SmithGroup is pleased to sponsor and attend the 2026 American Alliance of Museums Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, May 20-23, 2026. Connect with our museum design experts in several forums at the conference and pick up a copy of Building a Museum: This is Not a Manual in the AAM Bookstore.

Friday, May 22 | 9:45-10:45 AM
From the Ground Up: Planning a Successful Facility Project
Jame Anderson
Capital expansions and new facilities are among the most consequential investments that museums can make. SmithGroup Director of Cultural Jame Anderson joins a panel of experts in strategic planning, fundraising, and design to discuss the essentials of building from the ground up. With Hassan Najjar, Executive Director, Biggs Museum of American Art; Anne Bergeron, Managing Principal, Anne Bergeron & Co. Consulting; and, Johnny Burleson, Principal, Creative Fundraising Advisors.

Friday, May 22 | 1:30-2:00 PM
A New Playbook for Museum Building Projects
Jame Anderson and Sarah Ghorbanian
Step inside the pages of the new book Building a Museum: This is Not a Manual with two of its authors in the MuseumExpo Theater.  Learn how the book can guide you through the complex process of planning, designing, and constructing a museum building project.

Saturday, May 23 | 9:45-10:45 AM
Collections Unboxed: Visitor Experiences Outside the White Cube
Jame Anderson
A science center, art museum, health system, and federal agency have all leveraged their unique collections to connect with audiences beyond the traditional “white cube” gallery approach. Learn how each institution is reinterpreting the typical museum experience to create engaging, story-driven experiences with its science, history, visual arts, or architecture collections. With Abigail Bysshe, Chief Experience and Strategy Officer, The Franklin Institute; Jon Frederick, Curatorial Branch Head, Office of the Curator, U.S. Treasury Department; Jeffrey Allison, Paul Mellon Collection Educator and Director, Statewide Programs and Exhibitions, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts; and, Jennifer Finkel, Associate Vice President, Art Experience, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center.