Networking Lounge - Museums + Heritage Show

Networking and Advice

Networking is a key reason people attend the Museums + Heritage Show, and this year’s event is packed with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and share ideas with like-minded peers.

Head to the Ambience Networking Lounge, a welcoming space at the front of the Show, where you’ll find a rolling programme of networking sessions hosted by Sector Support partners, plus one-to-one advice clinics with Stephen Spencer + Associates.

Check out the networking schedule below, drop in for a session, or book a 1:1 appointment — it’s all designed to help you make meaningful connections!

1:1 Advice Clinics

As well as networking, The Ambience Networking Lounge features 1:1 Advice Clinics hosted by Stephen Spencer + Associates and delivered by experts in experience design, commercial sustainability, and communication. In these 15-minute consultations, you’ll receive a tailored action plan designed to elevate your organisation’s goals, unlock new opportunities, and enhance the Visitor Experience. Choose from one of the topics below, reflecting the elements of experience design:

How does empathising with our audiences to understand their context and motivations lead to a deeper impact?
How can we offer the right services in our spaces + places to maximise the experience and revenue?
How can we communicate a clear message, brand, and content, through improving the quality of our storytelling?

Book 1:1 Clinics with Stephen Spencer + Associates here

Networking Schedule

2026 schedule

Facilitated by our sector partners and designed to spark conversation, these informal networking sessions provide support and enable you to grow your network. Find your people; make a beeline for the Ambience Networking Lounge!

Connecting and Learning Together

For professionals passionate about learning and outreach in the cultural sector.

Join us to network with colleagues across museums and heritage who work in learning and engagement, providing enriching educational experiences for all ages. Share opportunities and challenges educators face and find out about the support that GEM can offer you and your organisation

Hosted by GEM – Group for Education in Museums
Wednesday 13th, 11:00-11:45

A Sector for Everyone

For anyone working in the cultural sector, especially those from underrepresented groups.

Join us for a welcoming and inclusive networking session designed for anyone working in the cultural sector, especially those from LGBTQ+ communities and/or working with LGBTQ+ heritage. This is a safe space to connect, share experiences, and support one another in navigating the sector. Whether you’re seeking advice, new connections, or just a sense of community, you’re warmly invited to be part of the conversation.

Hosted by the Queer Heritage and Collections Network

Wednesday 13 May, 12:00-12:45

The Conservator’s Perspective: Caring for Collections Today

For conservators and heritage professionals.

Conservators play a vital role in safeguarding collections for future generations. This networking session is designed for conservators and conservation professionals working across museums, galleries, archives and heritage collections. Join colleagues to discuss current challenges in collections care, from preventative conservation and environmental management to balancing treatment needs with limited resources. This informal session offers an opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and connect with others working to preserve and protect collections for the future

Hosted by Icon – The Institute of Conservation
Wednesday 13th, 13:00-13:45

Marketing, Communications and Audiences

If you have an interest in audience development, this is for you.

Marketing and communications play a crucial role in engaging with new audiences, maintaining relationships with loyal visitors, and building organisation profile and awareness. This informal networking session is for anyone responsible for, or with an interest in, marketing, communications, and audience development

Hosted by Arts Marketing Association
Wednesday 13th, 14:00-14:45

Heritage Connections

If you work in heritage, this networking session is for you!

Connect with colleagues from across the entire heritage sector in this fast-paced, structured networking session. Join us for short three-minute conversations on engaging themes—from AI & Heritage to Traditional Skills, and Tourism. Discover new perspectives, expand your network, and explore collaborations across the entire heritage landscape. Perfect for professionals from museums, historic sites, conservation, archaeology, and beyond. Hosted by The Heritage Alliance

Hosted by The Heritage Alliance

Wednesday 13 May, 15:00-15:45

Creating Engaging Exhibitions

For anyone involved in creating museum exhibitions, from interpretation and storytelling to design and curation.

Join us for a dynamic networking session dedicated to everyone involved in creating museum exhibitions, from interpretation and storytelling to design and curation. Connect with like-minded professionals, share ideas, and explore fresh approaches to bringing collections to life. Whether you’re crafting immersive experiences or refining interpretive techniques, this is your chance to exchange insights and spark new collaborations!

Hosted by The Exhibitions Group and Association for Heritage Interpretation

Thursday 14th, 11:00-11:45

Boosting Growth: Trading & Commerce

For anyone driving commercial and trading activities in the cultural sector.

Join us for a dedicated networking session for professionals driving commercial and trading activities in the cultural sector. Whether you manage retail, catering, venue hire, or other income-generating ventures, this is your chance to connect, share challenges, and exchange ideas on boosting revenue and sustainability. Let’s talk shop – literally!

Hosted by the Association for Cultural Enterprises

Thursday 14th, 12:00-12:45

Radical Connections

For anyone working in the cultural sector, connect with the network representing people of colour

A networking session hosted by Museum Detox where you get to meet members, hear about the work of Museum Detox and learn about opportunities to support the collective. Whether you’re new to the sector or an old head who’s seen it all, this is the perfect place to seek advice, share roles and training opportunities or just catch up on the latest!

Hosted by Museum Detox

Thursday 14 May, 13:00-13:45