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 advice here

Networking 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!

Creating Engaging Exhibitions

Wednesday 14 May 11.00-11.45 hrs

For anyone 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 TEG – The Exhibitions Group and AHI – Association for Heritage Interpretation

Heritage Connections

Wednesday 14 May 12.00-12.45 hrs

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

Connect with fellow professionals, share experiences, and explore new ideas in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Whether you’re tackling conservation challenges, audience engagement, or heritage management, this is your chance to meet like-minded peers, spark collaborations, and be part of a supportive community.

Hosted by Heritage Alliance

A Sector for Everyone

Wednesday 14 May 13.00-13.45 hrs

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

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 Museum Detox and the Queer Heritage and Collections Network

Learning and Outreach

Wednesday 14 May 14.00-14.45 hrs

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

Whether you work in education, community engagement, or outreach programming, this is a chance to connect, exchange ideas, and share best practices with like-minded peers. Come along to spark new collaborations and gain fresh inspiration for your work!

Hosted by GEM – Group for Education in Museums

Stronger Together: Civic and Local Authority Museums

Wednesday 14 May 15.00-15.45 hrs

For anyone working in civic and local authority-funded museums.

This is a great opportunity to connect with peers facing similar challenges, share insights on funding, governance, and community engagement, and explore new ways to navigate the evolving landscape. Come along, exchange ideas, and strengthen your professional network!

Hosted by English Civic Museums Network

Caring for Museum and Heritage Collections

Thursday 15 May 12.00-12.45 hrs

For conservators and heritage professionals.

A great chance to connect, collaborate, and share expertise. From safeguarding historic buildings to conserving priceless collections, join us to share common challenges, exchange insights, and build your professional community. Whether you’re tackling complex restoration projects or exploring new approaches, this is your opportunity to expand your network!

Hosted by Icon – The Institute of Conservation

Boosting Growth: Trading & Commerce

Thursday 15 May 13.00-13.45 hrs

For anyone 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

Audiences: Connect & Grow

Thursday 15 May 14.00-14.45 hrs

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

Whether you’re focused on communication, engagement, marketing, or visitor experience, this is a chance to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and share strategies for growing and diversifying audiences. Make new connections and leave with fresh inspiration to take back to your organisation!

Hosted by Arts Marketing Association

Partnerships and Programmes

Thursday 15 May 15.00-14.45 hrs

For anyone responsible for creating learning programmes which can help make the world a better place.

Museum and heritage learning and access departments are uniquely positioned to build mutually beneficial partnerships with communities and to inspire curiosity, creativity and conversations.

Hosted by the Sandford Award