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?

Booking link coming this week!

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

The Conservator’s Perspective: Caring for Collections Today

For conservators and heritage professionals.

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. We offer the 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

Creating Engaging Exhibitions

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
Thursday 14th, 11:00-11:45

Boosting Growth: Trading & Commerce

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

Thursday 14th, 12:00-12:45

Heritage Connections

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

To be confirmed for 2026

A Sector for Everyone

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 the Queer Heritage and Collections Network

To be confirmed for 2026