The IAM Annual Conference is an opportunity for museum professionals and volunteers to learn new techniques or refresh old skills, network with colleagues, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the host location. Annual Conference 2008 September 24-26, 2008 Elmhurst The 2008 Annual Conference is slated for September 24-26, 2008, in the beautiful city of Elmhurst. Session proposals are invited addressing the theme of "Professional Excellence: Leadership in Museums." The American Association of Museums (AAM) CEO Ford Bell has agreed to provide the keynote address at IAM's fourteenth Annual Conference! Join us for an exciting and eye-opening event. As its name suggests, Elmhurst is a beautifully tree-lined community full of award-winning parks, specialty shops, and fine dining. Elmhurst is also rich in both history and culture as evidenced by our host museums: Elmhurst Art Museum, The Theatre Historical Society & American Movie Palace Museum, Elmhurst Historical Museum and the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art. This year’s conference is also being generously supported by Elmhurst College. The College boasts an art collection of more than eighty pieces illustrating Chicago Imagist, Formalist, and Expressionist Art. The conference hotel is SpringHill Suites, situated just off I-290 / Eisenhower Expressway. The conference rate is $99 plus tax and includes complimentary breakfast, free on-site parking, shuttle service, indoor heated pool, fitness center, and spacious rooms. Attendees will be shuttled to the Diplomat for the days sessions and lunches. Sessions and workshops will center around the theme of “Professional Excellence: Leadership in Museums.” The conference will offer pre-conference workshops on creating exhibits within your budget and the basics of archives. Sessions will include such topics as advocacy, fundraising and development, planning for leadership succession, interpretation, volunteers, education, and more. Attendees can plan on an exceptional and affordable conference in a beautiful setting this September. Save the date!