Important Update: AMaGA Conference and national Awards in 2025, Australian Museums and Galleries Association, April 2025

After much reflection and careful consideration, the AMaGA National Council has made the difficult decision not to hold a full national conference or awards in 2025.

We know how much these events mean to our community. Since the early 2000s, the AMaGA Conference has been a highlight of the professional calendar—a space to connect, share knowledge, and celebrate our sector. The AMaGAs (formerly MAPDA and MaGNA Awards), too, have long held a special place in recognising excellence and innovation across the country and 2025 publications and projects will be included on our return in 2026

This is not the end of the national conference or the AMaGAs. Rather, we are taking a purposeful pause in 2025 to ensure both can evolve to best meet the needs of our members in a shifting landscape. This decision has been shaped by a number of resourcing factors, but most importantly by a recognition that the current cost of attending the conference is prohibitive to many of our members. This will be the most important factor in our rethinking of the conference model.

Importantly, 2025 is also an AMaGA National Council election year. This pause will allow incoming Council members to take stock and have meaningful input into the future format and scale of both the Conference and the AMaGAs—helping to shape events that are more sustainable, inclusive, and impactful for the years ahead.

In the meantime, AMaGA will focus its national efforts on:

• Professional Development and Education: Increasing access to learning, leadership and skill-building opportunities.

• Advocacy: Amplifying the voice and value of the GLAM sector across all levels of government and the wider public.

• Enhanced Member Services: Strengthening the supports, tools and resources available to members year-round.

• Networking opportunities: Collaborating with national networks, state and territory branches, and local chapters to deliver opportunities for connection and engagement.

While we acknowledge this change may be disappointing, we’re also energised by the opportunity to reimagine what our national events can and should be.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Watch this space—we’ll keep you informed as we shape the future of the AMaGA Conference and the National Museum and Gallery Awards together.