The 2019 Conference welcomed 193 attendees from 77 Affiliate organizations in 36 states, plus Puerto Rico and Panama. We experimented with new approaches and tested many new ideas n 2019. Among them were-- first-ever call for proposals from Smithsonian AND Affiliate staff and opening the conference to Smithsonian colleagues to register and attend. Instead of a traditional keynote address, we began with a conversation between Ellen Stofan, John and Adrienne Mars Director, National Air and Space Museum, and Brenda Gaines, Smithsonian National Board Member and SITES Advisory Board Chair. The conversation focused on leadership, creating change, and nurturing the next generation. 32 sessions and workshops focused on topics such as climate change, women's history, digital technology, creating communities of engagement, and leveraging the Smithsonian partnership. We also aligned sessions to relate to AAM core documents.
