New for MSA FORWARD 2020, the Executive Focus program has been created to allow senior level museum executives to experience the conference with the goal of better understanding the value of the museum store and of MSA membership. Keeping with MSA’s strategic focus on advocacy, the Executive Focus program allows store managers to apply for funds for their senior level management to attend all or a portion of the MSA FORWARD 2020 conference to engage with MSA’s leadership, experience the expo hall, and dive into critical educational sessions.
When filling out this application, please be prepared with your store's information, the executive’s resume or a link to their LinkedIn page, have checked the executive's availability to attend, and a short explanation of how this experience would benefit your institution. Who Should Apply: MSA Institution Members (from nonprofit cultural institutions) in good standing who plan to attend MSA FORWARD 2020.
Who Should Be Nominated: Museum senior management including, but not limited to, Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, Board member, and Deputy Directors. Note: To be eligible, the executive or museum senior management must be someone who would not normally attend the MSA conference. Ideally this would be an MSA member’s direct supervisor and/or have a significant say in the store’s yearly budget. Previous MSA conference attendees are not eligible.
What Are the Benefits?: Approved applications (up to 5 will be accepted for the 2020 conference), will be given a complimentary full or one-day registration for their executive to attend the conference as well as one complimentary hotel night at the official conference hotel, the Hilton Cleveland Downtown. While at MSA FORWARD, the executive will have dedicated time to meet with key MSA leadership to learn more about MSA and MSA FORWARD. Additionally, executives will also experience a docent-led tour of the Expo floor, and have the opportunity to participate in networking events, and attend education sessions.
When Should I Apply?: Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis with final applications due no later than March 4, 2020. If you would like to inquire about the status of your application, please email
info@museumstoreassocation.org or call 202-367-1106.
Where Does the Program Take Place?: The MSA FORWARD 2020 Annual Retail Conference and Expo is taking place at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, OH April 23 – 27, 2020. More details can be found on our conference webpages:
https://www.museumstoreassociation.org/msaforward/.Why Should I Apply?: This is a unique opportunity to immerse your museum’s executive leadership into the MSA community. While at MSA FORWARD, they have the opportunity to not only learn more about the value of museum stores and of MSA membership, but also to gain additional perspective about the opportunities and challenges museum stores face. The Executive Focus program will allow you to have dedicated time with your executive to focus on this critical part of your institution.
How Are Applications Selected?: The MSA Conference Committee will review applications on a monthly basis up through the submission deadline, and will determine which executives will be selected for the program. Applications will be judged on completeness, clarity, and the impact this program will have on the institution (based on the responses provided in the application by the applicant). All applicants will receive written notification of their submission and of their selection or non-selection. Selected applicants will then receive further instructions on how to claim the registration and housing benefits.