2019 AAM MuseumExpo Recap

New Orleans, LA–More than 5,000 museum professionals attended this year’s American Alliance of Museum Annual Meeting and MuseumExpo in New Orleans, LA on May 19-22, 2019.  ASA was represented by Connecticut-based personal property appraiser John A. Woods, ASA and Cindy Hinton, Director of Membership from ASA’s National Office. The American Alliance of Museums represents more than 35,000 museum professionals and volunteers, institutions, and corporate partners serving the museum field.

The MuseumExpo kicked off with extensive networking opportunities. Attendees were then redirected to meeting areas where numerous seminars and demonstrations took place.

The keynote speakers were:

• Carol Bebelle, (a.k.a. Akua Wambui), Co-founder and Executive Director of the Ashé Cultural Arts Center
• Mitch Landrieu, Mayor, City of New Orleans (2010 – 2018)
• Rick Lowe, Social Practice Artist, Community Organizer
• Kimberly Drew, Writer, Curator, Activist
• Jose Antonio Vargas, Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalist, Filmmaker, Human Rights Activist

“I was thrilled to represent ASA this year at the 2019 Museum Expo,” said Cindy Hinton, ASA’s Director of Membership. “I met so many wonderful museum professionals at our booth and had the opportunity to communicate face-to-face with attendees what ASA has to offer, answer any questions, and share information about ASA’s free ‘Find an Appraiser’ tool on www.appraisers.org. “

John A. Woods, who has volunteered on behalf of ASA at the AAM MuseumExpo since 2004, added: “We had quite a number of museum people pass by, I would guesstimate over 200 people,  during the open period of the Expo. People had specific questions about items for valuation and I was happy to direct them with Cindy Hinton to the website.”

More than 270 exhibitors from across the region, both new and seasoned, participated in AAM, many offering hands-on interactions with their products and services. Attendees were able to try virtual reality headsets or watch live art being created.

ASA volunteers and staff spent the majority of their time speaking to attendees about the criteria needed to become an appraiser, and the importance of having an accredited appraiser when valuing pieces. Our exhibit’s main attraction was the “Find an Appraiser” tool that is featured on ASA’s homepage. This tool, which is open to the public, can help anyone searching for an appraiser with ASA membership by discipline and location.

“The conference was a huge success—well-organized and filled with informative presentations and networking opportunities,” Hinton said.