EXHIBITIONS CONNECT 2026
Tuesday 28 April 2026, Millennium Gallery, Sheffield
The UK’s principle annual event for the cultural exhibitions sector.
EXHIBITIONS CONNECT is a unique opportunity to:
- hear keynote presentations from sector thought leaders
- be inspired by informative talks and discussions about fantastic exhibitions and collaborative projects from leading sector colleagues and speakers
- hear about our latest research on the exhibitions and touring sector
- meet and network with other professionals and organisations
- share and promote your exhibition projects, services and products to people working in our sector, all in one place!
- Book a presentation slot at our live and in-person Share Session (available on a first-come-first-served basis)
Event Schedule and Programme
Monday 27 April
Evening networking and social event (time and location TBC).
Tuesday 28 April
09:15 – 09:45 Tour of the Graves Gallery for delegates (no booking required)
10:15 – 10:45 Arrival, refreshments, networking and opportunity to visit stands
10:45 – 11:00 Welcome and Introductions
11:00 – 11:45 How exhibitions can lead to organisation-wide change
Zandra Yeaman, Head of Strategy Development and Implementation, Hunterian Museum & Art Gallery in conversation with Reyahn King, Executive Director, The Exhibitions Group
11:45 – 12:15 Share Session
Hear from 10 organisations and individuals about partnership opportunities and exhibitions available for hire.
12:15 – 13:45 Lunch (included with ticket), networking, opportunity to visit stands, gallery tours
The following curator-led tours are available during the lunch break and will need to be booked in advance:
- Katie Irwin – The Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize (30 max per tour)
- Ashley Gallant – Ruskin Collection: Storm-Cloud – The look of the Sky (20 max per tour)
- Amy Marsh – Artworks Together International 2026 (20 max per tour)
We will contact delegates in March with instructions on how to book a place on these tours.
13:45 – 14:15 Exhibition Making Now: Strategy, Skills and Sustainable Models
Join Miranda Stacey (TEG) and Rachel Mapplebeck (Cultural Associates Oxford) for an overview of Temporary and Touring Exhibitions Practice: Economic, Production and Partnership Models, a major new research report commissioned by The Exhibitions Group and supported by Arts Council England. Drawing on the research findings on strategy, impact evaluation and skills, alongside the financial, logistical and geographic challenges shaping the UK exhibitions landscape, Miranda and Rachel will highlight emerging partnership models, economic approaches, and opportunities for innovation. From co‑production and local adaptation to digital experiences, this session offers insights for organisations seeking to strengthen and future‑proof their temporary and touring exhibitions work.
14:15 – 15:05 Co-creating on the move: Community led approaches to exhibition making and touring
Panel: Mark Revels (Armagh, Northern Ireland), Margie Houlston (National Museums Liverpool), and one more speaker TBC
Chair: Dana Andrew, Professional Development Manager, The Exhibitions Group
A panel discussion with speakers from the MAGNET network and Art Fund’s Going Places cohort on how community collaboration is reshaping exhibition making and touring. Exploring co‑production, local partnerships, and new touring models, this session highlights practical insights and inspiring examples of how museums can centre community voices to create more relevant, responsive, and impactful exhibitions.
15:05 – 15:50 Refreshments, networking and opportunity to visit stands
15:50 – 16:30 Keynote Speaker – announcement coming soon!
16:30 – 16:40 Updates from The Exhibitions Group, event wrap-up and close
Make sure you’re on our mailing list to receive all the latest updates.
Please note that as of mid-February 2026, we only have 1 Share Session slot remaining. Please book your tickets for Exhibitions Connect ASAP and email seminars@theexhibitionsgroup.org.uk to book your Share Session slot.
Exhibitions Connect is supported by Momart and Constantine.
With thanks to our hosts, Sheffield Museums.
#ExhibitionsConnect26
