MCN 2024 Call for Proposals

The call for proposals for MCN 2024 is now closed.

Proposals are now being reviewed and and presenters will be notified in the coming weeks. If you have any questions, email [email protected].

Read on to learn more about session types and requirements, as well as the proposal review process. All presenters are expected to abide by the presenters’ guidelines.


15-minute Sessions

15-minute sessions are best suited for case studies, curated lighting talks, quick AMAs, and more. Program co-chairs reserve the right to group 15-minute sessions based on shared topics, format, and/or panelists. We recommend no more than three presenters in a 15-minute session.

45-Minute Sessions

45-minute sessions can accommodate panels, professional forums, hands-on demonstrations, and other longer-form topics.

Submission requirements

Proposals for 15- and 45-minute sessions must include the following information:

  • Abstract: Describe the topic your session will address, the overall structure, and the types of activities you will use to engage attendees.
  • Target Audience: Identify your session’s intended audience(s). 
  • Learning Objectives: Tell us what attendees will take away by participating in your session.
  • Equity and Inclusion: Share how your session promotes a diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and voices in museum technology.
  • Co-Presenters: Provide the name, affiliation, and contact information of all co-presenters included in your session.

Ignite Talks

Ignite has kicked off each MCN conference since 2012. These five-minute presentations are energizing and inventive, thought-provoking and fast-paced—and we mean fast. Presenters run through 20 slides that auto-advance every 15 seconds! 

Watch the MCN 2023 Ignite Presentations

This year’s Ignite reception will be held on the evening of Tuesday, October 22. All speakers must participate in preparation calls through the summer and a rehearsal before the reception. 

Submission Requirements

Your Ignite proposal must include your title and description. For the description, keep it short and sweet. You have 500 characters or fewer to pitch us your talk.


Reviewing Proposals

Every proposal will be reviewed by the program co-chairs and a committee of volunteer proposal reviewers who bring a variety of expertise to the process. 

Together, they’ll evaluate proposals based on the following criteria:

  • Session purpose: proposed topic and learning ­outcomes 
  • Relevance: relation to MCN’s mission, contemporary conversations in the museum sector, and more 
  • Diversity, inclusion, and access: the extent to which the session makes space for underrepresented voices in the GLAM sector
  • Potential impact: the session’s contribution(s) to the conference and sector overall
  • Facilitation: presenters’ ability to lead the session and promote discussion at the conference
  • Format: a clear strategy for an engaging and informative presentation.