Mutual Concerns of Air and Space Museums Conference
April 18 - 21, 2009

Sponsored by:

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Co-organized with:

Canada Aviation Museum

Conference Overview

Mutual Concerns is a unique international meeting specifically focused on the needs of the air and space museum community. The conference features general sessions, panel discussions, and presentations, with topics covering air and space history, conservation, exhibit design, fundraising, and marketing. Sessions offer everything from practical, in-depth information to timely tricks of the trade. The conference is also an opportunity to network with colleagues from around the world. Join us this year and help your organization soar.

2009 Conference

The 2009 conference is set for Saturday, April 18 – Tuesday, April 21, 2009 in Ottawa, Ontario at the Ottawa Marriott Hotel. In addition to the program's traditional plenary and concurrent sessions, highlights of this year's seminar include:

• A day of sessions at the Canada Aviation Museum
• An evening dinner at the Canada Aviation Museum
• Clinic assistance on web sites
• Optional Tuesday afternoon field trip selections of Diefenbunker Canada’s Cold War Museum, Vintage Wings of Canada or the Canadian War Museum
• Optional overnight fieldtrip that takes you to Trenton, Toronto and Hamilton and three leading Canadian museums
• Spouse/guest shopping option for the overnight fieldtrip.

2009 Seminar Agenda
Full agenda information now available!

Registration Information

REGISTRATION FEES
To assist your museum during these tough economic times, we’ve discounted our registration this year with overall fees ranging from $30-60 less than last year. We hope this is of help to your organization.

Mutual Concerns Seminar Registration Fee:
$305 per person if registered by Sunday, March 1, 2009
$350 per person starting Monday, March 2, 2009
Multiple registrants from the same organization receive discounts. Full registration details on Registration Link/Form.

Fee Includes:

• All sessions from Sunday - Tuesday
• Reception on Saturday
• Dinner on Sunday
• Breakfasts and snacks Sunday, Monday & Tuesday
• Lunch on Monday at the Canada Aviation Museum
• Round trip bus transportation from the Ottawa Marriott Hotel to the Canada Aviation Museum for Sunday dinner and Monday sessions

Optional Fieldtrips, Tuesday, April 21 - Space limited for some options.
Roundtrip transportation and admission included.

• $35 - Diefenbunker Canada’s Cold War Museum, 1:30 - 5:30 p.m.
• $25 - Vintage Wings of Canada, 1:30 - 5:30 p.m.
• $25 - Canadian War Museum, 1:30 - 5:30 p.m.

See the agenda for full details on these fieldtrips.

Optional Overnight Fieldtrip, Wednesday & Thursday, April 22 & 23 - Space limited

• $150 - Optional overnight fieldtrip to Trenton, Toronto and Hamilton

See the agenda for full details on this fieldtrip.

Host Site

The Canada Aviation Museum is pleased to be co-hosting the 2009 Mutual Concerns of Air and Space Museums Seminar as one of its centrepiece activities to celebrate the Canadian Centennial of Flight.

The Canada Aviation Museum is a must-see attraction for every visitor to Canada’s Capital Region. The Museum presents the complete story of Canada's aviation heritage from the pioneer to the jet age. This internationally renowned collection of over 130 aircraft chronicles the ancient dream of flight and the significant part played by Canadian in the development of aviation. Canada’s aviation heritage is rich, infinitely varied and filled with dynamic characters who have had a profound impact on this country. The Museum is proud to share this amazing story.

Ottawa as a Destination

Nestled at the junction of three picturesque rivers, Ottawa is considered one of the world’s most beautiful capitals. The city also borders the province of Québec, creating a dynamic cultural milieu in which both French and English cultures are deeply rooted. The result is a truly cosmopolitan experience—a North American city with a distinctly European charm and flair.

The seat of Canada’s federal government, Ottawa is a major centre for the visual and performing arts. Yet the city retains the accessibility, atmosphere and charm of a smaller centre—rich in wide-open green spaces, parks and wilderness areas.

Ottawa presents visitors with a wide selection of sightseeing and outdoor-leisure options, with more than a dozen national museums and galleries—and a full calendar of festivals and activities—Canada’s Capital Region has something for everyone.

Please check out the Ottawa Tourism website to gather helpful travel information and tips for your trip to Ottawa.

Conference Hotel

Ottawa Marriott Hotel
100 Kent Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5R7 Canada
613 238 1122; Reservations: 800-853-8463
Ottawa Marriott's Reservation Page

The Ottawa Marriott Hotel is in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Canada's Parliament Buildings, the Rideau Canal, the Byward Market and the National Gallery of Canada are all within a short stroll.

The room rate is $155 (Canadian Dollars) for single or double guestroom. ($10 for each additional person for triple or quadruple occupancy). This rate is being offered to conference participants from April 17 – April 21. Additional dates before or after the conference are available at this $155 rate subject to guestroom type availability.

Reservations can be made via the web or by phone.

• By web, please go to Ottawa Marriott's Reservation Page. This page will automatically fill in the group code for Mutual Concerns.
• By phone, please call 800-853-8463 and request the group rate for Mutual Concerns of Air and Space Museum Conference. Group code ASPASPA.

Make your reservation before March 18, 2009 to take advantage of the conference rate. Space is limited. You can cancel a reservation up to 6:00 p.m. on your day of arrival. Room rates are subject to availability after March 18.

There is an airport shuttle that leaves Ottawa International Airport twice every hour for downtown hotels. The cost is $14 (Canadian Dollars) per person.

Marketplace/Vendor Opportunities

Mutual Concerns hosts a small exhibitor forum called the "Marketplace," featuring vendors that offer services and products of interest to museum professionals. Every year, we welcome back some familiar sponsors with new information and seek a few different exhibitors to add to our forum, so each year our attendees are able to get the latest information on areas that interest them. We integrate the Marketplace throughout our conference and events so our attendees and exhibitors have ample time to meet and talk in a relaxed atmosphere. For information on Marketplace opportunities, please contact Jean DeStefano at 202-633-2388 or e-mail nasmmutualconcerns@si.edu. If you are an attendee and would like to see a specific vendor attend the Marketplace, please contact Jean.

Vendor Marketplace Information

Past Agendas
2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2008 Group Photo