Thursday, April 23

Volunteer and First Timer Reception

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Join MSA leadership, sponsors, volunteers, and first time attendees for a welcome reception.  This is your chance to connect with old friends, make some new connections, and get excited for MSA FORWARD 2020. This reception by invitation only.

Friday, April 24

Museum Store Discussion Group by Sales Volume

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

From big stores to small, come together with fellow nonprofit retail professionals to share best practices, discuss common challenges, and how we can learn from each other to improve our businesses.  These discussion groups will be organized by sales volume and will be facilitated by members of MSA’s Education Advisory Group.  Please note that the Friday Discussion Groups by Sales Volume are open to Institution attendees only.

Chapter Meetings

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Meet face to face with colleagues in your region and learn about ongoing and future chapter business. Chapter Meetings are your time to meet other MSA members, learn about the Chapter’s efforts to support membership, and become a chapter volunteer. Chapter Meetings are recommend for all new members of MSA and are a great opportunity for expanding your networking and learn more about MSA.  To learn more about your chapter, visit the Chapter Information Page.

MSA NEXT Reception

5:45 pm – 7:00 pm

MSA NEXT welcomes young professionals within the nonprofit retail industry to MSA FORWARD!  If you identify as a young professional, join us for networking and career development. Learn more about MSA NEXT’s new strategic plan and ways to stay connected to our community throughout the year.

Saturday, April 25

Continental Breakfast & Exhibit Hall 101

7:30 am – 8:00 am

Are you a first time attendee to MSA FORWARD? Do you just need a refresher on the day ahead? Meet with Conference co-Chair Geoff Carroll for a run-down on the expo floor and the day ahead so you can make the most of your time at MSA FORWARD. Note: Breakfast is open to all attendees.

Member Meeting & Networking Lunch

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Members have an opportunity to hear directly from the MSA Board of Directors as we review the past year and speak to plans for the association.

Networking Break on the Expo Floor, Sponsored by NY NOW

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Join us at the Buyer/Vendor Hub to re-energize and connect with existing and new partners!

MSA Networking Gala and Silent Auction

6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Socialize with your colleagues and celebrate the MSA community in style! Enjoy live music, local food and drinks, and lots of opportunities for dancing! Shop the annual Silent Auction, featuring donated gifts from members and vendors.  Silent Auction proceeds benefit the MSA Memorial Scholarship Fund and 10 percent will go to our host, the Midwest Chapter.

Sunday, April 26

Buyer’s Choice Awards and Networking Lunch on the Expo Floor 

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Find out which finalists are the 2020 Buyer’s Choice Award winners, and then grab a bite on the Expo Floor with your colleagues and clients. With a busy afternoon of shopping ahead, it’s important to stay nourished!

Networking Break on the Expo Floor

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Join us at the Buyer/Vendor Hub for a quick refreshment before the Expo floor closes.

Monday, April 27

Museum Store Discussion Groups by Institution Type

8:00 am – 9:00 am

Come together with fellow nonprofit retail professionals to share best practices, discuss common challenges, and how we can learn from each other to improve our businesses.  These discussion groups will be organized by institution type and will be facilitated by members of MSA’s Education Advisory Group.  Please note that the Monday Discussion Groups by Institution Type are open to everyone.

Closing Luncheon and Awards Ceremony

11:30 am – 12:45 pm

Join your friends and colleagues and cap off MSA FORWARD 2020 at the Closing Luncheon and Awards Ceremony, and recognize this year’s outstanding achievements within the MSA Community.  Winners of the MSA Board Awards – including the prestigious MSA M Award for Excellence – and MSA Recognition Awards will be announced, along with the reveal of MSA STORE OF THE YEAR.