49th Conference 2026

Join the IATM Community for our two day conference and an additonal study day.

This year IATM will meet in Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland. For decades of the 20^th century Belfast was synonymous with the civil and political conflict known as ‘The Troubles’. Since the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement brought an end to the conflict in 1998, the city has made remarkable use of its maritime and industrial heritage to change the stories it tells about its own history, and to power impressive cultural and economic change in the region. 

Drawing on this example, we want to discuss our roles within the neighbourhoods, communities, cities or regions that surround us. We want to look at institutions as part of the social fabric as well as drivers and enablers of change. What role does your museum play in your neighbourhood, region or city? Which developments did your site carry, observe or engage in that changed the way your community or local businesses interact with the area? We are interested in small and big projects, ideas and approaches. As always, this IATM Conference aims to inspire your work and to offer the chance for exchange and support.  

Meet colleagues from around the world for engaging discussions. Learn more about their work as well as the city of Belfast. Particularly, the role of its history and cultural institutions in developing it from a symbol of conflict to a cultural and thus economic hub.

Our hosts and conference locations  

Our hosts, National Museums Northern Ireland (NI), operate four museums and care for large collections spanning art, history and natural sciences as well as transport and communications. They will welcome us at the Ulster Museum in the city, and we will enjoy tours of the Ulster Transport Museum.

Belfast is home to a proud history of shipbuilding, and most famously is the place where the White Star Line ship, RMS Titanic, was built. Titanic Belfast opened in an iconic building in 2012 to enhance Northern Ireland’s tourism offering. We will be able to visit the immersive experience during our stay. The second day of our conference will be hosted onboard SS Nomadic, Titanic’s tender. We will have tours of Titanic Belfast and visit the historic drawing offices and slipways where the ship was launched.

Post-conference tours will allow delegates to choose between three site visits: Downpatrick and County Down Railway, the Ulster Aviation Society, or get aboard the National Museum of the Royal Navy’s HMS Caroline.

We are looking forward to strengthening and growing our network together with you from 13 to 16 September 2026 in Belfast!