Moving along – IATM Board Meeting in Belfast
The IATM Board met in Belfast, Northern Ireland, from 12 to 13 April 2026 to discuss current matters and the preparation of IATM’s upcoming conference “Changing the Script: Transport and Communication Museums and their Communities.”
After years of conflict that ceased mostly after the Good Friday Agreement, Belfast has undergone a striking cultural and urban regeneration. Arts play a central role in reshaping the city’s identity. Once marked by division, Belfast has increasingly projected itself through festivals, public art, and revitalized cultural districts like the Cathedral Quarter and Titanic Quarter. Investments, grassroots creative initiatives, and international events have fostered tourism, economic growth, and cross-community engagement. Furthermore, culture was positioned not just as a reflection of peace but as an active driver of reconciliation and renewal.
Thus, the IATM Board agreed that Belfast would be an ideal location for our upcoming 49th IATM Conference from 13-16 September 2026 as it combines a special industrial and social history with strong relations to seafaring and transport. It’s no wonder that the city also inspired our conference theme revolving around the role of transport and communication museums in their communities.
The 49th IATM Conference
We want to discuss our 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. The current Call for Papers is still open for entries until 22 May 2026, 5pm UTC.
During the Board Meeting, we visited different conference sites and got in the spirit for our annual meeting. Ulster Museum and Titanic Belfast Experience as well as the SS Nomadic, Titanic’s tender. As the pictures suggest, we may have checked out a few evening locations as well. 😉
Other matters arising
In addition, the Board also discussed current matters of the network. Among others, we approved a new member. We are excited to welcome the National Transport Academy Project Team, of the Ministry of Transport (MOT), Singapore to IATM!
Furthermore, we discussed our own history. As Board Member Sam Mullins, OBE, recently reviewed IATM related materials from previous director’s of the network. It ranged from paperwork to correspondence and conference programmes. The next step will be to digitize the relevant information and save it for documentation and research.
The meeting minutes will be published after the next Board Meeting, until then, please feel free to check the minutes of our February meeting here.
