Linda...just a note to add to what I have already said to Eric and Byron,
the U.S. has an overabundance of mid-career or professional development
types of museum training programs. In fact, so manythat there have
been discussions as to setting specific standards (some were written
along with the other standards back in 1980). The museum worker in the
U.S. does not lack opportunities for professional development if their
museums are willing to subsidize the travel, lodging, registration, etc.
In fact, there are some that have stipends or scholarships available.
It is more a matter of selecting the best and most beneficial.
They are heavily subscribed except by many curators who prefer, as you say,
to meet within their discipline. Actually, they should do both!   Jane