In a message dated 96-06-07 13:17:06 EDT, you write:

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 >I've heard the
>argument that conferences are something you cant afford not to go to.
>Thing I cant afford not to do are eating, and paying my rent.  Thing I
>cant afford no matter how much value they will proivde later in life
>are flying or driving half way across the country, staying in a hotel
>and paying $90 to attend a conference.

As a  young Grad student who is also an employed museum professional, I can
sympathyze with your comment above.  However as an alternative to national
conferences, I have opted to go to all of the local regional ones of which
there are many (at least in my region) and they are usually cheaper.  I
encourage you to seek them out and get involved.  There are no charters in
any of these organizations that can keep you out and there are ceartanly not
nearly enough young professionals and students involved (I never see any).

Also the other alternative is to start saving very slowly but surely for a
conference that you really want to attend and be sure to find out if there
are any scholarships offered. Think of it as an equivalent to how many
students save money for summer vacations.
I'm saving for AAM-Atlanta and that will be my vacation and my first AAM.

But most importantly being involved in these organizations, for me, is a
validating experience and an oppourtunity to meet all of the wonderful and a
few not-so wonderful people in your field.


Get Involved,

Vivian C.R. James
El Museo del Barrio
Seton Hall University
MAAM