Yes, its hard for everyone to afford conferences.  But there are ways,
including seeing if a professional society has any scholarships, or seeing
if there are opportunities to work in exchange for attendance.  Even as a
full-time employee with some professional development funds, I have gone
this route as a way of extending my budget or so that I can attend a
conference that my employer didn't want to pay for.

Also, this list is a great networking opportunity.  I have developed
several "pen pal" relationships outside of the daily list traffic that have
been very valuable to me professionally and personally.  This list gives
you an opportunity to make a positive (or negative) impression on 1,000+
museum professionals in an incredibly economical way.  Don't overlook the
computer screen that's right in front of you as you think about ways to
make employment contacts!

Richard Chute ([log in to unmask])          Dir. of Corp. & Fndtn. Rel.

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden         1500 North College Ave.
Claremont, CA 91711
Phone:  (909) 625-8767, ext. 222        FAX:  (909) 626-7670