Training grant – AIM Conference 2022 – Biggar Museum

Elaine Edwards, Manager/Curator, Biggar Museum 

Port Sunlight certainly lived up to its name, not only did the sunshine on us for the whole of the conference (though from what I hear that’s just a given for an AIM conference!) but attending certainly helped shed light on a variety of topics too.   

I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the conference, due to the financial contribution from AIM.   Prior to working at Biggar Museum Trust, which I joined in 2019, I’d been employed by the National Museums Scotland & Wansbeck District Council in a Local Authority Museum, so hadn’t been a member of AIM before.  I attended my first AIM conference last year via Zoom and loved it, so being able to attend in person was just fantastic.   

In addition to a wonderful location, the programme of speakers and topics were excellent, enjoyable, entertaining & most certainly informative.  I came away with copious notes, ideas, contacts and inspiration.  If I had to single out one presentation it would be that given by Arike Oke, Executive Director of Knowledge and Collections, British Film Institute.   I was especially struck by her honesty in some of the challenges faced and overcome.  What an inspiration!   

Visiting the expo. was a really useful exercise too.  Initially thinking I wouldn’t spend much time at the expo. I kept going back, getting useful pointers and I’m already in contact with potential new suppliers – including the sponsors of the conference.    

One of the best aspects for me was to be amongst museum professionals, what a joy it was just to sit and chat with them, to share and learn from experiences.  A small number of delegates I had met before, others I’ve only seen via Zoom and even more, I met for the first time.  As we all know networking is never wasted.    

An invaluable way to spend two days!   

AIM Training Grants are available to support member museums to develop the skills and expertise of their workforce, either paid or voluntary. Click here to find out how you can apply for a Training Grant>>