SmithGroup at 2026 Association of Midwest Museums Conference

SmithGroup is pleased to sponsor and attend the 2026 Association of Midwest Museums annual conference in Chicago, July 26-29, 2026.

Connect with our museum design experts in several forums at the conference and pick up a copy of Building a Museum: This is Not a Manual during an exclusive book signing event.

Monday, July 27 | 8:00-9:15 AM
Building a Museum Book Signing Event
During Morning Coffee at the Grand Horizon exhibit hall, author Chris Wood will sign copies of SmithGroup’s new book about museum capital projects, Building a Museum: This is Not a Manual. Copies will be available to purchase at the table during the signing or bring your own copy with you for a signature!

Monday, July 27 | 3:00-4:00 PM
Engineering Truths: Safeguarding Collections through Systems that Protect
Learn how mechanical and fire protection systems safeguard collections and uphold museum values. Brian Noonan and Leslie Villaneuva will join museum operations leaders Tom Ryan of The Art Institute of Chicago, Julio Saravia and Emmelia Lamphere of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and Cedric Alexander of Detroit Institute of Arts, for a Q&A style panel discussion about common building systems challenges.