Join us October 8 — 10, 2024
Conference News
Program
VRA 2024 is a single-track, hybrid conference.
A nice thing about single-track programming is that it eliminates the FOMO (fear of missing out) that can arise during multi-track conferences. It also makes it a bit easier for us to offer hybrid programming — live streaming takes a large amount of effort from our conference volunteers and planning team! Workshops, tours, meals, and certain meetings are only available in person.
Beyond general sessions, there are several other opportunities to network, learn, and explore at this year’s conference. Each day includes 15-minute breaks between sessions, an hour and fifteen minutes for lunch, and two coffee breaks. Events like our Welcome Reception, Members’ Breakfast, and Community Happy Hour are all great ways to make new connections. Want to get more involved with VRA or meet new colleagues? Attend one of our several committee or special interest groups meetings. All of these events and meetings are listed on Sched.
We also are offering three outstanding tours this year! Conference attendees can take advantage of exclusive tours of two exhibitions at Walker Art Center, Special Collections at Minneapolis Central Library, and the Visual Resources Center at Minneapolis Institute of Art. These all require prior registration, and the Walker has a small fee, so be sure that you’re registered ahead of time: Register for tours here! Please note, the tour registration form is separate from conference registration.
We will be live streaming all general sessions and certain events like the Convocation Keynote for those who register to attend virtually. Some events, like the Community Happy Hour and Welcome Reception, will only be offered on-site.
All registrants will receive a daily morning email from VRA during the conference with Zoom links for each day. The webinars will be live 15 minutes prior to the start of programming, and remote attendees are encouraged to log in a little early so we can assist with troubleshooting as needed. All registrants will also have access to a VRA Slack channel where you can interact and share your thoughts throughout the conference.
We would like to offer a big thanks to the volunteers who make this hybrid conference model possible!
This year’s conference art was created by Asahi Nagata, a Japanese freelance illustrator based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With experience in vintage image restoration and a deep love for 1940s to 1960s commercial art and traditional printing, Asahi's work features vibrant bold color palettes and a retro elegance in texture.
The photographic slide-inspired design is an homage to both our host city of Minneapolis, and how much VRA has grown. What began as an informal group of slide librarians is now an international organization comprised of digital asset managers, librarians, curators, archivists, educators, museum professionals, art historians, copyright specialists, and more.
Registration
Note: tour registration is separate from conference registration.
| Early Bird Registration | Regular Registration | |
|---|---|---|
| Member | $350 | $450 |
| Non-Member | $450* | $550* |
| Member Student, Retired, Unemployed | $150 | $200 |
| Non-Member Student, Retired, Unemployed | $200* | $250* |
| Day Pass | $150 | $150 |
Registration rates are the same for both virtual and in-person attendees
Early Bird Registration ends September 6, 2024
Members of affiliated organizations are eligible to register at the VRA member rate
Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Downtown
12 Sixth Street South
Minneapolis, MN 55402
All conference programming will take place at Embassy Suites in the heart of downtown Minneapolis (view map).
Rooms are available at a special VRA Conference rate of $179 (+taxes) per night. Be sure to make your reservation by September 6, 2024 to secure this rate (subject to availability).
Located in the historic Plymouth Building and directly connected to the Minneapolis Skyway System, this all-suite hotel features modern amenities alongside historic architecture. Guests enjoy a free made-to-order breakfast, free evening reception, fitness center, and heated indoor pool.
Minneapolis
Known as the “City of Lakes,” Minneapolis is renowned for its rich cultural scene — notable places include the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the iconic First Avenue music venue. There is plenty to explore in between conference sessions! Check back soon for local recommendations and a guide to the city from our Conference Experience Planning Group.
Getting Around
Minneapolis offers several ways to get from point A to point B, including an award-winning transit system with light rail and buses. The city is also served by taxis, Uber and Lyft, the famous Skyway System, and bike rentals on the streets with dedicated bike lanes all over the city.
For those flying into the city, the METRO Blue Line is a dependable, low-cost light rail system that can get you from the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport straight to the conference hotel. Tickets are sold at ticket machines at the rail stations.
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
Learn more about our sponsors and other exhibitors at this year’s Community Happy Hour, scheduled for Wednesday, October 9 from 4:30 to 6:00 PM.
Platinum Level
Gold Level
Bronze Level
Reach out to initiatives@vraweb.org to learn more about sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities and make your selections.