IAMFA's 36th Annual Conference: Florence, Italy | 14 - 18 September, 2026

Where history, preservation, and innovation converge in one of the world's most extraordinary landscapes.

Join museum facilities professionals from around the world in Florence—home to unparalleled collections, historic architecture, and complex preservation challenges—for IAMFA’s 36th Annual Conference. This year’s program will explore how institutions steward the past while building for the future.

Registration & Attendance

With exclusive access to some of Florence’s most significant cultural institutions, attendance for the 2026 conference will be limited—and demand is expected to be high. We anticipate strong interest and expect the conference to reach capacity.

Registration will be capped as follows: 

These limits reflect venue capacities and IAMFA’s commitment to providing meaningful, small-group access to participating institutions. Additional details regarding registration timing and process will be announced soon. We encourage those interested to plan accordingly and watch for updates.

What to Expect 

Site Visits & Exclusive Access

• A private tour (no crowds!) of the Vasari Corridor and the Uffizi Gallery
• A customized tour at the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
• Education sessions held at leading cultural institutions, including the Museo Marino Marini, Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Museo degli Innocenti, and the Fondazione Franco Zeffirelli

Education Sessions

• Peer-led case studies
• Facilities management best practices
• Global perspectives on museum operations

International Networking

• Connect with professionals from across IAMFA’s global membership
• Cross-cultural exchange of ideas and strategies

Cultural Experiences

• Evenings and social events unique to Florence
• Thoughtfully curated—not just tourism

Preliminary Program Overview

The 2026 conference program is thoughtfully curated as a journey through Florence—one that weaves together education, exclusive access, and cultural immersion. Each day is designed to move attendees through the city’s historic and contemporary institutions, offering a deeper understanding of how facilities, operations, and preservation intersect within one of the world’s most significant cultural landscapes.

Monday, September 14, 2026

The Hoxton, Florence

• Benchmarking Workshop
• Welcome Reception

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

• Morning Education Sessions — Museo Marino Marini
• Lunch
• Afternoon Education Session & Benchmarking — Uffizi Gallery
• Evening Private Tours — Vasari Corridor and Uffizi Gallery

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

• Morning Education Sessions — Palazzo Medici Riccardi
• Lunch & Afternoon Education Sessions — Museo degli Innocenti
• Aperitivo Reception (sponsored by DLR Group) — Museo degli Innocenti Café

Thursday, September 17, 2026

• Morning Tours — Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
• Morning Education Sessions — Fondazione Franco Zeffirelli
• Free Afternoon
• Closing Reception — Palazzo Borghese

Friday, September 18, 2026 (Optional Day)

• Visit & Tour — Etruscan ruins in Fiesole
• Lunch, Wine & Espresso Tastings, and Museum Tour — Accademia del Caffè Espresso, La Marzocco Headquarters 

Guest Program Highlights

Guests are invited to participate in select signature experiences throughout the week:

• Monday: Welcome Reception — The Hoxton, Florence
• Tuesday: Evening Private Tours — Vasari Corridor & Uffizi Gallery
• Thursday: Closing Reception — Palazzo Borghese

This is a preliminary program and is subject to change as planning continues. Additional details, including session topics and speakers, will be announced in the coming months.

Official Conference Hotel

The Hoxton, Florence Via delle Mantellate 2, 50129 Firenze, Italy

The IAMFA 36th Annual Conference is pleased to welcome The Hoxton, Florence as the official conference hotel. Situated near the beautiful Piazza della Libertà, the hotel celebrates both Renaissance and Postmodern interiors across two spectacular buildings, with 158 rooms, a coastal-inspired restaurant, a vibrant wine bar, a garden terrace, and a unique underground event space. It will also serve as the setting for the conference's opening Benchmarking Workshop and Welcome Reception on Monday, September 14.

Getting There

• Amerigo Vespucci Airport is approximately 25 minutes by taxi 
• Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station is a 20-minute walk

Dining On-Site

Alassio offers Mediterranean plates and coastal Italian cuisine inspired by the Italian Riviera, while Enoteca Violetta is a laid-back neighborhood wine bar with an eclectic selection of wines and Italian small plates.