As museums navigate evolving questions around trust, ethics, authenticity and digital resilience, the conference offers a space to exchange experiences, gain practical insights and discuss how technological change can remain grounded in human values.
- Explore the full programme
- Learn more about the conference
- Register to secure your ticket. Please note that registration is open until 20 September, with only a limited number of places remaining.
Programme highlights
At the conference, you will hear from inspiring speakers, facilitators and contributors who will guide us through a programme packed with insightful sessions, practical workshops and engaging discussions. Head to the programme page for the full details and enjoy a preview below.
- A keynote to make you think
We're absolutely thrilled to announce that Annette Zimmermann will open the conference with a keynote speech. As a philosopher specialising in the ethics and politics of AI, her work examines questions of algorithmic justice, trust, democratic governance and power, helping to set the stage for the conversations to come throughout the conference.
- Live demonstrations to get critical
In a live demonstration, ethical hacker Rémi Martin De Abia will show just how easily cyberattacks can happen by taking us through the process of hacking emails – and how to prevent it. Awareness is key after all.
Can you really trust what you see, read and create? Christine Koblitz will take the stage together with AI to generate images from audience prompts, exposing biases, distortions, and ethical dilemmas while exploring what this means for museums, authenticity, and trust.
Panels to expand your horizons
Kicking off Monday, you're invited to join a strategic conversation bringing together perspectives from psychological defence and the museum sector to explore how museums can strengthen democratic resilience and foster trust in an age of AI-driven societal change. Following the live cyberattack demonstration, a panel discussion will examine the growing cyber threat landscape and practical ways museums can improve their security and resilience.On Tuesday, speakers will explore how museums can help audiences navigate bias, misinformation and algorithmic power, strengthening critical thinking and public trust in an age of synthetic realities. Alongside supporting audiences, museums must also prepare themselves. A double-bill panel will explore how AI is reshaping museum processes, workflows and organisational structures, while examining the skills, leadership and strategic approaches needed to navigate uncertainty and guide meaningful AI adoption.
- Break-out sessions for hands-on learning
Move from listening to doing. Two breakout sessions offer practical exercises, peer exchange and space to explore key challenges in smaller groups.
- Networking for meaningful connections
What is a conference without meeting new and old colleagues, contacts and friends? Connect with colleagues from across Europe, share experiences and build relationships that continue long after the conference has ended.
Why attend?
Artificial intelligence is already transforming how museums work, communicate and engage with audiences. At the same time, museums face increasing digital vulnerabilities, changing visitor expectations and complex ethical questions.
The NEMO European Museum Conference 2026 offers an opportunity to better understand these developments, exchange knowledge with peers and explore practical approaches to navigating change. Whether you are just beginning to explore AI or developing a long-term digital strategy, the conference aims to provide insights, inspiration and tools for the future.
What is there to do in Vilnius?
Vilnius presents the perfect setting to extend your conference stay. Conference participants will have the opportunity to experience Vilnius, one of Europe's greenest and most walkable capitals. With its UNESCO-listed Old Town, vibrant cultural life, creative neighbourhoods and museums, the city provides an inspiring backdrop for the event.
Participants can also join guided tours on 11 October before the conference programme begins and take advantage of recommendations provided by conference partner Go Vilnius.
Practical information
Participants can find detailed information on ticket options, member discounts as well as discounts for professionals based in Lithuania, and frequently asked questions on the NEMO website.
Conference partners and supporters
The conference is co-organised by NEMO - the Network of European Museum Organisations, the Lithuanian Museums Association, and the National Museum of Lithuania, with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania, the Lithuanian Council for Culture, and the European Union.
It is supported by Go Vilnius, the Lithuanian National Museum of Art, the National Museum – Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, and Vilnius UNESCO City of Literature.
The cultural programmed is made possible thanks to MO Museum, Vilnius City Museum, and Vilnius University Museum.
NEMO is a network powered by the German Museums Association.
