NAAM Annual conference
Reimagining the Road Ahead: Growth, Change, & Transformation at the Auto Museum
April 20-23, 2026 – America’s Packard Museum
Join us for the 2026 NAAM Conference hosted by America’s Packard Museum in Dayton, Ohio, April 20th through 23rd, 2026. The conference theme will be Reimagining the Road Ahead: Growth, Change, & Transformation at the Auto Museum.
The 2026 conference promises a dynamic and engaging program featuring sessions that highlight best practices, innovation, and collaboration across the automotive museum field.
In addition to the educational offerings, attendees can look forward to a variety of exceptional site visits that showcase Dayton’s rich history of transportation and technology. Planned experiences include tours of the renowned National Museum of the U.S. Air Force and Carillon Historical Park, offering unique perspectives on the intersection of aviation, industry, and innovation.
Further details, including host hotels, suggested transportation options, schedule, and registration costs are available by clicking the link to the right and logging in to the Sched app. Some details, not currently available in the Sched app, will be released in the coming weeks as they are finalized. Check back often for updates.
NOT A MEMBER YET?
Early Bird Registration Closes: March 30, 2026
Host Hotels:
Hotel Ardent Downtown Dayton
A city bursting with innovation deserves more than an ordinary hotel. That’s why we carefully crafted every element of Hotel Ardent, part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, for travelers who demand the extraordinary. Located in the heart of Dayton, Ohio—with a world of art, culture, and history just steps away.
NAAM members receive a special rate of $159 per night but must book using the link available in Sched (click the Registration / Hotels button) before Friday, March 27, 2026. Rooms are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Hilton Garden Inn Dayton Downtown
We’re part of Historic Dayton Arcade, a mixed-use development, giving you access to various restaurants, retail shops, and meeting spaces. Our bar and restaurant overlook the Plaza at Courthouse Square. We’re within walking distance of the Dayton Convention Center, Schuster Center, America’s Packard Museum, and the Dayton Art Institute. University of Dayton, UD Arena, and Wright State University are a short drive away.
NAAM members receive a special rate of $144 per night for the two queen beds room or $124 a night for a king bed room. Please use the booking link available in Sched (click the Registration / Hotel button) for the special rate. Must be booked before March 30, 2026 to receive rate. Rooms available on a first come, first serve basis.
Thank You to Our 2025 Conference Sponsors
NAAM is proud to partner with the following sponsors to help present events and meals at the 2025 conference. Each of these businesses provides exceptional service to the museum industry. Please join us in thanking those who support our professional development.
About Dayton Ohio
Discover the Unexpected in Dayton, Ohio, the Birthplace of Aviation! Dayton and Montgomery County offer big-city amenities with Midwestern charm and affordability. Dayton is home to the Wright Brothers, the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, and the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force™, the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum and the state’s most-visited free tourist attraction!
Weather
April offers mild spring weather with rapidly warming temperatures, but be prepared for variability, including cool snaps and even late freezes; expect average highs around 60-62°F (16°C) and lows near 40-43°F (6°C), increasing rainfall (around 3.5-4 inches), and plenty of sunshine as days lengthen, though occasional rain or even late snow isn’t unheard of.
Travel
3600 Terminal Drive, Suite 300
Dayton, Ohio 45377
About America’s Packard Museum
The Museum is in an original Packard dealership which was operational from 1917 until 1940. Rogers Pontiac and Davis Buick used the facility as a dealership from 1940 until the 1970’s. From the 1970’s until 1991, Genuine Auto Parts owned the building and used it as a car parts warehouse. In 1991, Robert Signom II bought and restored the property as The Citizen’s Motorcar Company, opening as America’s Packard Museum the following year. The collection is a carefully curated gathering of prime examples from the company’s sixty-year history, each chosen to tell a particular story. From 1899-1956, the Packard Motor Company built 1.6 million cars, and collectors estimate only about 10,000 still exist.
The Museum manages the largest public collection of Packard automobiles and memorabilia. The mission of America’s Packard Museum is to educate present and future generations about the Packard Motor Car Company, its products, and philosophies. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
National Association of Automobile Museums
P.O. Box 543
New Palestine, IN 46163
(502) 219-4807
[email protected]