We programme events and online talks throughout the year to showcase heritage and museums work across the Southwest, explore issues and share learning from across our sector. Events and online talks, with the exception of our AGM, can be attended by both members and non-members.
Each in-person session is hosted by a different organisation in the Southwest and includes a site visit plus exclusive behind-the-scenes insights. Our online talks take place on Zoom and feature speakers from both within and beyond the region. These sessions focus on a specific topic, project, or experience designed to inspire our work, share learning, challenge current practice, and ultimately support a heritage sector that is rich, diverse, and welcoming.
All events include time for Q&A so participants can explore the subject in more depth. Please note that in-person sessions have limited capacity, so early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
How Tyntesfield is Adapting to the Changing World of Volunteering
Wednesday 23 September 2026, 11am–3.30pm | Tyntesfield
Join colleagues at National Trust Tyntesfield for a practical look at how heritage organisations can respond to the changing world of volunteering. Ellie Speechly and Alice Chadwick will share how one of the National Trust’s busiest properties has reshaped its volunteer programme to create a more flexible, inclusive and sustainable model.
The session will explore changing volunteer motivations and availability, recruitment and retention, managing organisational change, and lessons learned along the way, with plenty of opportunity for discussion.
After lunch and time to explore the estate, Museum Development South West’s Eleanor Moore will lead a free interactive workshop on current trends in volunteer engagement and effective recruitment, helping participants build their skills and confidence.
Communicating Climate Change: Insights from Crab Museum & Climate Museum UK
How do museums communicate climate change – and actually influence how people think, feel and act?
This event brings together voices from Crab Museum and Climate Museum UK, two organisations taking bold, unconventional approaches to engaging visitors with complex global issues.
At Crab Museum, communication starts with humour, play and radical honesty, using unexpected storytelling to challenge assumptions and provoke new ways of thinking about the natural world.
Climate Museum UK, by contrast, focuses on creating participatory, reflective spaces where people can process the climate crisis, imagine alternatives, and consider their own role in change.
All event tickets can be booked through Ticket Tailor and are open to both members and non-members. Members receive discounted tickets, and concession rates are available for students and those who are unemployed.
Joining SWFed is free and members receive a monthly e-newsletter with sector updates, jobs and information about upcoming events.
Where sponsorship allows, some events will be free to attend, while others may require a higher ticket price.