ANNUAL MEETING

sERCA’S 2026 annual meeting: Out-of-the-Box!

The Southeastern Regional Conservation Association (SERCA) is thrilled to announce our annual conference, taking place this year in the stunning Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina! The conference will take place at the Museum of the Cherokee People, February 27th-March 1st, 2026.
We invite innovative, thought-provoking, and dynamic proposals for presentations that explore creative approaches to conservation. This year’s theme, Out-of-the-Box!, celebrates the bold, the experimental, and the unconventional—methods, materials, and practices that push beyond traditional models of care and preservation.
Laura Elliff Cruz, Head of Collections at the School for Advanced Research (SAR) Indian Arts Research Center (IARC), will lead a workshop on the Indigenous Collections Care (ICC) Guide. This framework honors Indigenous belief systems and practices, centering Tribal sovereignty and intellectual authority over cultural heritage.

We welcome proposals on a wide range of topics—whether rooted in Indigenous practices, experimental conservation treatments, experimental techniques, or imaginative uses of nontraditional materials. Presentations do not need to be directly related to Indigenous collections to be considered; all ideas that challenge the status quo and inspire fresh thinking are encouraged!

Join us as we gather in the heart of the Appalachians to share knowledge, spark conversation, and reimagine the future of cultural heritage preservation.

Proposal submissions are due by October 15th, 2025.  SERCA will notify presenters if their presentation has been selected by November 30th, 2025.  Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this dynamic event and to share your knowledge with colleagues from across the region.

Lodging: SERCA has secured a group rate at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort:

  • Thursday: $59 + $34.99 resort fee (total $93.99 + tax)
  • Friday: $239 + $34.99 resort fee (total $273.99 + tax)
  • Saturday: $239 + $34.99 resort fee (total $273.99 + tax)

More affordable lodging options are also available at other hotels in Cherokee. You can find them here: List of Hotels in Cherokee, NC

More INFORMATION COMING SOON!
SERCA members on Annual Meeting
SERCA members gathered during an Annual Meeting.

annual meetings are more than just conferences — they’re a chance to:

  • Share Expertise → Members present research, case studies, and innovative approaches in conservation.
  • Engage Communities → Events often include public outreach activities to raise awareness about the value of conservation.
  • Build Connections → Network with fellow professionals, students, and institutions in the region.
  • Support Emerging Professionals → Scholarships and student presentations encourage the next generation of conservators.
  • Develop Skills → Participate in workshops and hands-on sessions led by experienced conservators.
Ready to make a difference?

Submit a proposal for our next annual meeting and help to communicate conservation initiatives across the Southeast.

Submit your proposal