July 15 | 2026

Dear SEMC,

The Jekyll Island Management Institute (JIMI) continues to evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing museum field. Since its founding, JIMI has provided emerging and mid-career museum professionals with the tools, connections, and confidence to grow as leaders, strengthen their institutions, and expand their impact.

In January 2027, SEMC is pleased to once again offer this transformative professional development experience on Jekyll Island, Georgia. Guided by the theme The Power of Story, JIMI2027 will explore how storytelling shapes leadership, organizational culture, community connection, and the future of museums.

Applications for JIMI2027 are now being accepted!

Consider the opportunity, the possibility, and the growth. JIMI is more than a week of learning, it is an investment in yourself, your institution, and a professional network that will continue long after you leave Jekyll Island.

If you have questions, please reach out. I would be happy to discuss the JIMI2027 experience and help you determine if this opportunity is the right next step in your professional journey.

As SEMC continues celebrating 75 years of connection, collaboration, and service to the museum community, we encourage all our members to engage with the many opportunities that make this network strong, from the 2026 Annual Meeting in Winston-Salem to virtual programs, publications, member gatherings, and signature experiences like the Jekyll Island Management Institute.

We remain committed to building a SEMC community that supports museum professionals at every stage of their careers — a place to learn, connect, grow, and call your professional home.

With appreciation,

Zinnia Willits

SEMC Executive Director

Jekyll Island Management Institute Class of 2025

SEMC Jekyll Island Management Institute

January 19-26, 2027

Jekyll Island, Georgia

Applications Now Open for JIMI2027

Discover the Story Behind How Museums Work

The Southeastern Museums Conference (SEMC) is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2027 Jekyll Island Management Institute (JIMI), taking place January 19–26, 2027, on Jekyll Island, Georgia.

For more than two decades, JIMI has provided museum professionals with an immersive opportunity to step away from their daily responsibilities, broaden their perspective, and gain a deeper understanding of how museums operate as interconnected organizations. The theme for JIMI2027 is The Power of Story.

Every museum has a story to tell, and every person, department, decision, and community connection plays a role in shaping that story. Throughout the eight-day Institute, participants will explore the many systems that work together to advance a museum’s mission, gaining a broader understanding of both visitor-facing and behind-the-scenes operations.

The JIMI Experience

JIMI is designed around a systems-level approach to museum management, helping participants better understand how the many functions of a museum work together to create a successful institution.

Through interactive sessions, case studies, collaborative discussions, and peer learning, participants will explore current practices and emerging opportunities in areas including:

Leadership and organizational culture
Collections and exhibitions
Interpretation and storytelling
Education and community engagement
Visitor experience
Development and financial sustainability
Technology and digital strategy
Accessibility and inclusive practices

Participants will learn from experienced museum professionals from across the field while working collaboratively with peers to discuss real-world challenges and solutions.

One of JIMI’s greatest strengths is its small cohort model (20 participants). The JIMI cohort learns not only from faculty but also from one another, building a professional network that continues long after their time together on Jekyll Island.

Learn More About JIMI2027 and APPLY

Who Should Apply?

JIMI is designed for museum professionals seeking to expand their understanding of museum operations, strengthen their management skills, and prepare for future opportunities within the field.

The Institute is ideal for professionals who want to move beyond their individual area of expertise and gain a broader understanding of how departments, decisions, and strategies connect across an institution.

Applicants should have at least three to five years of museum experience.

Cost:

Tuition for the eight-day Institute is $1,000 for SEMC members or members of another museum professional organization.

Tuition includes:

Instruction from experienced museum professionals
Institute materials and resources
Daily lunch
Several group dinners and a multitude of networking opportunities

Scholarship opportunities are available to cover the registration fee.

Application Deadline:

Applications for the 2027 Jekyll Island Management Institute will be accepted through September 18, 2026.

Space is limited to 20 participants to encourage meaningful discussion, collaboration, and connections among the cohort.

Questions?

Please contact:

Zinnia Willits

Executive Director, Southeastern Museums Conference

zwillits@semcdirect.net

JIMI2027 Location

Jekyll Island is a barrier island on Georgia's coast – midway between Jacksonville, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia. With 10 miles of sandy beaches, four golf courses, a 250-acre Historic Landmark District and the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, it has been a favorite state park destination for 75 years.

The State of Georgia owns the isle and development is limited to just 1,675 of its more than 5,000 acres, meaning the natural beauty of verdant trees, tall sand dunes, and visitor memories will be preserved for generations to come. Explore the history of the barrier island's ecosystem at Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum.

JIMI2027 Lodging

Lodging at the oceanfront host hotel, the Hampton Inn & Suites, Jekyll Island, is available at the SEMC group rate of $155 + tax per night and will be the responsibility of each JIMI attendee. A daily full breakfast buffet (6:00 AM-10:00 AM) is included. A shuttle will be available to transport JIMI attendees between the Hampton Inn (south side of the Island) and Villa Ospo (the session location in the Historic District, a five-minute drive).

JIMI2027 Session Location

All sessions will be held at Villa Ospo in the Jekyll Island Historic District.

JIMI2027 Island Experiences

JIMI 2027 attendees will have opportunities to experience and learn from the rich historic resources, sites, and tours on Jekyll Island.

Historic Preservation at Hollybourne Cottage

Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum

The Wanderer Memory Trail

Learn More and Apply for the 2027 Jekyll Island Management Institute

SEMC is grateful for the support of the

2027 Jekyll Island Management Institute Sponsors

Is your company interested in supporting the 2027 Jekyll Island Management Institute through sponsorship? Contact Zinnia Willits to learn more about sponsor opportunities, levels, and benefits at zwillits@semcdirect.net or 843-224-0876

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR NEW AND RENEWING MEMBERS!

THANK YOU!!

We want you to know that we greatly appreciate your support of the Southeastern Museums Conference through membership and will continue to work hard to provide training, virtual connection, and resources to our southeastern museums community.