Please join us for the 2017 Smithsonian Digitization Fair October 18 & 19th!

NOTE when selecting tickets:

Members of the public please enter the access code: PUBLIC
Smithsonian Staff please enter the access code: STAFF

***If tickets are sold out for either day, you can email digifair2017@si.edu to be put on a waiting list. Please include the word WAITLIST in the subject and your full name, email address, company or institutional affiliation and which day(s) you want to attend.***

How can digitized collections be used to sustain the environment, revitalize cultures, change education or cultivate civic engagement? What impact can these collections have on key challenges such as social justice, human migration or worldwide pandemics? Where can these collections spur economies and seed innovation?

Museums, archives and libraries know how to make digital collections accessible. They are less certain of how to make them influential. Our new challenge is demonstrating how digitized collections can change lives.

This challenge is the theme of the 2017 Smithsonian Digitization Fair. Sponsored by the Smithsonian’s Digitization Program Office, this two-day event will explore how digitized collections can affect lives in significant and measurable ways by:

Showcasing examples where digitized collections have initiated creativity, innovation and change in some area of human endeavor;

Exploring ways museums, archives and libraries can maximize the impact of their digitized collections; and

Investigating ways museums, archives and libraries can measure the impact of their digitized collections

The Fair will be held on both days at the S. Dillon Ripley Center (1100 Jefferson Dr., SW, Washington DC) and will include talks by Smithsonian experts and demonstrations of digitization efforts at the Smithsonian.

Space is limited - tickets are required for admission.

Questions? digifair2017@si.edu

We look forward to seeing you in October!

FAQs

What time do the doors open?
The doors open at 8:00 AM. The program begins at 9:00 AM each day.

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

There are no ID requirements for the general public. Smithsonian staff must show their ID. The event is only open to Adults (18+ years).

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

Parking near the National Mall is very limited and expensive. We recommend you take the Metro to the Smithsonian Metro stop which is on the Blue/Orange/Silver lines. For more information about Metro http://www.wmata.com/.

What can/can't I bring to the event?

All events will be in Smithsonian Institution buildings and all bags will be checked by Security staff. There will be no facilities for you to store bags or coats. We recommend you bring as little as possible to avoid lengthy delays going through Security. For more information about Security at the Smithsonian http://www.si.edu/Visit/Security.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please send inquiries to digifair2017@si.edu.

Do I have to bring my ticket to the event?

Yes, you will need to show a paper or e-ticket on your mobile device to be admitted.

The name on the registration/ticket doesn't match the attendee. Is that okay?

Yes--you may give your seat to someone else if you find you cannot make the event. But please email digifair2017@si.edu and let us know about the change so we have the new person on our registration list at the door.

Registrations are closed

Bracing for Impact: Digitizing Collections to Change Lives