This article examines why conservators, whose work involves the preservation of cultural heritage and thus engages with individual and national memory, identity and value, appear to be so successful at communicating with each other but are, relatively speaking, much less successful in convincing others of the meaning and value of their work. It explores possible reasons for this phenomenon, examines its implications, discusses examples of successful communication and suggests ways in which further initiatives can be developed. Ideas developed in the fields of knowledge transfer and impact assessment will be used in this discussion.