2025 was a year defined by continuity, presence, and meaningful progress for Cuseum. Rather than a single dramatic milestone, the year unfolded through a series of interconnected developments, new products, public engagements, published insights, and signals from across the cultural sector that digital tools are no longer “nice to have,” but foundational.
From early conversations about AI to a full slate of conference appearances, 2025 showed how institutions are adapting to shifting expectations, and how Cuseum continues to support that shift. Below is a look at the key moments that shaped the year.
Early 2025 — Groundwork, Trends, and the Expanding Role of AI
The year began with a renewed focus on digital strategy and visitor experience. Cuseum’s early articles examined shifts in membership behavior, communication patterns, and the growing importance of mobile-first access.
In January, we published the first of three reports planned for 2025, Navigating Rising Costs: Cuseum’s 2025 Trends Report. The report looked at how museums and cultural organizations are responding to rising operational costs by using digital engagement tools to improve efficiency, strengthen visitor relationships, and support more sustainable revenue.
A key moment came in February, when Cuseum published a deep exploration of AI-powered interactive storytelling — laying out how machine learning can support interpretation, adapt content, and enhance engagement on mobile devices. This piece framed AI not as hype, but as a practical tool that institutions can already begin to use.
Spring — Product Growth and Sector Preparation
In March, Cuseum introduced one of its most significant product updates of the year: the Member Lifecycle Engagement Solution. Built to help institutions automate renewals, streamline onboarding, and coordinate communication across email, SMS, and mobile wallet notifications, the release reflected a maturing digital ecosystem where membership management and engagement must be continuous, not episodic.
Throughout April, Cuseum continued to publish guidance as museums, nonprofits, zoos, gardens, and universities prepared for busy visitation seasons. Topics centered on mobile access, communication strategy, and improving the experience for members and visitors.
One of our biggest achievements was being featured in NonProfit PRO’s “40 Nonprofit Trends for 2025”, sharing our predictions on emerging fundraising and leadership tactics for the year ahead.
May — AAM 2025 and the Beginning of a Strong Conference Season
Conference season began in full force in May, when Cuseum joined thousands of museum professionals at AAM 2025 in Los Angeles.
In addition to participating in the MuseumExpo, the team delivered a session focused on loyalty programs and visitor engagement — illustrating how institutions can use digital passes, incentives, and messaging to strengthen their relationships with audiences.
The month was also special, as Brendan was also interviewed by INTIX about the Future of Paperless Technology in Cultural Experiences
Summer — Recognition and Continued Sector Engagement
The summer months highlighted Cuseum’s role in broader conversations about technology and culture. In June, we participated as sponsors at the AMMC conference in Cleveland.
In July, Our CEO, Brendan Ciecko, was featured in a museum-industry magazine issue from Museum Magazine, dedicated entirely to AI, offering perspective on how institutions can adopt AI responsibly and effectively.
Throughout the month Cuseum maintained a steady cadence of sector insights focused on SMS strategies, mobile adoption, and produced a series on UX considerations for organizations modernizing their communication channels.
August — National Growth Recognition on the 2025 Inc. 5000 List
In August, Cuseum earned placement on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list, highlighting measurable growth, expanding partnerships, and increasing adoption of Cuseum’s tools across cultural organizations, alumni associations, and attractions. The recognition reinforced what had become clear throughout the year, institutions across the board are moving toward mobile-first infrastructure, and Cuseum is helping guide that transition.
Fall — CAMMP, AZA and Cross-Sector Participations
The team participated in CAMMP 2025, joining alumni engagement professionals to discuss topics like onboarding automation and mobile communication infrastructure.
In October, Cuseum presented at AZA 2025, the largest conference about aquariums and zoos membership management in the worlñd, offering a set of forward looking perspectives on paperless access, operational efficiency, and the long-term benefits of mobile-first ticketing and membership verification.
At the end of fall, Cuseum’s CEO Brendan Ciecko contributed to UNESCO’s CULTAI report, a global effort examining how AI can support rather than overshadow culture. His perspective helped highlight the importance of keeping creativity, ethics, and human connection embedded in technological innovation.
End-of-Year — Reflection, Strategy, and Looking Toward 2026
The year closed with December content focused on practical planning for the year ahead , helping institutions refine communication strategies, strengthen digital systems, and prepare for 2026’s challenges and opportunities.
We closed the year with AI and the Future of Culture Governance, a recap of CultTech 2025 exploring how AI is reshaping culture, governance, and creative rights alongside UNESCO and policy leaders.
It was also month in which we surpassed our partnership goal, by launching more than 100 orgs in the span of 11 months.
And now for 2026
In 2025 Cuseum strengthened its presence across key sectors and contributed to national and international conversations about digital membership, AI, and visitor engagement.
Through conferences, publications, and new tools, our company continued to support institutions navigating the changing expectations of visitors and member communities, reinforcing the role of digital infrastructure as a central part of cultural and nonprofit work.