NPS in Cultural Organizations: Improving the Experience for Visitors and Members.

Get ready to kick off the year with a transformative event! We are delighted to extend a special invitation to our upcoming webinar that promises to be a game-changer for cultural organizations. This session is not just about Net Promoter Score (NPS); it's about the tangible outcomes and the positive impact it can have on engaging visitors and members.

Join Dan Sullivan, VP of Growth & Partnerships @Cuseum, and Melissa Dietrich, Membership Manager @Longwood Gardens, to present Longwood Gardens' case study on implementing NPS, showcasing its potential impact on audience connections. The webinar will explore NPS beyond the garden gates, demonstrating how it can be integrated into your cultural organization.

Decoding MEMBERSHIP: unveiling hidden motivations and driving engagement in arts & culture organizations

Calling all membership professionals: Are you ready to take your membership program to the next level?

Join Dan Sullivan, VP of Growth & Partnerships at Cuseum, along with Rosie Siemer, founder & CEO of FIVESEED, as they present the findings from the first phase of the Member Motivations Study, a groundbreaking industry-wide research initiative. Hear from an expert panel featuring study participant Nicole Eubanks, Senior Development Director at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, as well as TJ Christensen, founding partner & CEO of leading consulting firm BlueGator, and Valerie Brown, top Nonprofit Advisor at Salesforce.

This powerhouse panel explores how cutting-edge research methods, personalization, data-driven marketing, and leveraging the right technology can help you design inclusive membership strategies for better member experiences, retention, and revenue growth. Get ready to unleash the untapped potential of your membership program!

MEMBERSHIP MONDAYS: MAXIMIZING MEMBERSHIP REVENUE IN THE DIGITAL ERA

Membership professionals at cultural organizations know firsthand just how important sustained and dedicated support from members is to keeping their institution running smoothly. But what happens when traditional models for ticket sales, membership, and fundraising aren’t inefficient, outdated, or unsustainable in the current landscape? 

With the disruptions of the last few years, and as the digital age continues to accelerate, leaders in the membership space are increasingly turning to new and innovative ways to generate revenue. Whether it is exciting new programming or fresh marketing & fundraising tactics, cultural institutions from museums, to historical preservation organizations, to science centers,  zoos & aquariums, are exploring a wide range of options to attract new audiences and increase their financial sustainability.

Join Dan Sullivan, VP of Partnerships @ Cuseum, along with Lisa Correa, Director of Membership @ Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association; Amy Marks, Membership and Development Services Director @ Space Center Houston; Sarah Scates, Director of Admission & Membership @ Oakland Zoo; and KathleenPorter (Associate Director of Membership @ TheTrustees of Reservations) as they review key methods, trends, and actionable tips that membership professionals can use to build out successful campaigns, unlock new and sustainable revenue streams, and engage visitors and members in new and meaningful ways.

MEMBERSHIP MONDAYS: THE MEMBER JOURNEY: PAVING THE PATH FROM ACQUISITION TO EVANGELISM

Understanding the member journey is vital to creating an excellent membership experience, whether you’re welcoming new members, reconnecting with lapsed ones, or converting existing members into donors. In this webinar, we'll explore five stages of a holistic member journey - acquisition, onboarding, engagement, advocacy and growth - with actionable tips on how to strengthen relationships, ensure retention, and build loyalty at every step of the way. 

Join Dan Sullivan, VP of Growth & Partnerships @ Cuseum, along with Claire Byfield, Membership and Supporter Engagement Manager @ The British Museum, Cat Harper, Assistant to the Director @ National Steinbeck Center, and Megan Geiken, Director of Marketing, Membership, and Events @ Grand Rapids Children's Museum, as they explore what this modern-day process looks like, how to maximize opportunities at every stage, and strategies for paving the way to membership resilience, growth, and ultimate success.

Membership Mondays: What Does Membership Look Like in 2023? Innovation & Engagement in the Year Ahead

The new year has arrived, and so has our first Membership Mondays webinar of 2023! To kick things off, we will be taking a look at the year ahead for cultural organizations. We’ll discuss ambitious goals and objectives, explore fresh approaches to engagement and revenue streams. Then, we'll ask the important questions: What are the top priorities for membership professionals? What new technology trends are impacting digital transformation in the cultural industry? How will museums and cultural organizations continue to innovate?

Join Dan Sullivan (VP, Growth & Partnerships @ Cuseum), along with Amanda Rothstein (Senior Membership & Community Gifts Manager @ Science Museum of Minnesota), Aubry Hall (Membership and Volunteer Manager @ Imagination Station), and Kim Kirkhart (Director of Membership @ Santa Barbara Zoo) as they discuss strategies for driving membership growth and engagement in 2023!

Membership Mondays: End-of-Year Strategies for Membership & Development

2022 has been a challenging and transformative year for the cultural sector. As the year draws to a close, Giving Season is upon us, and membership professionals are working harder than ever to maximize fundraising opportunities and strengthen their bottom line: overhauling member engagement strategies, spearheading development initiatives, advancing new revenue streams – and more.

Join Dan Sullivan (VP of Growth & Partnerships @ Cuseum), along with Eowyn Bates (VP of Institutional Advancement @ The San Diego Natural History Museum), Paige Litchfield (Membership Manager @ Rochester Museum & Science Center), Caitlin Crouchet (Retail & Communications Manager @ Minnesota Marine Art Museum), Alicia Swift (Membership Manager @ Kalamazoo Nature Center), and Anna Frenkel (VP for External Affairs @ South Street Seaport Museum) as they explore the challenges and successes of membership & development over the last year and discuss what lies ahead in 2023.

Membership Mondays: Engagement Strategies for a Hybrid Era

The world has emerged from the COVID-19 crisis transformed: new social norms, heightened public health standards, and the global transition to a digital-first paradigm have altered every aspect of life, and membership professionals across every sector now face the daunting challenge of renewing in-person programming while maintaining virtual offerings. In this webinar, we will explore the post-pandemic membership landscape, innovative “phygital” models, and ways to leverage onsite and online value to drive engagement, growth, and renewals.

Join Dan Sullivan (VP of Growth & Partnerships @ Cuseum), along with Nicole Eubanks (Senior Development Director, Fundraising Strategy @ The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art) and Matt Rains (Director of Membership @ The National Aquarium) as they discuss best practices and strategies for navigating our new hybrid age.

Membership mondays: Building Resilience: Recession-Proofing Your Membership Program

Economic volatility, soaring inflation, and the looming threat of a recession are creating financial uncertainty and complicating post-pandemic recovery plans across the arts & culture sector. As we gear up for the fall season, membership programs must navigate all these issues – plus the added challenges of tightened budgets, continuing public health concerns, and unpredictable consumer confidence.

Join Dan Sullivan (Vice President of Growth & Partnerships @ Cuseum), Allyson Hitte (Senior Manager of Leadership Circles @ Portland Museum of Art), Aubry Hall (Membership & Volunteer Manager @ Imagination Station), and Stephanie Haver (Membership Coordinator @ International Spy Museum), to examine the risks for membership programs in the current climate, explore contingency plans, and strategize ways to foster adaptability and resilience in the face of economic instability.

Membership mondays: strategies to boost member engagement

The transition to a post-pandemic era has produced a host of new challenges for museums & cultural organizations – and as the 2022 summer season moves into high gear, it’s more important than ever for membership and development professionals to confront these challenges head-on.

Join Dan Sullivan (Vice President of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Debbie Sokolov (Director of Development @ The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art), Jennifer Matotek (Executive Director @ Art Windsor-Essex), and Aylaia Sifuentes (Coordinator of Development, Marketing & Membership @ The International Museum of Art & Science) to discuss strategies and best practices for bolstering visitor, member, and donor engagement.

Alumni Hour: Navigating Top 2022 Challenges in Alumni Relations

More than two months into 2022, alumni relations teams are working hard to navigate the challenges of the year ahead. In particular, alumni professionals are assessing their priorities, setting new goals, and working hard to boost alumni engagement through the ups and downs of the pandemic.

Join Dan Sullivan (VP, Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Joslyn Dipasalegne (Alumni Relations Coordinator @ Albany State University), Paula Shute (Program Manager, Alumni Relations @ Ave Maria University) & Emily Williams (Director, Office of Alumni & Family Engagement @ Bentley University) for a webinar discussion to talk through the top challenges that alumni relations teams are tackling and what 2022 has in store for alumni engagement.

Membership Mondays: Leveling Up Your Membership Marketing and Sales Strategies

As cultural organizations seek to grow their membership numbers and revenues, many are hoping to level up their marketing and sales strategies. What digital channels drive membership conversions and purchases? What onsite sales tactics prompt more visitors to join as members? How do marketing approaches vary across renewal, acquisition and lapsed member campaigns?

Join Dan Sullivan (Vice President of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Pedro Olivarez (Director, Guest Experience @ San Antonio Zoo), Sheri Difini (Senior Membership Marketing Manager @ Denver Art Museum) & Kayla Halchak (Membership Manager @ South Carolina Aquarium) for a webinar conversation to discuss the membership marketing and sales strategies that deliver results.

Membership in 2022: Approaches, Aspirations, and Activities for the Year Ahead

The New Year has arrived, and so has Membership Mondays! To start off 2022, we’ll be examining what the year ahead looks like for membership and development. What new approaches are cultural organizations taking? What are their chief aims and aspirations for their membership programs? And, what membership activities are top priority?

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Vicky Sanchez (Annual Fund and Membership Director @ Field Museum), Matt Rains (Director of Membership @ National Aquarium), and Emilie Czupryna (Director of Development @ Springfield Museums) for a webinar conversation as we explore what 2022 has in store for membership!

Museums in the Year Ahead: How Cultural Organizations are Envisioning Digital Engagement, Hybrid Models, and Innovation in 2022 and Beyond

As museums continue to navigate the sweeping ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as envision the future of the cultural industry, it's clear that digital considerations will remain critical. In particular, terms like “hybrid” and “phygital” have become increasingly common in museum vernacular, reflecting the important deliberations taking place about how to accommodate the demands for both onsite and online engagement in the arts and cultural space. How can museums adapt to the new hybrid reality? How are they generating sustainable revenue in a “phygital” world? What new technology trends are impacting digital transformation in the cultural industry? And, how will museums continue to innovate?

Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO @ Cuseum), Courtney Law (Director of Communications, Partnerships, and Digital Initiatives @ Museum of Contemporary Art Denver), Steven Brady (Chief Technology Officer @ Barnes Foundation), and Tricia Robson (Senior Project Manager of Digital, Education, Publications, Imaging, Libraries & Live Arts  @ The Metropolitan Museum of Art) for a webinar conversation on the phygital future of museums. This discussion will anticipate the year ahead in the cultural industry, examining hybrid models, digital activities, virtual revenue generation, and the potential impact of new technology trends (like NFTs and the “Metaverse”), probing what museum innovation may look like in 2022 and beyond. 

Membership Mondays Webinar: 2021 Year-End Strategy in Membership & Development

2021 has been both a challenging and exciting year for museums and nonprofits, much of it still focused on pandemic recovery. As it draws to a close, membership and development professionals are working harder than ever to make the most of November and December – historically some of the most important months for fundraising. From launching creative Giving Tuesday initiatives to optimizing year-end appeals and promoting gift memberships and donations, there are many opportunities and possibilities to consider when thinking through your end-of-year strategy.

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Bekah Boyer (Development Manager, Membership @ Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art), Sarah Scates (Membership Director @ Oakland Zoo), and Maegan Hoffmann (Annual Funds Manager @ SPCA of Texas) for a webinar conversation to discuss all things year-end strategy in membership and development.

Membership Mondays: Navigating Membership Amid New Uncertainty and the Delta Variant

Over the past several weeks, new information about the COVID-19 Delta variant has taken over news headlines. Keeping with CDC recommendations, many cultural organizations, including the Smithsonian Museums, have reinstated mask requirements. In places like Texas, where the variant poses a particularly severe threat, several presidential libraries and museums have temporarily closed their doors to guests once again. In our current moment, arts and cultural professionals are reckoning with rekindled safety concerns, constituent anxiety, and uncertainty about the potential impact of the Delta variant on membership. In light of these developments, what steps can membership teams take to prepare?

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Nicole Eubanks (Development Director, Membership @ Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art), Michelle Sweany (Associate Director of Membership @ CuriOdyssey) & Jerome Louison (Manager of Membership & Analytics @ New York Hall of Science) for a webinar conversation to discuss navigating membership during the latest phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alumni Hour: Planning and Preparing for Fall 2021 in Alumni Relations

After more than a year and a half of pandemic restrictions, many colleges and universities are planning a full return to campus for Fall 2021. As we approach the upcoming semester, what do the activities and goals of alumni relations teams look like? How are signature events like homecoming coming together? How can staff manage the competing demands of organizing in-person and virtual engagement opportunities? And, how are alumni relations staff working with their campus partners in enrollment, career services, advancement, and more?

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum) Teresa Verbeck (Executive Director of Alumni Relations @ USC Alumni Association), Kimberly Grant (Assistant Vice President, Alumni Engagement @ University of La Verne) & Carol Bassie (Director of Alumni & Parent Communities @ Drew University) for a webinar discussion to talk through all things Fall 2021 in alumni relations and engagement.

Exploring the Impact of Virtual Programs on Revenue Generation at Cultural Organizations

Join us as we share the results of a 2021 study of 500+ cultural professionals! Since the escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital programming has taken on new importance and prominence across museums and cultural institutions. Many organizations have begun to monetize these digital programs, through fixed-fees, suggested donations, or including them as membership benefits. With the rise of digital programs, there are many new questions: how many organizations are monetizing digital programs? What types of virtual initiatives are bringing in the most revenue? What is the return on investment for digital programs?

To explore these questions, join Brendan Ciecko (CEO & Founder @ Cuseum) & Maddie Taylor (Marketing & Content Lead @ Cuseum) for a webinar on how museums are generating revenue through virtual programs, as well as the long-term outlook of digital.

Re-engaging, Recapturing, and Rebuilding Your Membership Base

**Please note: This webinar will take place on TUESDAY, May 25th to avoid any scheduling conflicts with the AAM Annual Meeting**

Almost halfway through 2021, the majority of cultural organizations are now reopened or planning to reopen in the coming weeks and months. After a long wait, even the Smithsonian is finally in the process of reopening many of its museums, starting with the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in early May. Although institutions are welcoming back their onsite visitors, many are still navigating the reverberating effects of the pandemic. For membership professionals, there are many challenges and questions. For example, how do you make the onsite experience special for returning members? How can you recapture and rebuild your membership base after a pandemic-era decline? What does the future of member engagement look like?

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Cooper Williams (Membership Manager @ The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum), Megan Geiken, (Membership, Marketing, & Events Manager @ Grand Rapids Children’s Museum) & Debra Heslin (Membership and Visitor Services Manager @ Georgia O’Keeffe Museum) for a webinar conversation to explore all of these questions around recapturing, re-engaging, and rebuilding your membership base.

Alumni Hour: Developing New Partnerships to Drive Alumni Engagement

In recent years, and particularly in the era of COVID-19, colleges, universities, and alumni associations have ramped up their digital strategy in order to keep alumni engaged. As institutions strive to develop engaging virtual content and events, many have initiated new partnerships that allow them to offer their graduates fresh value and dynamic opportunities to stay connected. For example, many alumni professionals have spearheaded partnerships with museums, cultural attractions, sports teams & leagues, and more.

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth & Partnerships @ Cuseum), Susan Ewens (Senior Director, External Relations & Special Events @ University of San Francisco), Matt Lucerto, (Director Affinity & Domestic Engagement @ Northeastern University), Azela Santana (Associate Director, Alumni Engagement @ UCF College of Arts and Humanities), Ellen Trappey (Senior Director, Alumni Relations @ Thomas Jefferson University) & Patricia Perazzini, (Director of Alumni Engagement, Regional Chapter Development @ Fairfield University) for a special Alumni Hour webinar to discuss how these experts have initiated and developed new partnerships to drive alumni engagement at their institutions!

Alumni HoUR: Exploring the Hybrid Future of Alumni Engagement

In the past twelve months, many alumni organizations have found great success with digital. From activating new audiences, to deepening alumni engagement and transcending geographical barriers to participation, the rise of virtual programs has been one of the biggest silver linings of COVID-19. At the same time, it now appears that in-person engagement opportunities may once again be safe and feasible later this year. This means that many universities will be trying to balance the return to traditional events while continuing to produce relevant virtual content. What might the future of hybrid engagement look like?

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Keener Fry (Executive Director @ University of Wyoming Alumni Association), Monique Armbrister (Director of Alumni Relations @ Barry University) & Raushanah Butler (Associate Director, Alumni & Constituent Engagement @ Kennesaw State University) for a webinar discussion about the hybrid future of alumni engagement! From the ins and outs of producing hybrid events, deciding when to resume in-person activities, determining how to channel resources, and planning programming, there’s a whole lot to explore in this conversation!

Discussing and Debating the Potentials of NFTs in the Museum Sector

In the past few weeks, we’ve seen an unprecedented wave of media buzz around “NFTs,” a.k.a non-fungible-tokens. In light of these headlines and hype, today there are more questions, concerns, and unknowns than there are answers about the ways in which NFTs may impact museums. While recent news has begun to illuminate the potential applications of NFTs in arts and culture, this technology also comes with a number of environmental repercussions and other obstacles that must be explored.

Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO @ Cuseum), Mark Sabb (Senior Director of Innovation, Marketing & Engagement @ Museum of the African Diaspora), Holly Shen (Cultural Producer + Former Deputy Director @ San Jose Museum of Art) & Clara Blume (Head of Open Austria Art + Tech Lab @ Open Austria) for a webinar conversation about NFTs and their potential impact on museums. This discussion will bring together various perspectives from the museum, art, and technology sectors to unpack the topic of NFTs, discuss concerns, and share ideas about the potential implications and opportunities for cultural organizations. We’re still only beginning to understand how NFTs may impact museums - join us for an educational conversation with the main goal of helping prepare us all as this topic evolves.

Alumni Hour - Planning for 2021: Preparing for Challenges and Adapting to Changes in Alumni Relations

One month into 2021, alumni associations and universities of all shapes and sizes are in the midst of planning for the year ahead. After all the challenges and changes ushered in by 2020, and in anticipation of continued uncertainties, alumni relations and alumni engagement looks very different than it did one year ago. As alumni professionals prepare for 2021, there are many questions: what are top priorities for the year ahead? How have alumni needs and expectations changed, and how do you adapt? What is the future of virtual events, and how do you combat Zoom-fatigue when continuing to connect with alumni? 

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Michele Camardella (Senior Associate Director of Alumni Relations @ Pace University), Jessica Eggimann (Director of Alumni Relations @ Converse College) & Adriana Berndt (Assistant Director of Alumni Programs @ Eastern Washington University) for our kickoff Alumni Hour webinar conversation of 2021. We’ll be discussing the planning, outlook, and strategies for navigating the coming year ahead in alumni relations.

Membership Mondays: Membership Predictions, Priorities & Problem-Solving for 2021

2021 is finally here, and we’re excited to return with more Membership Mondays webinars. To kick off the year, we’ll be exploring one big question: what will membership look like in the year ahead? From navigating digital priorities, recapturing lapsed members from COVID-19, devoting new resources towards diversity & inclusion, finding an equilibrium between virtual and in-person engagement, to implementing new membership models, membership departments are working hard to create roadmaps and set priorities for 2021. 

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Tim O’Connell (Director of Membership & Annual Giving @ North Carolina Museum of Art), Kim Kirkhart (Director of Membership @ Santa Barbara Zoo) & Mindee Kashiwagi (Director of Membership @ California Academy of the Sciences) for a webinar conversation as we explore what membership looks like this year!

2020 has been a challenging and transformative year for the cultural sector. When museums first closed their doors in March, no one could have predicted the profound era of disruption and change the COVID-19 pandemic would usher in for cultural institutions. Over the past 10 months, organizations have taken new approaches to community engagement, spearheaded innovative digital initiatives, scaled novel virtual programs, developed new revenue streams, and learned to serve audiences onsite in entirely new ways. As 2020 comes to a close, now is the time to reflect on the many setbacks and successes of the cultural sector this year.

Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO & Founder @ Cuseum), Scott Stulen (Director & President @ Philbrook Museum), Atiba Edwards (Executive VP & COO @ Brooklyn Children’s Museum) & Seema Rao (Deputy Director & Chief Experience Officer @ Akron Art Museum) for a conversation about the trials, triumphs, and transformation that cultural organizations have experienced in 2020. All four of these speakers have recently been celebrated as 2020 Museum Innovators in Blooloop - join them as they wrap up the year and explore the future of museums!

Alumni Hour: Lessons & Reflections from 2020 in Alumni Relations

2020 has been an unprecedented year for universities and alumni associations, filled with new challenges, as well as innovation and transformation. The nature of alumni relations has changed significantly over the course of this calendar year, as many organizations have adapted to world events, revamped their engagement strategy, and found new success with digital and virtual channels.

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Gerri Randlett (Assistant Vice President, Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving @ Babson College), Imani Davis (Assistant Director, Alumni Engagement @ Northwestern Alumni Association) & Summer Sharrard (Assistant Director, Alumni Engagement @ Central Michigan University) for a webinar discussion on reflections, takeaways, and lessons from 2020. This conversation will explore the short and long term transformation of alumni relations, including the many challenges and triumphs of the past year.

Membership Mondays: Takeaways from 2020 and the Future of Membership

2020 has been a challenging year for cultural organizations, and has had profound effects on membership and development departments. In the face of the global pandemic, organizations have come up against extended lockdowns, reduced staff/budgets, declining membership renewals and donations, and obstacles around members engagement. Yet, the COVID-19 had also been a forcing function, spurring innovation and transformation in membership.

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Jennifer Jordan (Director, Membership @ LACMA), Erin Kane (Director of Development @ Texas State Aquarium), Meghan McCaule (Director of Membership @ Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco), Paul Baker (Member and Donor Relations Coordinator @ Shedd Aquarium) for a webinar discussion on takeaways from 2020. This conversation will be an opportunity to reflect on the challenges 2020 has presented, as well as the future of membership.

Alumni Hour: 2020 End-of-Year Strategy in Alumni Relations

It’s been a whirlwind of a year, where universities and alumni associations of all shapes and sizes have faced severe disruptions to their operations, engagement strategy, and advancement opportunities. As a result, many are planning an end-of-year push to drive awareness, engagement, and support among alumni. How do you close out the year strong? What kind of end-of-year engagement and development strategy works in 2020?

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Liz King (Executive Director of Resource Development @ Penn State Alumni Association), Joshua Jones (Director of Alumni Relations @ University of South Carolina Upstate), Robin Warde (Executive Director, Office of Alumni and Parent Engagement @ Bryant University) & Sam Egan (Assistant Director, Alumni and Parent Relations @ University of Puget Sound) for a webinar discussion as they talk through best practices for end-of-year strategy during these uncertain times.

Membership Mondays: Closing out 2020 Strong with End-of-Year Planning and Initiatives

2020 has been a challenging and unprecedented year for cultural organizations, and most have experienced a downturn in revenue and fundraising opportunities. As a result, many membership and development professionals have turned their attention to year-end planning in order to boost support for their organizations in these final months of the calendar year. From creative communications ideas to “gift-a-membership” initiatives, there are many possibilities to consider when thinking through your end-of-year strategy.

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Amanda Rothstein (Senior Manager of Membership @ Science Museum of Minnesota), Laura Schmid (Membership Manager @ Cincinnati Nature Center) & Nadine Pennypacker (Membership Manager @ Austin Contemporary) for a webinar discussion on year-end planning! These membership and development practitioners will be talking through their plans to close out 2020 with a bang, as well as other best practices and lessons.

Making the Most of Giving Tuesday as a Cultural Organization

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, cultural organizations of all kinds have faced disruptions to their operations, fundraising, and budgets. As a result, occasions like Giving Tuesday are important opportunities to engage constituents, raise awareness, and generate support for your organization. How do you make the most of Giving Tuesday? How do you develop effective campaigns to reach your audience and donors? How does this fit into your end-of-year strategy?

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth & Partnerships @ Cuseum), Michelle Klein (Assistant Director of Development @ Museum of Latin American Art), Erin Scheckenbach (Director of Fellowship & Member Relations @ Mütter Museum) & Danielle McCausland (Development Manager @ Potawatomi Zoo) as they discuss best practices around Giving Tuesday in 2020. This webinar will explore campaign ideas, messaging, internal collaboration, and more in order to ensure a successful Giving Tuesday for your organization.

Membership Mondays: Top Takeaways From the American Museum Membership Conference (AMMC) 2020

Over the past week, the 2020 American Museum Membership Conference (AMMC) has been in full swing. With membership professionals across a variety of cultural organizations contributing a range of expertise, there have been many incredible insights and takeaways shared throughout the sessions of this virtual conference. Whether you attended or not, we’ll boil down the top takeaways for everyone to benefit from! 

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), along with conference organizers/participants and membership professionals Jennifer Thomas (Director of Annual Programs @ St. Louis Art Museum), David Saunders (Director of Membership @ National Museum of the American Indian), John Perell (Director of Strategy & Member Experience @ Smithsonian) & Cat McMacken (Manager, Membership @ Henry Ford Museum) for a webinar discussion on AMMC 2020. These folks will be recapping top takeaways, lessons, and actionable insights from the conference - don’t miss out! 

Alumni Hour: Succeeding with Virtual Events & Programs (Part 2)

We’re back for Part 2! Over the course of the past six months, universities and alumni associations of every size have faced significant disruptions to their operations, events, and engagement strategies. Traditionally, alumni organizations have relied on a busy calendar of in-person events - like homecoming, tailgates, class reunions, and local alumni chapter meetups - to keep alumni active. Many of these in-person events are now risky and untenable for the foreseeable future. In response, alumni associations have devoted fresh energy and resources towards producing engaging virtual programs and events, with incredible results.

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Michael Smullen (Executive Director, Alumni Relations @ New Jersey Institute of Technology), Leslie Smith (Executive Director of Alumni Engagement @ DePauw University), Natalie Ross (Senior Director of Alumni Events & Programs @ University of Maryland Alumni Association) & Kelly Beyrer (Assistant Director for Alumni & Advancement Events @ Iona College) for PART 2 of a webinar on all things virtual events. In Part 1, we discussed utilizing digital tools, developing high impact events, reaching new audiences, and key ways to measure success. Picking up where we left off, Part 2 will explore leveraging your network to produce virtual events, working with partners on and off campus, and the long-term outlook of virtual engagement.

Membership Mondays: Exploring New Membership Models & Trends

In the past several years, and especially in the past six months, we’ve seen an explosion of new museum membership models. From virtual membership levels and benefits, month-to-month subscription models, to free membership programs, many organizations are considering alternatives to traditional annual membership. In light of these new trends, many questions and challenges have emerged. For example, how do you balance the needs of a traditional membership base with a virtual membership base? Is monthly membership feasible in the long-term? And, how can we keep membership relevant?

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth & Partnerships @ Cuseum), Christina Brown (Director of Membership Programs @ Phoenix Art Museum), Heather Cahill (Director of Development @ Springfield Museums) & Brad Ingles (Membership & Community Partnerships Manager @ MCA Denver) for a discussion on new conceptions of the membership model. Each of these panelists will share a new membership model they’ve implemented at their institution, and they’ll explore some of the benefits and challenges of these membership trends.

Alumni Hour: Succeeding with Virtual Events & Programs

Over the course of the past six months, universities and alumni associations of every size have faced significant disruptions to their operations, events, and engagement strategy. Traditionally, alumni organizations have relied on a busy calendar of in-person events - like homecoming, tailgates, class reunions, and local alumni chapter meetups - to keep alumni active. Many of these in-person events are now risky and untenable for the foreseeable future. In response, alumni associations have devoted fresh energy and resources towards producing engaging virtual programs and events, with incredible results.

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Michael Smullen (Executive Director, Alumni Relations @ New Jersey Institute of Technology), Leslie Smith (Executive Director of Alumni Engagement @ Depauw University), Natalie Ross (Senior Director of Alumni Events & Programs @ University of Maryland Alumni Association) & Kelly Beyrer (Assistant Director for Alumni & Advancement Events @ Iona College) for a special webinar on all things virtual events. Over the hour, these experts will dive into the planning, strategy, and creative thinking that goes into producing successful virtual events and programs!

Alumni Hour: Alumni Engagement in the Era of Coronavirus

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many aspects of alumni relations, sparking new questions and concerns, as well as opportunities for alumni associations. Since the escalation of Coronavirus, traditional methods for alumni engagement, such as class reunions, sporting events, tailgates, homecoming, in-person social events, alumni chapter meetups, and networking opportunities have been cancelled. In response, alumni associations are pivoting to digital and virtual strategies to keep alumni engaged and actively involved.

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Jennifer Chambers (Assistant Vice President, Lifelong Learning @ Duke Alumni), Veronica Dominguez (Associate Director of Alumni Engagement @ UTSA Alumni Association), & Serena Bettis (Coordinator of Alumni and Parent Relations @ Southwestern University Alumni) as they do a deep dive into shifting alumni engagement tactics. This webinar will explore many aspects of digital engagement, including virtual events, programs, and networking opportunities, as well as digital communications.

Membership Mondays: Preparing Your Team for the New Normal

In response to the challenges and changes related to COVID-19, museum closures, and, now, museum reopenings, one of the greatest challenges membership and visitor relations leaders have faced is preparing their teams for the new normal. From reorganizing teams to meet new demands, training frontline staff, and preparing staff for new protocols onsite, managing a team amidst a pandemic is no small task!

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Usha Subramanian (Senior Director of Membership and Visitor Services @ Field Museum), Jill Hammons, Director of Membership @ USS Midway Museum), and Kelsey Enderle (Director of Guest Services @ Cincinnati Museum Center) as they talk through successes, challenges, and strategies for preparing your team for this “new normal.” This webinar will be particularly focused on membership and visitor services.

Supporting Schools & Educators as a Cultural Organization

Across the country, schools districts are beginning to reopen for fall, many in virtual and hybrid formats. Concurrently, museums and cultural organizations are striving to create programming and educational resources that will support schools, teachers, students, and parents during this challenging time. For many, this is still new territory, and best practices are being developed in real-time. As a result, there is a strong need to connect with other educators in the cultural space to share strategies, ideas, lessons.

Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO & Founder @ Cuseum), Malika Pryor (Senior Director of Education & Programs @ Detroit Historical Society), Grace Torres (Manager of School Programs @ Perez Art Museum Miami), and Lucy Stirn (School & Youth Programs Manager @ International Spy Museum) as they discuss how cultural organizations can support schools, design programming, and succeed with virtual formats in the upcoming school year!

Membership Mondays: Navigating Challenges & Setbacks During Reopening

The road to reopening museums and cultural organizations can be a challenging one. From changing regulations and protocols, shifting reopening dates, and stop-and-start plans, there can be many setbacks when planning to welcome visitors back. Perhaps you’ve had to push back your reopening date, or reopened your museum only to close again. Perhaps you are struggling to stay connected with your members and audience, and communicate these ever-changing plans. This webinar is for you! 

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Alice Stryker (Director, Individual Giving @ Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum) & Julia Propp (Director of Membership @ Museum of Fine Arts, Boston) as they talk through ways to navigate these challenges and setbacks. This webinar will specifically address these issues in the context of membership, focusing on revising plans, communication with members, and more!

Succeeding with Timed Ticketing as a Cultural Organization

As museums and cultural institutions work to reopen, many are taking important steps to facilitate physical distancing, contract tracing, and enable contactless entry. One key way organizations are doing this is by introducing timed ticketing for visitors, which has the benefit of managing capacity, reducing admissions lines, and limiting interactions between staff and guests. However, timed ticketing is new territory for most museums. Many are looking for best practices and wondering how to roll this out to their visitors to ensure a successful reopening. 

Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO & Founder @ Cuseum), Kate Porter (Communications and Development Manager @ Las Vegas Natural History Museum), Laura McArthur (Database Operations Manager @ Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art) & Stephanie Cabezas (Visitor Relations Manager @ Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens) for a discussion about all things timed ticketing! Each of these panelists has introduced timed ticketing (some very recently), and they will be available to share best practices and answer questions in this dialogue.

Museum Think Tank: Examining Membership and Loyalty

As museums and cultural institutions prepare to reopen, many are facing considerable challenges and uncertainties. The latest data suggests that to initiate a successful reopening and secure the future of your institution, members will be a critical constituency. However, in light of COVID-19 and the “new normal,” membership is undergoing changes. To survive and thrive, many organizations are seeking to reimagine membership, re-engage their members, and create increased loyalty among their constituents. 

To explore new ideas and challenges in membership and loyalty, this webinar will bring together innovative thinkers from inside and outside the cultural field for a museum “Think Tank.” Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Kelli Cross (Senior Director, Community & Membership @ The Infatuation), Suzette Sherman (President @ Sherman Consulting Group), Thesha Woodley (Associate Director of Visitor Experience and Membership @ Mint Museum) & Allison Lester (Associate Director of Visitor and Member Engagement @ Heard Museum) for a dialogue on shifts in membership and loyalty.

Museum Lightning Talks: Generating Revenue Through Digital Content & Virtual Experiences

Back in May, when we hosted a webinar on monetizing digital content, museums and cultural organizations were only just beginning to experiment with effective ways to generate revenue through digital programs. Now, several months later, we’ve seen a surge of exciting initiatives that are bringing in money. From virtual summer camps, ticketed virtual events, animal cameos, to online classes, cultural institutions have launched a range of digital projects that are serving as new revenue streams. To showcase some of these new initiatives, we’re thrilled to host a “Museum Lightning Talks” webinar.

Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO & Founder @ Cuseum), with special guests Kara Fikse (Assistant Director, Philanthropic Engagement & Stewardship @ Carnegie Museums), Joshua Rupp (Director of Events @ Lincoln Park Zoo), Katie Mayshak (Deputy Director of Development @ ICA Boston), Emily Moody (Managing Event and Program Producer @ Cummer Museum), Sharon McRorie (Education Programs Manager @ Asheville Art Museum) & McKenna Nischke (Digital Communications Specialist @ Phoenix Zoo). Each panelist will share a new digital initiative they’ve launched at their organization to generate revenue, which will be followed by a discussion, feedback session, and Q&A among these cultural sector professionals!

Membership Lightning Talks: Launching New Initiatives & Benefits in Museum Membership

Over a month ago, we were thrilled to host a webinar on virtual memberships, which explored ways to create virtual value for members through exclusive digital programming, virtual membership levels, and more. Over the past month, we’ve seen a surge of new and exciting initiatives launched in membership programs at museums of all kinds, which add value for members, as well as help solve new challenges around engagement, membership extensions, and more. To showcase some of these new initiatives, we’re excited to pilot a “Membership Lightning Talks” session.

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth & Partnership @ Cuseum) with special guests Heather Wilson (Deputy Director @ Cameron Art Museum), Sarah Burgess (Senior Donor Relations Coordinator @ Virginia Museum of Fine Arts), Cat Clark (Corporate & Foundation Relations Manager @ Mattatuck Museum), Laura Hacker (Manager of Visitor and Membership Services @ Concord Museum), Laura Conte (Membership and Patron Services Coordinator @ Taubman Museum of Art) & Amanda Ackermann (Membership Coordinator @ Museum of Discovery and Science) for this special session. Each panelist will share a new initiative they’ve launched to create value for members, which will be followed by a discussion, feedback session, and Q&A among these membership professionals!

Small But Mighty: Navigating the New Normal as a Small or Mid-sized Museum

Now, more than three months after lockdown began, museums are gradually beginning to reopen their doors to visitors. While cultural organizations face many common hurdles, small and mid-sized institutions, with fewer staff and resources, may be facing unique challenges around this “new normal”. Many may be concerned that they lack the budgets and bandwidth needed to implement necessary changes, like contactless experience design and new digital initiatives.

Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO & Founder @ Cuseum), John Echeveste (CEO @ LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes), Maryam Nabi (Director of Marketing & Communications @ Conservatory of Flowers), & Rich Bradway (Director of Digital Learning and Engagement @ Norman Rockwell Museum) as they talk through strategies to navigate the new normal as a smaller cultural institution, doing a deep dive into the unique challenges that small to mid-sized organizations face.

Membership Mondays: Re-Engaging and Re-Welcoming Members After Coronavirus Closures

As museums and cultural organizations begin to reopen, one of the biggest challenges membership professionals may be facing is how to re-engage and re-welcome members again. Organizations are concerned about how they can reconnect with lapsed or nonresponsive members, and are looking for strategies and tips to drive renewals.

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Daniella Cabezas (Associate Director of Special Events & Corporate Relations @ Miami Children’s Museum), Amy Marks (Director, Membership & Development Services @ Space Center Houston) & Ann Meisel (Client Services & Membership Manager @ Poster House) as they discuss strategies and plans for re-engaging with members after a long period of being closed.

Re-Opening Museums & Cultural Attractions: Succeeding in the Post-COVID Era with Digital Tools

As museums and cultural attractions begin to re-open, or move into the next phases of their reopening plans, many are facing new challenges, managing shifting customer expectations, rethinking the visitor journey, and adapting to a future of contactless experiences. In light of these new circumstances, organizations are seeking out new solutions that can facilitate safe and engaging experiences for visitors and members. What steps can be taken to ensure your guests feel safe and satisfied as they're welcomed back to your museum, post-COVID? What tools and solutions are available to help address new challenges? These questions are top of mind for many.

Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO & Founder @ Cuseum) & Dan Sullivan (Head of Partnerships @ Cuseum) as they discuss the new visitor journey and how the museum experience can be optimized in light of this “new normal.” This webinar will examine ways to reduce physical touchpoints, introduce safe and engaging new service design, and leverage digital tools to ensure a comfortable and positive experience for visitors.

Museum Think Tank: Cultural Organizations as Incubators for Social Impact

Recent events have prompted individuals, companies, and organizations across the world to take a deeper look at their role in society and explore how they can play an active part in driving the change they want to see. Museums and cultural organizations, with their mission-based work and commitment to community, have an especially important role to play in this current moment. To step up and effect change in areas of social justice, cultural professionals are turning to their colleagues within the field, as well as seeking inspiration and guidance from other industries to generate fresh ideas and develop meaningful new approaches.

This webinar will take the form of a museum “Think Tank” where innovative voices from the museum field converge with social impact entrepreneurs who are addressing some of society’s most challenging issues. Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO & Founder @ Cuseum), Kayleigh Bryant-Greenwell (Head of Public Programs @ Smithsonian American Art Museum & Renwick Gallery), OnRae Watkins (Senior Manager @ ARTLAB - Hirshhorn Museum & Gardens) David Delmar Sentíes (Executive Director & Founder @ Resilient Coders), and Jon Feinman (Executive Director & Founder @ InnerCity Weightlifting) as they explore how museums can serve as incubators for social impact and social justice.

Striving Towards an Equitable Future: Addressing Systemic Injustice as a Cultural Organization

Across the nation, we are mourning the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery & Breonna Taylor with sadness and distress. Recent events have illuminated the systemic injustice that remains entrenched in our country and its institutions. As professionals in the cultural sector, it is pressing to situate our current moment, as well as the long history of deep-seated racism and inequality, in the context of museums and cultural organizations. As mission-based organizations serving diverse communities, it is critical to engage in a dialogue on the role of our institutions in a time of tragedy, anxiety, and unrest.

Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO & Founder @ Cuseum), Terri Freeman (President @ National Civil Rights Museum), Damon Reaves (Interim Senior Curator of Education @ Philadelphia Museum of Art) & Cecile Shellman (Senior Diversity Fellow @ American Alliance of Museums) for a discussion on how cultural organizations can face systemic injustice, strive towards a more equitable future, and be beacons of hope for their communities.

Membership Mondays: Diversity & Community Support in Membership & Visitor Services

Across the nation, we are deeply shaken and distressed by the death of George Floyd and the widespread injustice towards the Black community. In light of current events and the national reckoning with deeply-rooted systemic racism in our country, it is vital and urgent to explore these issues in relation to museums and cultural institutions, both internally and in the context of supporting communities, serving diverse populations, and creating social impact.

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Partnerships @ Cuseum), Kevin Thomas (Senior Manager, Membership and Annual Fund @ National Museum of African American History and Culture), Jeanette O’Bryant (Development Officer @ National Civil Rights Museum) & Ash Harris (VP of Guest Experience @ San Antonio Zoo) for a discussion that situates the national situation in the context of museums and culture. As membership, development, and guest services professionals, these panelists will be able offer unique perspectives on how cultural organizations can renew their commitments to diversity, inclusion, and community support in this current moment and going forward.

Museum Think Tank: Tapping into Fresh Ideas & Networks to Navigate the “New Normal”

As museums and cultural institutions prepare to reopen, many are facing considerable challenges and new hurdles. Across the globe, organizations have been tasked with rapidly creating new approaches, exploring models of operating, and serving their audiences with limited resources. To tackle these challenges, cultural professionals are turning to their colleagues within the field, as well as seeking inspiration and guidance from other industries to generate fresh ideas and leverage new networks.

To help bring together innovative thinkers from inside and outside the museum field, this webinar will take the form of a museum “Think Tank.” Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO & Founder @ Cuseum), Douglas Hegley (Chief Digital Officer @ Minneapolis Institute of Art), Effie Kapsalis (Senior Digital Program Officer @ Smithsonian Institution), Bob Mason (Co-Founder @ Brightcove / Managing Partner @ Argon Ventures) & Claude Grunitzky (Visiting Social Innovator @ Harvard Kennedy School) as they break down some of the most pressing challenges currently facing the museum field and offer up interdisciplinary solutions and ideas.

Membership Mondays: The Onsite Member Experience After Coronavirus Closures

Across the world, we’re beginning to see museums, zoos, gardens, and other cultural sites reopen after coronavirus closures. Many are initiating phased reopenings, using timed-ticketing and contactless modes of entry, opening to members only, and/or creating special hours for different groups. As these organizations began to reopen in the era of social distancing, many are rethinking what the onsite member experience may look like without the close interactions, friendly encounters with staff, and other personalized experiences that make visiting your organization so special.

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), John Perell (Director of Strategy & Member Experience @ Smithsonian Institution), Melissa Dietrich (Associate Director, Membership @ Longwood Gardens) & Zach Winfield (Vice President @ Zoo Advisors) as they discuss what the onsite member experience may look like after coronavirus closures and going into the future.

Virtual memberships: Creating Digital Benefits & Virtual Access for Members

During the past several months of coronavirus closures, many museums and cultural organizations have pioneered new digital content to keep their members and visitors engaged during these unprecedented closures. Many members have responded so positively to this new digital access that membership professionals may be considering making digital benefits and virtual access a more permanent fixture of membership, or even adding a “virtual membership” level.

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Sarah Owens (Membership Manager @ Exploratorium), Kara Fikse (Advancement Events Manager @ Carnegie Museums), & Cat Harper (Guest Services & Events Manager @ National Steinbeck Center) for a webinar to discuss digital and virtual memberships and how to offer digital access to your members.

The “Contactless” Future: Reimagining the Visitor Experience in the Age of Coronavirus

Before the vast majority of the world’s museums and attractions were forced to temporarily close due the COVID-19 pandemic, visiting a museum was often an interactive, tactile, and social experience, involving many person-to-person interactions. From exchanges at the admissions and membership desks, interactions with fellow patrons, and special experiences involving touch screens or hands-on activities, the visitor experience has historically been filled with physical touchpoints. Now, as museums prepare to reopen in an era of social distancing, many are imagining a “contactless” future.

Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO and Founder @ Cuseum), Andrea Montiel de Shuman (Digital Experience Designer @ Detroit Institute of Arts), Atiba Edwards (Executive VP & COO @ Brooklyn Children’s Museum) & Don Undeen (Former Senior Manager of MediaLab @ Metropolitan Museum of Art) as they explore the evolving “visitor experience” and what the “contactless” future may hold. This webinar will examine the merits of digital media, emerging technologies, and more!

Exploring the Future of Museums in the Era of Coronavirus

Two months ago, the escalation of the coronavirus crisis forced many museums and cultural institutions to close their doors to visitors. In response, many organizations shifted their efforts to engaging visitors through digital platforms, many making impressive pivots and accelerating their digital transformations. Now, as museums prepare to reopen and plan for the near and long term future, new concerns are seizing the attention of the entire cultural industry – what will the future hold? Will there be new business and engagement models? And what does the physically-distanced museum experience look like? 

Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO and Founder @ Cuseum), Franklin Sirmans (Director @ Pérez Art Museum Miami), Karen Wong (Deputy Director @ New Museum) & Lath Carlson (Executive Director @ Museum of the Future) as they evaluate the profound impacts of coronavirus and offer insights about what the future will hold for museums.

Membership Mondays: Membership Marketing, Audience Shifts & Community Engagement after Coronavirus

After almost two months of coronavirus closures, many museums and cultural organizations are preparing to welcome visitors and members back. However, while organizations may be reopening, many are doing so in a graduated way and facing new challenges. In particular, many are realizing that tourism will be down for quite some time, which has the potential to profoundly affect admissions and membership revenue. At the same time, cultural organizations may have renewed appeal to local audiences as the world embraces a “stay local” or “staycation” mentality for the foreseeable future.

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Tim O’Connell (Director of Membership & Annual Giving @ North Carolina Museum of Art), Julie Knight (Director of Membership @ San Francisco Museum of Modern Art), Sewon Barrera (Digital Marketing Manager @ Exploratorium) & Daniel Vincent (Director of Membership @ Trustees of Reservations) as they discuss shifts in audiences and membership marketing strategy in light of coronavirus. This webinar will address how organizations can reorient the value propositions of membership and double down on local audience development to survive and thrive in the coronavirus era.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic forced museums, zoos, and cultural attractions to close their doors, many have admirably turned their attention to new digital content projects, virtual public programs, and online events to help keep audiences engaged. Now, after two months of closures, many organizations are also beginning to monetize these digital initiatives through entrance fees, “pay what you wish” models, and other methods. Even as organizations open their doors (or plan to open their doors) to visitors once again, many are finding that the reduced capacity and restrictions on physical events and summer camps are placing greater importance on generating revenue through digital engagement initiatives.

Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO and Founder @ Cuseum), Michelle Mileham (Director of Education @ Tracy Aviary), & Laura Houston (Director of Education @ Elmwood Park Zoo) as they explore various ways to monetize virtual programming and digital offerings. This webinar will explore ways to monetize traditional programming that has been shifted to digital platforms, as well as creative ideas that have generated new revenue streams. This discussion will also address some of the challenges related to reopening that cultural organizations are continuing to face.

Membership Mondays: Reimagining Revenue Streams & Events

Due to COVID-19, many museums and cultural organizations are facing significant disruptions to revenue with the absence of gate attendance and on-site purchases. From membership extensions, halted acquisition campaigns, cancelled events, to public funding cuts, many other traditional revenue streams have also been interrupted. Even as organizations prepare to reopen and welcome members back, traditional events and other common revenue sources may be diminished or even off the table entirely for quite some time.

Despite the challenges, by rethinking the membership business model, initiating virtual events, and seeking out new revenue opportunities, membership departments and cultural institutions have the potential to bounce back, and membership can continue to be a primary revenue stream.

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Claire Byfield (Membership Manager: Engagement @ British Museum), Tom Knowles (Membership Events Manager @ British Museum) & Rosie Siemer (Founder & CEO @ FIVESEED Membership Consulting) as they discuss how membership, revenue, and events can be reimagined to bolster museums and ensure their financial health going into the future.

Preparing to Reopen: Strategy, Planning & Process on the Road to Reopening Museums

For nearly two months, museums across the country have been physically closed due to the coronavirus. In response, cultural professionals have developed and delivered exciting new content across a range of platforms to keep their audiences engaged during these unprecedented times. Now, as some states lift their stay-at-home orders and the world prepares to slowly reopen, museums are thinking about what reopening is going to look like.

Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO and Founder @ Cuseum), Mark Sabb (Senior Director of Innovation, Marketing & Engagement @ Museum of the African Diaspora), Holly Shen (Deputy Director @ San Jose Museum of Art) & Ellen Busch (Director of Historic Sites Operations @ Texas Historical Commission) as they talk through the strategy, operations, process, and planning involved in reopening your museum successfully. This webinar will explore strategic planning, design thinking, and innovative approaches to welcoming your audiences back.

Membership Mondays: Planning for Reopening after Coronavirus

Over the past several months, museums have been occupied with adapting to widespread coronavirus closures. Membership professionals have worked hard to adjust their communication, messaging, and membership fulfillment strategies, while continuing to reinforce the value of membership while physical sites are closed. Now, approaching two months into closures, many cultural organizations are beginning to think about plans for reopening, and some have already begun. What strategies, workflows, and policies can help facilitate a safe and successful reopening?

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Meghan McCauley (Director of Membership and Visitor Services @ Perez Art Museum Miami), Aidan Vega (Director of Membership @ Philadelphia Museum of Art), Laura Schmid (Membership Manager @ Cincinnati Nature Center), & Kristi Masterson (Director of Engagement and Operations @ Cincinnati Nature Center) as they discuss the steps and process of reopening. This conversation will include voices from organizations who have already opened to members, as well as those planning to do so in the coming weeks and months!

How to Manage a Remote Internship Program at Your Museum

Many museums across the country pride themselves on their robust internship programs. Internships are a chance for students to learn about the cultural industry, gain valuable skills, and, for students of Museum Studies, earn credit towards their degrees. Stimulating and dynamic internships are also essential to ensuring that the cultural sector is cultivating top talent and attracting young professionals who are prepared to make an impact.

With the ongoing coronavirus closures, however, the state of many museum internship programs is uncertain. Many museums expect to be closed into the summer, potentially disrupting the ability to bring interns on site. As a result, museums may be considering initiating remote internship programs, which can be beneficial students while providing museums much-needed extra help. However, this is completely new territory for many organizations across the country.

Join, Brendan Ciecko (CEO @ Founder @ Cuseum), Ahva Sadeghi (CEO & Co-Founder @ Symba), Phyllis Hecht (Director, M.A. in Museum Studies @ Johns Hopkins University), Sierra Van Ryck deGroot (Education Programs Manager @ Poster House), & Meagan Mahaffy (Education Associate & Internship Coordinator @ Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum) as they discuss how museums can successfully launch and manage remote internship programs in the age of coronavirus.

Supporting Communities with Digital Programs during Coronavirus

As museums face ongoing challenges associated with the prolonged closures of their physical sites, communities are facing challenges of their own. Organizations are striving to produce vibrant, mission-driven content and programming, while also supporting the diverse needs of community members and constituents. How do you assess the needs of your community? How can your organization deliver content and resources that support the community? And how can museums imbue their mission into digital resources and programming?

Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO and Founder @ Cuseum), Terri Freeman (President @ National Civil Rights Museum) & Mara Kurlandsky (Director of Digital Engagement @ National Museum of Women in the Arts) as they discuss how museums can serve their communities and further their own missions through digital initiatives. This webinar will address aspects of community engagement, digital programming, creating educational content, and more.

Membership Mondays: Messaging, Communication & Events in Membership During Coronavirus

The coronavirus crisis continues to keep museums and cultural organizations closed to the public, and closures are predicted to continue for weeks to months more. As a result, many institutions are facing disruptions to their revenue streams and finding it hard to connect with their members, donors, and constituents without in-person interactions and events that allow members to gather.

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Growth and Partnerships @ Cuseum), Elizabeth Epley Sheets (Chief Advancement Officer @ Cheekwood Estate & Gardens) & Bradford Talley (Membership Manager @ Museum of Pop Culture) as they discuss the ways they’ve been honing their communication and messaging to connect with their members and donors during this difficult time. They will also discuss the potential of “virtual events” and gatherings that can help members stay connected to your organization and with each other.

Collaborating on Virtual Educational Programs During Coronavirus

As museums and cultural organizations push forward in their efforts to adapt to coronavirus closures, many are striving to redesign programming and educational resources for digital platforms, stay community-oriented, and embrace digital transformation across all departments. At this moment, many museum leaders, educators, curators, and other professionals are working collaboratively with their colleagues in digital and social media to usher in a new digital era at their institutions, and many may be in search of guidance and best practices to help navigate these changes.

Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO & Founder @ Cuseum), Marie Vickles (Director of Education @ Perez Art Museum Miami) & Liz Neely (Curator of Digital Experience @ Georgia O'Keeffe Museum) as they discuss the ways that organizations can implement digital changes in education, programming, curation, and other departments. This webinar will address sustainable digital transformation, as well as best practices for engaging and supporting your community in light of coronavirus.

Membership Mondays: Fulfillment, Renewals, and Budgets in Membership During Coronavirus

It’s been over a month since many museums, zoos, and aquariums first closed down their physical sites due to coronavirus. This “new normal” has presented certain challenges, and many organizations are working to adapt their workflows to the current reality. In particular, many membership professionals are struggling with managing membership fulfillment, renewals, and reduced budgets from their home offices.

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Partnerships @ Cuseum), Alice Stryker (Director, Individual Giving @ Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum), & Kimberly Kirkhart (Director of Membership @ Santa Barbara Zoo) as they discuss how they are adapting workflows and reallocating resources to stay on top of essential membership operations during this time.

Thinking Outside the Box to Reach Audiences Inside Their Homes

As museums and cultural organizations continue to adapt to the challenges brought on by the coronavirus, many have revamped and expanded their digital presence and offerings. In the process, many have realized that traditional strategies, messaging, and social media channels aren’t enough, and have started to get more creative with how they reach audiences in their homes.

Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO & Founder @ Cuseum), Sloan MacRae (Marketing Director @ Carnegie Museum of Natural History), & Caitlin Kearney (Digital Content & Engagement Manager @ The Field Museum) as they discuss what sorts of digital strategies, workflows, and channels are allowing them to effectively target and attract audiences beyond the walls of their museums.

Membership Mondays: Expanding the Member Experience During Coronavirus

As museums continue to prolong their physical closures due to coronavirus, membership and development professionals are encountering new challenges. Now that in-person visits and special exhibition tickets can no longer serve as a primary benefit to members, how do membership professionals expand, augment and/or transform the member experience?

Join Dan Sullivan (Head of Partnerships @ Cuseum), Jennifer Stone (Membership Manager @ Denver Museum of Nature & Science) & Chelsea Graham Jackson (Assistant Director of Membership @ Cleveland Museum of Art) to discuss how the member experience might be expanded, especially through digital offerings, during coronavirus closures.

How to Craft Meaningful & Mindful Digital Content in the Age of Coronavirus

Due to the spread of coronavirus, museums and cultural organizations across the country are extending their expected lockdown periods and bracing for prolonged closures. As they remain physically closed to visitors, many museums are encountering new challenges around communicating and engaging their audiences. What outreach channels should you use? How do you overhaul your content calendar? And perhaps, most importantly, what kinds of content will resonate with your audiences

Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO & Founder @ Cuseum), Ryan Dodge (Head of Digital Experiences @ Canadian Museum of History), and Kat Harding (Public Relations & Social Media Manager @ North Carolina Museum of Art) as they discuss how to develop effective content and messaging that aligns with your organization’s mission while resonating in the hearts and minds of audiences. This webinar will address questions like, what does your audience want and need from you? How do you communicate with consistency and compassion? And, how do you continue to imbue your mission into your content?

Membership Mondays: Reinforcing the Value of Membership During Coronavirus

As the perpetual state of Coronavirus uncertainty continues to loom over us, cultural organizations have never faced prolonged, unplanned, closures in the way we are now. Historically, the majority of closures are brief, lasting for a few days or even weeks. Yet with no end in sight, cultural organizations are facing an entirely new, unprecedented challenge.

For many organizations who depend on income from on-site purchases like admission tickets, special exhibitions, and gift shop sales, the membership department is one of the only sources of income at the moment. In a time, however, when members cannot physically come on-site, the question becomes, how do we reinforce the value of being a member?

Join Ash Harris (Vice President of Guest Experience @ San Antonio Zoo), Kelli Buchan (Director of Membership @ The Franklin Institute) and Dan Sullivan (Head of Partnerships @ Cuseum), as they discuss ways that you can continue to reinforce the value of your membership, even when members cannot visit on site.

How Museums Can Experiment with Social Media to Boost Audience Engagement During Coronavirus

As the coronavirus continues to prevent museums and cultural organizations from welcoming audiences to their physical spaces, the importance of digital engagement has increased exponentially. In the face of this all, many organizations are embracing the opportunity to use this time as a period of experimentation, especially with regards to social media and other digital channels.

Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO & Founder @ Cuseum), Hilary-Morgan Watt (Digital Engagement Manager @ Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden), & Emily Haight (Social Media Manager @ New-York Historical Society) as they talk through the ways museums can begin experimenting with social media, hashtags, digital outreach, and other means to boost engagement among their audiences. These experts will discuss some of the most successful online experiments in recent times, as well as talk through the steps to execute creative ideas from inception to completion.

Membership Mondays: Communicating with Your Members During Coronavirus

With the growing uncertainty around Coronavirus and its duration, museums and cultural organizations are wondering the best ways to navigate these uncharted waters. In the face of closures, requests for membership extensions, and member turnover, many cultural organizations are all experiencing the unprecedented challenge of maintaining their membership bases. During this unusual time, communication with those members is critical - but where do we start, and how do we stay relevant in members’ eyes when nobody can actually see us?

Please join Dan Sullivan (Head of Partnerships @ Cuseum), along with Ingrid Van Haastrecht (Director of Advancement Services, Analysis and Membership @ Dallas Museum of Art) and Jennifer Thomas (Director of Annual Programs at St. Louis Art Museum) as they discuss actionable strategies for keeping members informed during closures.

How to Captivate, Connect, and Communicate with Your Audience During Coronavirus

Due to the rapid spread of coronavirus and government recommendations for social distancing, three-quarters of museums across the United States have closed down temporarily. As a result of these closures, many cultural organizations face new levels of uncertainty and difficulty in navigating these unfamiliar waters. In particular, for visitor-serving organizations, not being able to bring visitors on-site produce a significant challenge: while being physically closed, how do museums continue to engage their would-be visitors?

Join Brendan Ciecko (CEO & Founder @ Cuseum), with special guests Susan Edwards (Associate Director, Digital Content @ Hammer Museum) and Koven Smith (Museum & Nonprofit Digital Strategy Consultant), as they talk about steps cultural organizations can take to captivate, connect, and communicate with their remote “visitors” and audiences. These experts will do a deep-dive into digital communication strategies, creatively leveraging social media channels, and establishing a community without a physical space to gather in.

How to Keep Your Audience Engaged, Entertained, and Inspired in the Age of Coronavirus

In light of the rapid spread of Coronavirus and new social distancing recommendations from public health officials, many visitor-serving cultural organizations have made the decision to temporarily close their doors to the public. Just recently, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian Museums, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and museums of all shapes and sizes have shut down indefinitely or put drastic restrictions in place in order to limit the spread of COVID-19. As a result, many museums and cultural organizations face uncertainty about what the next days and weeks hold for them during this unusual time. But while they may be physically closed, what are creative and unique ways to keep audiences engaged?

Join Cuseum's Brendan Ciecko, with special guests Seema Rao (Deputy Director and Senior Engagement Officer @ Akron Art Museum) Scott Stulen (Director and President @ Philbrook Museum of Art) as they talk about steps cultural organizations can take to engage their audiences digitally and continue their important work as trusted community resources during this public health and economic crisis, even when physical sites remain in lockdown.

How Membership Departments can Prepare for the Impact of Coronavirus

With the ever growing concerns around Coronavirus and its ripple effect on the global economy, many museums and attractions are wondering how they will be impacted. Membership professionals are specifically concerned about how this will impact their membership bases in the coming months or years.

Join Cuseum's Dan Sullivan and membership experts Dana Hines and Alicia Lifrak as they talk about steps membership based organizations can take to prepare, and respond to this impending crisis.