Colleen Dilenschneider is the founder and managing member of IMPACTS Experience, a market research firm providing data and analysis to advise on the strategic direction of location-based organisations. She oversees multiple audience engagement initiatives on behalf of clients in the non-profit and cultural sectors. She has worked with visitor attractions including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Shedd Aquarium, Tennessee Aquarium and San Diego Zoo. She currently serves as vice chair of the board of directors at the National Aquarium.
Dilenschneider is the author and publisher of Know Your Own Bone, a data-informed website for cultural organisations. She has also featured as an expert in sources including the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post. Additionally, Dilenschneider has been in many national museum publications. She is required reading for museum studies and professional development programmes at institutions such as Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Cornell University, and University of Washington.
She has keynoted several conferences and presented at industry events including the American Alliance of Museums, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Museums Galleries Australia, and the American Association for State and Local History. Dilenschneider has contributed articles and content to leading industry outlets, including Museum Magazine, Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), University of Southern California’s Policy Review, Exhibitionist Journal, and AAM’s Center for The Future of Museums.
“In my opinion, one of the most wonderful things about working with cultural organizations is that ‘spark’ that industry professionals share – that sincere love of learning, science, art, theater, music, botany, dance, history, animals, or the ocean. These professionals glow,” says Dilenschneider.
“I see the articles and hear the stories about people leaving the cultural sector. They are doing it because they feel that they are overworked, and are not being heard, valued, or paid. This is a big deal and a big problem. I hope that organizations will work to create cultures that better value these leaders and cultivate their passion rather than snuffing it out.”