XXXV General Assembly

Programme

02.09.

Board meeting. Venue: Priest’s Chamber, Olavinlinna Caste
35th General Assembly. Venue: Congress Hall, Olavinlinna Castle
Guided tour to Riihisaari – Savonlinna Museum

 

03.09.

Boat tour on the lake Saimaa on a Historic Steamship S/S Saimaa from 1893 in the collections of the National Museum of Finland
Free time to visit Riihisaari - Savonlinna Museum, Olavinlinna Castle or town of Savonlinna
CONFERENCE “Audience Development”, in collaboration with the Finnish Museums Association’s Museum. Venue: Conference Hall, Olavinlinna Castle

 

SESSION I Good, Bad Money in Audience Engagement

Heidi Aho.  EXPERIENCE FIRST – WHAT MUSEUMS CAN LEARN FROM SPORTS AND FESTIVALS

Heidi Aho worked as the Business Director for HC TPS Turku Oy and Turku Live from 2018 to 2024, as the CEO of Fullsteam Agency from 2014 to 2018, and as the Production Manager from 2008 to 2013. From 2003 to 2008, she was the Production Coordinator at Vantaan Festivaalit Oy (Ruisrock & Ankkarock festivals). Additionally, Aho serves as a board member of Job to Do Oy and as a member of the Finnish Ice Hockey Association's council.

Events are no longer just events – they have evolved into immersive experiences where services, atmosphere, and brands come together to create one cohesive experience built around music. Similarly, in ice hockey, game events have expanded beyond the game itself, offering the audience more than just 60 minutes of action. In this talk, I’ll explore how new business models have been developed with a customer-centric approach, and how experience-driven thinking can fuel growth and differentiation. Case examples include how ice hockey and music festivals are being enhanced with new services and experiences that enrich the core event.

Hanna Forssell, Head of Exhibitions and Events. REVENUE MODELS FOR AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FINLAND

This presentation explores how the National Museum of Finland develops sustainable revenue models that supports meaningful audience engagement. By aligning cultural value with financial viability, the museum seeks to create inclusive, high-quality experiences through innovative programming and cross-sector collaboration.

 

SESSION II Creativity, Courage, and Innovation in Audience Engagement,

Meg Nömgård, Director of Kalmar Castle. THE BEST-PRESERVED RENAISSANCE CASTLE IN THE NORDICS – A VIBRANT CASTLE

At Kalmar's most timeless attraction, most things are still as they were in 1592. But there is still plenty to discover! explains how to bring the castle to life and engage with its visitors and the civil society of Kalmar Sweden.

Maciej Flis, Manager, Wisłoujście Fortress, Poland. INTERACTION AND IMMERSION, EXPLORATION AND DISCOVERY – THE LEITMOTIFS OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE WISŁOUJŚCIE FORTRESS - A BRANCH OF THE GDANSK MUSEUM

Wisloujście Fortress is the oldest coastal fortification on the Polish coast. Its oldest architectural elements date back to the 15th century, but it has only recently been functioning as a museum. In 1974, the fortification became a branch of the Gdansk Museum; difficulties in maintaining the facility meant that it was not opened to the public until 2009. It is now open year-round, with an exhibition on Gdańsk's militaria presented in the renovated barracks building and events conducted from spring to autumn. From the beginning of the fortress' operation as a museum, innovative ways to interest the public have been resorted to. Among others, historical re-enactments, multimedia shows, educational workshops of old culinary traditions have been realized, and in the last eight years an electronic music festival has become increasingly popular.

Mari Vadén, Museum Educator. COURT JESTER´S HALL – A PLACE TO CREATE AND EXPERIENCE IN HÄME CASTLE

The recently opened Court Jester´s Hall in Häme Castle, Finland, is a place for children and their adults to experience medieval times of Häme Castle.

Ilona Ozola, Museum Educator, Bauska Castle, Latvia. CONCEPT OF BAUSKA CASTLE ANCIENT DANCE GROUP “GALMS”

Presentation about Bauska Castle’s early dance group "Galms" -  concept, why it was founded, dance reconstruction, costume concept, repertoire and concert concept. "Live museum " concept in reality and dance group participants as big support in museum work.

Moderated discussion about today´s topics, moderator Curator of Education Sanna Valoranta, National Museum of Finland

 

04.09.

Excursion Day: Savonlinna – Kerimäki Church – Lappeenranta Fortress – Maritime Center Vellamo in Kotka – Suur-Sarvilahti Manor in Loviisa – Helsinki