Dr. John H. Falk is the keynote speaker for the 2025 Iowa Museum Association Conference. As a globally recognized leader in free-choice learning, Dr. Falk’s work has revolutionized how we think about museums and the value they provide for visitors. His insightful keynote and hands-on workshop will offer fresh perspectives on how museums can evolve to better meet the needs of our communities.

Keynote: “Leaning into Value”
As we face the rapidly changing cultural, educational, and leisure landscape, museums are challenged to adapt. Dr. Falk will explore how museums can shift their focus from collections, content, and didactic learning to creating experiences that enhance people’s lives. He will highlight the importance of delivering user value to a more diverse audience and introduce a process for integrating evidence-based practices to drive these changes. Don’t miss this opportunity to understand how museums can ensure long-term success by focusing on what truly matters to visitors.

Workshop: “A Well-Being-Centered Approach to Museum Experience Design”
Dr. Falk will lead an interactive workshop focused on enhancing personal, intellectual, social, and physical well-being through museum experiences. Participants will delve into the Ten Well-Being-Centered Principles for Creating Quality Museum Experiences and collaborate to brainstorm strategies for implementing these principles in their own institutions. This is a chance to gain practical insights into improving museum practices to better serve visitors’ well-being.

Join us at the 2025 IMA Conference to be inspired by Dr. Falk’s groundbreaking ideas and gain the tools needed to create more impactful, meaningful experiences for your museum’s visitors.

The statements and opinions expressed by panelists, hosts, attendees, or other participants of this event are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of, nor are endorsed by, the American Alliance of Museums.