The Connecticut Convention Center was home to the 2009 NIW.
I recently had the pleasure of attending the National Interpreters Workshop in Hartford, Connecticut. Fall was slipping towards winter, but there was still lots of color to the trees, a reminder that I was in New England. The Hartford workshop was smaller than last year’s event in Portland. About 800 people were in attendance vs. 1,200 in Oregon. The smaller size meant that you could actually get into the more popular sessions, and overall provided a more intimate atmosphere in terms of reconnecting with friends and making new contacts.
This year, the Media Awards Committee decided to try something different. Rather than hosting a separate evening event, we announced the award winners in the first plenary session. This allowed the winners to be acknowledged in front of a larger audience than the traditional media awards ceremony of the past. Evaluations of our new format have not yet come in. The Awards Committee will wait on feedback from those who attended before tinkering with the current model.
Mary Anne Parker and Doug Knudson check out photos on a smart phone during workshop session.
As usual, concurrent sessions dealing with interpretive media seemed full. Vendors pitching media-related products and services were also busy. I observed two media trends that surfaced this year. There seems to be a great interest in using cell phones as delivery systems for audio content. Similarly, with the proliferation of “smart phones” (Apple’s Iphone and its cousins), there seems to be an upswing in vendors offering audio-video tours. With built-in GPS capabilities, smart phones appear to be the newest thing in digital delivery systems. On the surface, this seems to offer more possibilities than traditional cell phones. The downside is that these phones are used by a relatively small number of people. However, the trend towards greater acceptance is growing by leaps and bounds. Parks Canada recently commissioned their social scientists to look at the issue of electronic delivery systems for interpretive content at natural and cultural sites. After several lengthy studies, it appears that the Canadian public is ready to embrace this technology as long as it is simple to operate and offers compelling content. Clearly the digital revolution in interpretive media is moving forward.
Concurrent sessions brought out interesting behavior in workshop participants.
In 2010 the NIW is moving west to Las Vegas, Nevada. When the national workshop was held in the Southwest, interpreters traveled to Tucson for what was one of the most popular interpreters workshop ever held. I am sure Las Vegas will match the excitement generated during the Tucson workshop. The call for papers will be coming out after the New Year and will close at the end of March, 2010. If Hartford is any indication, there is a rising tide of interest from the field on new trends in interpretive media as well as learning more about the best interpretation techniques. Take advantage of this unique opportunity and submit your proposal!
See you in Las Vegas.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I was a bit disappointed in the Exhibits Hall. Not only were participants numbers down, but also the types of exhibitors. The usual suspects were there (architects, exhibit firms, etc.), but what was missing that the Portland conference had were the cool “gizmo-gimmick vendors.” Last year you’d find dimensional map fabricators, projected media specialists, terrain modelers etc., this year they were missing. Hopefully they’ll reappear in Vegas with some new wizardly wonders.
Chris:
We decided not to attend the Hartford show as it was not cost effective for us this year. We do plan on being in Los Vegas with some new touchscreen technologies that may be of interest.
Hello, Marc! and all of the IM folks. My interpretive conference effort this fall was delegated to the 2009 NAAEE in Portland, OR. Unable to travel to Connecticut for the NAI workshop I am happy to hear about the great energy and activities experienced there. The information about digital media is well received as are the examples from Parks Canada and others. I was involved with the 2000 NAI in Tucson and agree with your assessment of that event. First snow of the season! Are you recruiting already for next fall? I look forward to hearing comments from the Media Awards presentation this year and agree that greater recognition is due recipients than has been shown in past years by NAI members outside the IM section. Thank you for the articles and opportunity to share events, challenges and success stories. Happy Holidays. Glenda