NAI’s InterpNET Conference
“Raising a Mission-Based Interpretive Culture”
August 18, 2010
hosted by Stephen F. Austin State University
Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture
Keynote Address
Innovative Experiences: Trends in Zoo and Aquarium Exhibit Interpretation
- Terry O’Connor, Principal Consultant – Terry O’Connor Consulting
Zoo and aquarium exhibits connect visitors with nature, and through this powerful experience, seek to motivate people to take actions that help conserve wildlife and wild places. To create experiences that engage and inspire visitors, zoos and aquariums are continually seeking innovative new approaches to convey their messages to visitors. This presentation will review the results of a study commissioned by the Oregon Coast Aquarium to explore current trends in exhibit interpretation. Through our discussion in this session, we will explore challenges and opportunities shaping the future of effective zoo and aquarium exhibit interpretation.
Concurrent Sessions
From Mission to Practice: Planning Interpretive Programs that Support Your Organization
- Tim Merriman, Ph.D., CIP, CIT, Executive Director – National Association for Interpretation
Every organization is on a mission. Administrators hope that their interpretive programs help achieve that mission and make a difference. This presentation will focus on how you can design programming and media that align with the mission through measurable objectives. We will focus also on how to evaluate our success as an in-stream activity through the use of a logic model. This will have application for everyone from the frontline interpreter to supervisors and managers and it will include examples.
Embracing Play: How Brookfield Zoo Uses Play to Accomplish Its Mission
- Allison Martin, Play Programs Facilitator – Chicago Zoological Society
- Marilyn Brink, Play Programs Supervisor – Chicago Zoological Society
Ever feel like kids aren’t listening to your interpretive talk? Notice how they barely glance at your signs? Research by educators and psychologists has shown time and time again that children learn best through play activities. Your zoo or aquarium might be fun, but are you truly being playful with your young visitors? This presentation will cover the basics of how and why children learn best through creative, dramatic, and exploratory play. You’ll also learn about Brookfield Zoo, and how we integrate play into our learning strategy and one of our most popular exhibits, the Hamill Family Play Zoo.
Training and Managing Interpretive Volunteers Effectively
- Nicole Cann, Interpretation Specialist – Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium coordinates a number of highly talented and capable interpretive volunteers. These volunteers play a vital role in the aquarium’s mission. This presentation will explore the variety of training undertaken by interpretive volunteers at the Vancouver Aquarium. I will also aim to discuss the different management techniques that have been implemented in order to ensure the high caliber and success of our interpretive volunteers. Using examples from the Gallery Educator and Gallery Presenter programs we will discuss how training and management can impact volunteer programs in other organizations.
Preserving an Educational Mission on a Farm
- Mary Rottschafer, Executive Director – Critter Barn, Zeeland MI
This presentation will give teaching/managing professionals an opportunity to learn about a successful Hands-On Educational program: teaching agriculture, animal welfare, food sources, and volunteerism for youth. From the positive experiences of our family farm developed the mission to offer a variety of educational events, classes and field trip curriculums for area elementary school children and the community. We make an added effort to market the non-profit farm as an educational entity, not a petting zoo, and pursuing that mission in all we do, make clear to the public who we are, highlighting the value of agricultural education, animal welfare and activities with nature for a generation often deprived of such experiences. This program was begun in 1990 and continues to the present.
Leading Opportunities: Advancing Interpretation through Mentorships
- Todd Bridgewater, CIT, ZWPA Section Director – National Association for Interpretation
- Barbara Revard, Director of Public Programming – Columbus Zoo
- Jim Covel, President – National Association for Interpretation &
Sr. Manager, Guest Experience Training & Interpretation –
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Developing leadership requires a commitment and personal investment in others. Whether you serve as a leader or strive to become one, mentorships are the most rewarding interpretive opportunities. In this session, a panel of interpretive leaders will share the challenges and rewards to personal and professional growth. Who invested in them? How have they invested in others? Bring your questions and receive answers, guidance and resources to mentor an audience of one or many.
