2011 InterpNET Conference

InterpNET Conference – August 17th, 2011

“Expanding Our Interpretive Perspectives”

The Zoo, Wildlife Park and Aquaria (ZWPA) Section announces their 3rd annual InterpNET Conference. This cutting edge virtual conference offers an opportunity for interpreters to gather for professional training without the burden of travel. Please join us for this exciting opportunity!

“Expanding Our Interpretive Perspectives” is inspired by Ted Cable and Larry Becks’ e-book, Interpretive Perspectives. Each conference attendee will receive this e-book with their paid registration.

Registration Now Open!

It’s finally here! What you’ve all been waiting for! The ZWPA InterpNET Conference registration is now available on the NAI webstore. As always, this conference is an economical way to get the interpretive training and networking that you crave! This year we have a great line-up of presenters.

Keynote Speakers

Larry Beck and Ted Cable are the authors of several books on interpretation. They co-authored Intepretation for the 21st Century and Interpretation of Cultural and Natural Resources which are used for all certification levels of the National Association for Interpretation and is used internationally by the profession. Their new eBook, “Interpretive Perspectives,” that accompanies the registration package for this conference, is a recently compiled collection of inspirational essays about interpretation. They will provide a keynote message for the conference based on their concept of the gifts of interpretation.

Conference Sessions

Is Culture An Endangered Species at Zoos?

presented by Amy Stephens – Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Shhh! Don’t tell, but zoos aren’t just in the animal business anymore. Zoos are finding themselves in a new and unexpected role: keepers of culture and community history. Quite by accident, zoos reflect the architecture and history of a community. Yet, without forethought, important zoo stories, artifacts and architecture are quickly becoming extinct.

This spring, the Oklahoma City Zoo opened the ZooZeum, the first American museum where visitors discover zoo history and reconnect with their own zoo memories. Learn how the ZooZeum has been received by visitors, donors and staff, and consider how your site can embrace its past while looking to the future.

Interpretation and Training in AZA-Accredited Institutions

presented by Leigh Whitted Spencer, CHI – Houston Zoo

and Pat Stephens Williams, Ph.D. – Stephen F. Austin State University

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums have great potential to both impact a large number of visitors and help advance the profession of interpretation. This presentation will review the results of a survey that considered how interpretation is used in these institutions, who is presenting it, and how those presenters are trained. Recommendations for the future were made based on the results of the survey, including suggestions for how interpreters can increase the impact of interpretation in these organizations.

Finding the Elusive Volunteer

presented by Lisa Ostrego and the Guest Engagement Staff – Shedd Aquarium

For many institutions, volunteers are not always readily available. We will share some strategies for identifying, recruiting and training volunteers from many overlooked groups.

Conference Schedule

Contact Kevin Wright, Training Committee Chair, at kwright@mbayaq.org for more information.