Highlights of the
21st Annual Conference
THEORY, PRACTICE, & CONVERSATIONS
July 15 -19, 2008
Houston, Texas
What were your favorite moments of VSA 2008?
Share your thoughts with us at info@visitorstudies.org. We'd like to add your highlights to this page.
Many thanks to the Houston Museum District Association and the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau for an unforgettable opening event. Special appreciation to our hosts at the Children's Museum of Houston, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
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Talking with Rick Bonney and Beverly Serrell, Barbara Butler gives a thumbs-up to the opening festivities.
One highlight of the evening was a performance by Houston's own Hope Stone Dance Company, live at the Museum of Fine Arts. Jane Weiner, choreographer and director, has graciously shared the evening's Dr. Suessian script with us ... (thanks to the authors - Jane Weiner, Susan Blair, and Jim Lawrence).
Do you like green eggs and Ham?
Do you like them with your art?
Do you like them in a gallery?
Do you think it makes you smart?
So can I measure crowds who come, and take their input to make more fun??
And do I take the time to ask them….do I bug them? Or harass them?
When and how can I turn my research into practice….and not act as if I were confused?
Are there boundaries with my guests… in understanding, values and belief?
Oh Good Grief!!
What does impact really mean? Can I assess it with a scheme…..a scheme…a communication of my dream…
a dream to make our museums effective?
I'll make our visitor's guide more selective …..
Does a zesty guest learn more --- if they control the interaction?....... just a fraction????
And how is public value understood – if we could, measure it and tabulate?
That would be so great!
With a feather? Chalk and Slate!
On line? Off line? In the gate?
Between the lines? Walk the line!?! It is all so fine!
I'm a scout for great events – that shape my values and make good sense.
I look for ways for better understanding….to make my impact more commanding!?
And what does impact really mean? How do I assess it…..how do we get seen??
Can museums engage a teen? A tot? A tween?
Should I use some new technologies --- here ….or there……or everywhere????
With scientific content to give it flair??
Do I dare???
How do you and I join together…everyone of us… and make visitation better?
Build trust -- create space --- to give ourselves a fabulous place -- to communicate…. Don't hesitate –
a common language we can learn, and better visitation we will definitely earn!
Is there, per chance, a chance… that there is a relationship between information and action?
Guests, researchers and factions – who arrive with zest …
The zesty guest and science geek – its time for all to take a peek
At what brings you to my zoo. Is it my polar bear, my poop scoop flair, or my You tube bear?
Or is it to make the best of the rest of one's day--- is it time to play?…
or visit an exhibit…or the zoo….does this mean anything to YOU?????
And is there a tie between the three -- Zoo PR, Staff and our media link….to make you think -- of the zoo's mission….to keep the zoo in commission
and keep it in the public's eye….
OH MY!!!!!
So many questions to bring forth….from the east – the west-- the south and north….
Things to ponder while we're together….Ideas to make it all go better….
Is it important to do research apart from evaluation?
How are visitors studies relevant in our nation??
And what of that career path….where do I go??
And how do I know? Do you know?
So in these next few days ahead….Feel no dread!
We've gathered -- to discuss, and think,
Brainstorm, and “Blink” (Thank you Malcolm Gladwell!)
I bring these thoughts to your attention…..Things I thought were good to mention….
Let our brains open up and find the way--
To create and flourish in the VSA!
Opening Plenary
The opening plenary, led by Joe Heimlich and Jessica Sickler, was a high energy discussion that brought participants to their feet. Thanks to everyone for participating with - in the words of VSA President Kathy McLean - No Fear, No Dread!
Marketplace
The Marketplace and Poster Session continued the high energy activities with 12 fascinating poster presentations and more than two dozen sponsors. Thanks to all of the 2008 conference sponsors and to Marketplace Coordinator, Caren Oberg.
The Orange Show
Thursday evening's event at the Orange Show was a magnificent tribute to creative expression with the fascinating Orange Show art installation, incredible Mariachi MECA band, and delicious Mexican fare.
