Open Forum

I am researching training programs that focus on the visitor experience, which would be utilized to train all museum staff (including Security, Building Services, Volunteers, etc.) in preparation for our reopening next March. I have discovered many resources geared to the hotel/hospitality sector, however, I would prefer a program designed for cultural institutions and non-profits. One organization that appears to fit this criteria is the National Association for Interpretation, specifically the Certified Interpretive Host program.

Does anyone have any suggestions for visitor experience training programs? Also, is anyone familiar with the programs offered by the National Association for Interpretation?

Thanks!

Geoffrey
------------------------------
Geoffrey McMahon
Manager of Visitor Services
The Speed Art Museum
Louisville KY
------------------------------

I am researching training programs that focus on the visitor experience, which would be utilized to train all museum staff (including Security, Building Services, Volunteers, etc.) in preparation for our reopening next March. I have discovered many resources geared to the hotel/hospitality sector, however, I would prefer a program designed for cultural institutions and non-profits. One organization that appears to fit this criteria is the National Association for Interpretation, specifically the Certified Interpretive Host program.

Does anyone have any suggestions for visitor experience training programs? Also, is anyone familiar with the programs offered by the National Association for Interpretation?

Thanks!

Geoffrey
------------------------------
Geoffrey McMahon
Manager of Visitor Services
The Speed Art Museum
Louisville KY
------------------------------

I am researching training programs that focus on the visitor experience, which would be utilized to train all museum staff (including Security, Building Services, Volunteers, etc.) in preparation for our reopening next March. I have discovered many resources geared to the hotel/hospitality sector, however, I would prefer a program designed for cultural institutions and non-profits. One organization that appears to fit this criteria is the National Association for Interpretation, specifically the Certified Interpretive Host program.

Does anyone have any suggestions for visitor experience training programs? Also, is anyone familiar with the programs offered by the National Association for Interpretation?

Thanks!

Geoffrey
------------------------------
Geoffrey McMahon
Manager of Visitor Services
The Speed Art Museum
Louisville KY
------------------------------

At Conner Prairie, we are constantly working on developing training for our interpreters, who are uninformed or first-person costumed. The foundation of our training, which we are currently introducing across all staff areas, is called Opening Doors. It is based on finding out what the visitor is interested in and having a conversation from there. It is improvisational and individualized, so training focuses a lot on how to give guests the rules of the game, make them feel empowered, and spark their curiosity.

Catherine

------------------------------
Catherine Hughes PhD
Director of Interpretation and Evaluation
Conner Prairie Museum
Fishers IN
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 06-24-2015 01:15 PM
From: Geoffrey McMahon
Subject: Visitor Experience Training

I am researching training programs that focus on the visitor experience, which would be utilized to train all museum staff (including Security, Building Services, Volunteers, etc.) in preparation for our reopening next March. I have discovered many resources geared to the hotel/hospitality sector, however, I would prefer a program designed for cultural institutions and non-profits. One organization that appears to fit this criteria is the National Association for Interpretation, specifically the Certified Interpretive Host program.

Does anyone have any suggestions for visitor experience training programs? Also, is anyone familiar with the programs offered by the National Association for Interpretation?

Thanks!

Geoffrey
------------------------------
Geoffrey McMahon
Manager of Visitor Services
The Speed Art Museum
Louisville KY
------------------------------

At Conner Prairie, we are constantly working on developing training for our interpreters, who are uninformed or first-person costumed. The foundation of our training, which we are currently introducing across all staff areas, is called Opening Doors. It is based on finding out what the visitor is interested in and having a conversation from there. It is improvisational and individualized, so training focuses a lot on how to give guests the rules of the game, make them feel empowered, and spark their curiosity.

Catherine

------------------------------
Catherine Hughes PhD
Director of Interpretation and Evaluation
Conner Prairie Museum
Fishers IN
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 06-24-2015 01:15 PM
From: Geoffrey McMahon
Subject: Visitor Experience Training

I am researching training programs that focus on the visitor experience, which would be utilized to train all museum staff (including Security, Building Services, Volunteers, etc.) in preparation for our reopening next March. I have discovered many resources geared to the hotel/hospitality sector, however, I would prefer a program designed for cultural institutions and non-profits. One organization that appears to fit this criteria is the National Association for Interpretation, specifically the Certified Interpretive Host program.

Does anyone have any suggestions for visitor experience training programs? Also, is anyone familiar with the programs offered by the National Association for Interpretation?

Thanks!

Geoffrey
------------------------------
Geoffrey McMahon
Manager of Visitor Services
The Speed Art Museum
Louisville KY
------------------------------