Wednesday, November 8, 2023


Breakout Session Block 1

11:15 AM – 12:00 PM

Salon A (Live Streamed) – JEDAI

Community Involvement On Accessible Design

Community Outreach

As interpreters, it is our job to create accessible experiences for our visitors, but we don’t always know how. Talking to members of those communities is vital for success. Presented by Tiffany Green

Salon B – Management/Operations

Early Childhood Education Is On A Mission

Developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood education are key. We will discuss how DAP can also be used to align your EC program with your organization’s mission.

Presented by Erica Anton

Salon C – JEDAI

Ways Of Knowing: Integrate Indigenous Voices

How do we collaborate with indigenous partners? Learn strategies to recognize and incorporate multiple ways of knowing into your programming, exhibits, and interpretive plan. Presented by Jennifer Christine Robinson

Arkansas B. (Live Streamed) – Leadership

I’m A Good Leader, Right?

Do people follow you because of your title, or because you're a good leader? Learn techniques and skills that help you become a leader people truly want to follow. Presented by Jessica Carol Moore

Ouachita – Programs

Mind Body Movement

Wellness

Explore different ways to incorporate one’s mind, body, and movement to enhance your interpretive programs. Participate in poses, breath work, and mind journeys inspired by yoga. Presented by Jessica Doleh

Conway – Management/Operations

Titaneers: Redwood Solutionaries!

Attracting/Engaging Students and Young Professionals

Learn how Redwood National and State Parks uses Interpretation as a management tool by empowering all community members to help protect the Grove of Titans by becoming Titaneers.

Presented by Erin L. Gates

Harris Brake – Wellness

Address Your Stress To Achieve Success!

Interpreters deal with topics and situations that are stressful. Having a toolkit of stress relief activities can benefit not only you as an interpreter but everyone around you! Presented by Chelsea Davenport Patterson

White Oak – Research

Interpreting Counter Narratives Of Engagement

Reconnecting People to the Outdoors

Interpreting historical events in Washington, D.C. in the ‘60s and ‘70s designed to increase usage of park sites by racial minorities through their telling of their history.

Presented by Brendan Kane


Breakout Session Block 2

3:00 PM – 4:15 PM

Ballroom Foyer – Programs

Basics Of 19th Century Blacksmithing

Living History

Introduction to historic blacksmithing and the basic needs to get started. We will cover the different parts of the Anvil, tools of the trade, and hammer techniques while on-site at the forge at the Historic Arkansas Museum.

Presented by Casey Dale Marshall

Salon A (Live Streamed) – JEDAI

Interpreting From The Margins

Social Justice

Interpreters from traditionally marginalized groups will facilitate an audience-centered, engaging conversation on interpretation from and inclusive of those on the margins. Presented by Brian E. Forist & Ross Edelstein

Salon B – Management/Operations

Bridging Theory And Practice To Create Change

Innovative Interpretive Techniques

Break out your vision board to explore how articulating the change you want to be a part of in the world influences both your personal interpretation and that of your institution.

Presented by Alia Carter, Abigail Gwinn, & Kyrie Kellett

Salon C – Programs

Compete In The 2023 Wayside Olympics!

Innovative Interpretive Techniques

You're the judge! Score interpretive sign competitors from around the world. Who will be this year's champion? Explore powerful techniques for designing effective wayside exhibits.

Presented by Jim Buchholz, Melissa Ruether, Chris McCart & Griffin Bray

Arkansas Ball. (Live Streamed) – JEDAI

Inclusion Outdoors: A Dialogic Approach

Difficult Communication Tips

While exploring inclusion in the outdoors, this session showcases the power of dialogic interpretation to turn a traditional nature walk into an audience-centered experience. Presented by Bevin Carithers & Mary McCormac

Ouachita – Programs

From Conservation Message To Visitor Action

Innovative Interpretive Techniques

This presentation will provide guidelines on how to move animal ambassador programs from inspirational messaging to creating visitor behavioral change for conservation. Presented by Tiffany Jenkins

Conway – Leadership

Bridging The Gap To Interpretive Leadership!

Evaluations Forecasting and Future of Interpretation

Great interpreters don't always become great interpretive leaders. Explore why this happens, how to avoid it, and how to build your own bridge to being a better leader. Presented by Tom Moffatt

Harris Brake – Wellness

Restorative Birding: Nature And Wellness

This session covers the interpretive methods and guest outcomes of walks offered by OC Parks designed to emphasize the mental health benefits of time in nature and birdwatching. Presented by Nathan Taxel

White Oak – Management/Operations

Program Value Assessment

Evaluations Forecasting and Future of Interpretation

Tennessee State Parks will share how the Program Value Assessment can demonstrate the power of your programs to your staff, stakeholders, and leadership.

Presented by Rob Barrett & Laura Franklin


Regional Meetings

4:45 PM – 5:45 PM

Ballroom Foyer
Salon A
Salon B
Salon C
Arkansas Ballroom
Quachita
Conway
Harris Brake
White Oak
Chicot