I had A LOT of ideas last night: website, awareness day, conference proposal.
Today, I got the ball rolling on the conference proposal by bringing it up with my boss. It would be due 2/15 for the AMMC Conference held here this October.
Here’s a quick list of topics I could cover in the session:
What do museums gain by participating in reciprocal membership programs?
What are the different types of programs (i.e. one-to-one versus nationwide)? What programs are out there? (Name, size, rules and requirements, how to join)
Now that we know the basics (a.k.a. now that my thesis is out) what other questions should we be asking and how can we work together as a museum community to find the answers?
We should be asking questions such as: How can we ensure everyone has the most up-to-date information? How can we capitalize on them? Are they an effective upgrade tool? What should we do with the data we track? How can we best market the programs to our members as a benefit to use and/or upgrade for (on-site materials, website, incorporating it into fulfillment package)?
Q and A with the people who run these programs
List of questions I need to answer before I set to work on the proposal…
Should I be “Caitlin the Grad Student” or “Caitlin the Communications Coordinator at the PMA”? (I think there would be a lot of benefit to being from the PMA)
If I am a presenter, do I need to pay the full conference fee? If I do have to pay, would the museum cover it?
There is only room for 2 confirmed presenters (besides me) on the proposal. Does this mean most sessions only have a total of 3 presenters or are panels usually larger?
How does the proposal process work? What other deadlines would there be down the line?
Then, of course, would people be interested and can I get two people to commit to this.
Here are my thoughts on who I could ask to be on the panel:
1. North American Reciprocal Membership
Yes! I must have her.
2. Southeastern Reciprocal Membership
Maybe- he answered the survey and was really nice, but does he round out the panel?
3. Art Museum Reciprocal Membership Program (AIC)
Didn’t answer the survey, but she is nice and may agree.
4. Art Museum Reciprocal Network (Walters)
No, didn’t respond to the survey and seems unorganized.
5. Metropolitan Museum of Art
No, wouldn’t round out the panel.
6. Whitney
Haven’t contacted them yet, but they’d be a great addition to the panel because it’s a new program and different from the others.
7. Museum Alliance Reciprocal Program
Said she would respond but never did, could contact her again if need be.
8. Western Museums Reciprocal Membership/Group
No one runs it.
9. Western Reciprocal Program/Alliance
Didn’t respond.
10. ModCon Museum Reciprocal Membership Program
May be good to round out panel, but never responded.
11. University Museum Reciprocal Program
Too nichey, not good for panel.
12. Connections
Too nichey, not good for panel.
13. Ohio Museum Reciprocal Membership Program
Small and local, may be perfect for my panel.
14. Texas Museum Reciprocal Program
Didn’t hear back.
15. Empire State Museum Reciprocal Program
Didn’t hear back.
16. Michigan Art Museums Reciprocal Membership Program
This is UMMA, didn’t hear back.
17. New England Regional Art Museums
No one person runs it.
18. Fairfield/Westchester Museum Alliance
No one person runs it, perhaps ask one of the respondents. Interesting example.
19. Museums West
Not good example.
20. Other
There will be other kinds of museums, besides art museums, but oh well. I can’t do it all!
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