Preliminary Conference Program

The following schedule of events listed is subject to change as programming is confirmed. All programming is included in InterActivity 2014 registration unless otherwise indicated (*).

Tuesday, May 13
8:30 a.m.5:00 p.m. 5:15 p.m.6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.9:00 p.m.

Pre-Conference Schedule
Emerging Museums Pre-Conference* New Attendee Orientation Evening Event: Arizona Science Center*

Wednesday, May 14
7:30 a.m.8:45 a.m. 8:45 a.m.9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.12:00 p.m. 1:15 p.m.2:30 p.m. 2:45 p.m.4:00 p.m. 2:45 p.m.5:00 p.m. 4:15 p.m.5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.9:30 p.m.

Day 1 Schedule
Professional Networking Breakfast Promenade to Orpheum Theater SmallTalks Professional Development Sessions Professional Development Sessions Museum Study Tours* Investigation Sessions Evening Event: i.d.e.a Museum (formerly Arizona Museum for Youth)*

Thursday, May 15
7:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. 7:30 a.m.8:45 a.m. 9:00 a.m.10:15 a.m.

Day 2 Schedule
ACM MarketPlace ACM MarketPlace Breakfast Plenary Session & ACM Great Friend to Kids Award Ceremony Keynote: Ralph Smith, Senior VP , Annie E. Casey Foundation; Managing Director, Campaign for Grade Level Reading Museum Study Tours* Professional Development Sessions ACM MarketPlace Lunch Professional Development Sessions Museum Study Tours* ACM MarketPlace Coffee Break Investigation Sessions CEO & Trustee Reception: Desert Botanical Garden* Evening Event: Childrens Museum of Phoenix*

10:30 a.m.12:45 p.m. 10:30 a.m.11:45 a.m. 11:45 a.m.1:45 p.m. 2:00 p.m.3:15 p.m. 3:15 p.m.5:30 p.m. 3:15 p.m.3:45 p.m. 3:45 p.m.5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.7:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.9:30 p.m.

Friday, May 16
7:30 a.m.8:45 a.m. 9:00 a.m.10:15 a.m.

Day 3 Schedule
2014 Promising Practice Award Reimagined Recognition Breakfast Plenary Session Keynote: Tom Kelley, General Manager, IDEO; Author of Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All Keynote Book Signing Professional Development Sessions

10:15 a.m.10:45 a.m. 10:45 a.m.12:00 p.m.

Friday, May 16
12:30 p.m.4:30p.m.

Post-Conference Schedule
In Dialogue with International Childrens Museums

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Tuesday, May 13
Emerging Museums Pre-Conference
8:30 a.m.5:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Phoenix Pre-registration is required; Member registration, $225, Non-member, $275. This event is restricted to emerging museums and individuals starting an emerging museum. Registration fee includes breakfast, lunch, ticket to the Arizona Science Center Evening Event, and materials. Starting a childrens museum brings together passion that inspired its founding with a vision for how the museum might serve the social, cultural or educational needs of a community. To build credibility and support across a broad range of stakeholders, it is beneficial to establish the learning potential of your museum from the start. Articulating the focus for the museums learning experiences and environments, whether this includes exhibits, drop-in programs, community outreach, school field trips, or a giant climber, is an essential step in the process. Often captured in a document called the Museum Master Plan, the process provides the museum with an opportunity to wrestle with and work out some big issues. Once completed, the museum master plan can be used with architects, exhibit developers and designers, program planners, fundraisers, and marketers.

Preliminary Agenda 8:30 a.m.9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.9:15 a.m. 9:15 a.m.10:15 a.m. Breakfast Welcome Speed Introductions
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet one another using a speed-dating format.

10:15 a.m.10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m.11:30 a.m.

Break Learning in Museums

Several theories are at the center of the growing understanding of how learning occurs in museums and other informal learning environments. This session will provide an overview as well as questions to help your museum determine its approach to learning.

11:30 a.m.12:15 p.m.

From Visitor Service to Visitor Experience

Planning for visitors has evolved from deciding what amenities to offer to an understanding that the learning experience starts at the front door. This session will discuss criteria that meet visitor expectations for an engaging and multigenerational experience.

12:15 p.m.1:00 p.m.

Lunch
Enjoy lunch and conversation with follow attendees.

All images Hyatt Regency Phoenix Hyatt Hotels

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1:00 p.m.1:30 p.m.

ACM Resources
ACM staff will provide a virtual tour of online resources and technical assistance available to those in the process of starting a childrens museum.

1:30 p.m.2:30 p.m.

Learning Environments
What at a childrens museum promotes creativity and problem solving? What promotes cognitive processes and social development? This session will discuss learning areas such as, arts, STEM, and health, as well as approaches such as interactivity, play, and inquiry for both exhibits and programs that will distinguish the museum.

2:30 p.m.2:45 p.m. 2:45 p.m.3:45 p.m.

Break Exhibits and Programs

Once the learning areas and approaches are determined planning turns to decisions about thematic organization, numbers and types of exhibits. Likewise, program goals and formats, audience groups and topics are determined. This session will survey the most effective practices and their space/physical requirements.

3:45 p.m.4:45 p.m.

Timelines and Budgets

The museum master plan would not be complete without timelines and cost estimates. This session will discuss steps in developing, designing and creating exhibits and programs together with budget estimates.

4:45 p.m.5:00 p.m.

Taking It Home & Closing

All images Hyatt Regency Phoenix Hyatt Hotels

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New Attendee Orientation

5:15 p.m.6:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Phoenix If you are attending InterActivity for the first time, join ACM for an orientation where you will learn how to get the most out of the conference, meet members of the ACM staff, board, and the InterActivity 2014 Program Committee as well as network with other newcomers.

Evening Event: Arizona Science Center

7:00 p.m.9:00 p.m.
Pre-registration required; tickets are $40. Arizona Science Center welcomes the Association of Childrens Museums to Phoenix! Located in Heritage and Science Park in the heart of downtown Phoenix this venue offers 300+ phenomenal galleries and exhibits of immersion and interactivity. Visit with the phenomenal in house Astronomer and explore the Arizona skies and constellations. Experience the thrill of a high-wire physics experiment and ignite your curiosity with live science demonstrations. Visit the gift shop, Awesome Atoms, for some take home trinkets! Rock your best moves on the dance floor, sip on cocktails and feast on cuisine positioned throughout the venue. Dont miss this special night of investigation and entertainment! Spend the evening at the Arizona Science Center and learn the science of fun! Welcome to Phoenix!

Wednesday, May 14
Professional Networking Breakfast
7:30 a.m.8:45 a.m.
Arizona Science Center

Hyatt Regency Phoenix Network with peers over breakfast. Tables are organized by professional categories: Leadership, Exhibits, Education, Development, Marketing, Visitor Services, Finance, Membership, and Administration.

SmallTalks

9:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.

Orpheum Theater SmallTalks will combine the best formats from creative conferences from around the world. The goal of each SmallTalk is to celebrate ideas and their power to change lives. A Preview of SmallTalks Presenters & Ideas: Alberto Ros, Arizonas first poet-laureate, has won acclaim as a writer who uses language in lyrical and unexpected ways in both his poems and short stories. His work is informed by his upbringing in the border town of Nogales, Arizona, where one is neither in this country nor the other. Ros grew up in a Spanishspeaking family but was forced to speak English in school, leading him to develop a third language, one that was all our own, as he described it. Jose David Saldivar wrote of Ros, Many of his important early poems dramatize the essence of this uncanny third language. Chris and Lena Jcome, a powerful husband & wife flamenco duo provides exceptionally exciting and thrilling flamenco performances that only a perfectly matched pair can manifest. Chris and Lenas strong partnership and artistic communication keep audiences mesmerized as they share an unforgettable experience filled with flamenco music, dance, song and the profound connection of two kindred spirits sharing their love for each other through their art. Kimber Lanning founded Local First Arizona in 2003, a grassroots, nonprofit organization dedicated to raising public awareness of the economic and cultural benefits provided by locally owned businesses. Her efforts inform, educate, and motivate consumers to support local enterprises while encouraging public policy that enables locally owned and operated businesses to thrive. She works to educate citizens, stakeholders, business leaders, and legislators about the significant environmental, economic, and cultural benefits of strong local economies.

Lunch On Your Own

12:00 p.m.1:15 p.m.

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A Guide to Concurrent Session Formats & Streams

This years program features eight session formats and six thematic session streams designed to showcase the creativity and innovation that define our field. These formats are designed to promote interactive, conversational learning. Each stream will take a holistic look at our evolving institutions. Chart your own programming course and explore several session formats and streams.

Format Tags

> Firestarter: A thought-provoking topic is explored through short presentations that fuel a Q & A
period or breakout discussions. Sessions close with a wrap-up of learning.

> Fishbowl: A transparent discussion among a defined group. Seated in the round, audience members
join in when a seat becomes available.

> Lightning Round: Presenters are given brief microphone opportunities for a lightning-quick
procession of ideas.

> Media Club: Facilitator uses video to provide a vivid catalyst for group discussion. > Spectogram: A moderator makes a controversial statement, participants take a stand on the issue
and the broad range of views is discussed.

> Talk Show: Traditional panel enlivened by a host and a vocabulary of ideas to draw on from television
game shows or interview approaches.

> Workshop: In depth sessions that focus on transferable professional skills such as managing your digital
footprint, HR practices, succession planning, etc.

> World Caf: Round tables set caf-style with one topic per table. Participants spend 15 minutes discussing,
and then rotate to the next table/topic.

Streams

> Learning: Our institutions need to be effective learning institutions. Sessions in this stream
will explore new ideas and techniques around learning and young children/families/ museums/lifelong engagement.

> Change: We need to confront and embrace change as a part of our individual, societal, and institutional
culture. Looking at the promising change happening in our communities, we will examine how to lead and manage through change as well as how to overcome the barriers to big change.

> Sustainability: We will discuss new business and philanthropy models that can sustain museums
and the field. Earned income will be examined. The mission/margin matrix of the future will be debated.

> Community: We will examine current and future issues impacting our audience and communities:
demographics, socio-economic pressures, education reform, energy and environmental concerns, and more.

> Design: We will explore innovative ideas and successful outcomes related to exhibit and environmental
design in childrens museums. Sessions may address considerations for developing an exhibit, renovating an existing space, creating a new space or constructing a new building.

> Collaboration: We will study the examples of successful collaboration models from many disciplines
of nonprofit institutions and discuss their implications for childrens museums. This stream will look critically at what it takes to build meaningful local, national, and global relationships, and assess their impact on our institutions and constituents.

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Wednesday May 14
Concurrent Professional Development Sessions
1:15 p.m.2:30 p.m. Convention Center

Campaign Roadshow: When Does the Fundraising Stop?

Talk Show: Meet fundraising gurus who will offer their thoughts on when is it time to stop fundraising. Talk show hosts Michael and Kathy will ask pointed questions on how and should the field be in constant fundraising mode, how to handle donor fatigue, and how to measure fundraising success beyond the dollar. The studio audience will have an open invitation to ask our guests burning questions. The session is designed for those who are involved in fundraising, museum leadership, and institutional planning, and/or those who want to be. Michael Shanklin, Kidspace Childrens Museum Kathy Gustafson-Hilton, Hands On! Inc. Neil Gordon, The Discovery Museums Chevy Humphrey, Arizona Science Center Mike Yankovich, Childrens Museum of Denver

Guerilla Prototyping: Reimagining the Exhibit Design Process

Lightning Round: Explore the methods and mindset for rapidly creating exhibits and quickly testing ideas that strengthen the visitor experience, develop staff, and result in a more nimble organization. Using everyday materials and creative ways of thinking, guerilla prototyping offers a thoughtful, inexpensive, and effective process to reimagine your museum. In addition to hearing from exhibit designers, educators, and museum directors, session attendees will create a prototype of their own and leave the session feeling energized about what can be imagined. Steve Tornallyay, Gyroscope, Inc. Erik Schurink, Long Island Childrens Museum Kate Marciniec, Boston Childrens Museum Ray Vandiver, Tulsa Childrens Museum Jamie Boyer, PhD, New York Botanical Garden Jennifer Spitzer, Minnesota Childrens Museum

Building Evaluation Capacity

World Caf: Responding to the growing interest in evaluation and how to better incorporate it into everyday practices across the informal learning community, this session will present practical approaches to help professionals integrate evaluative thinking into new and ongoing projects. Participants will spend about fifteen minutes at each of four tables to learn about a variety of evaluation tools, guides, and tips. The session will conclude with a moderated whole group discussion and wrap-up. Ali Jackson, Sciencenter Cheryl McCallum, Childrens Museum of Houston Kim Kuta Dring, Stepping Stones Museum for Children Cecilia Garibay, Garibay Group

Demystifying Early Math

Firestarter: Attitudes towards math start at an early age. Come to this session to learn what the latest research findings say about helping young children learn core mathematical concepts and an early love of math. This session will discuss foundational mathematics, the building blocks for later math learning, and ways in which childrens museums can create fun, early math experiences for young children. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to illustrate early math concepts and techniques to help teachers, parents, and children see that math is all around us. Stephanie Bynum, Kohl Childrens Museum of Greater Chicago Jennifer McCray, PhD, Erikson Institute Early Math Collaborative

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Wednesday May 14
Reimagining Childrens Museums: Putting Ideas in Action
World Caf: Reflect upon the innovative ideas shared over the past three years in response to the call to action: What does it mean to experience a childrens museum in the 21st century? Participants will explore the newly launched Reimagining Childrens Museums website in which they can uniquely tailor resources to develop a future-forward framework unique to their museum and its vision. Heather Johnson, Association of Childrens Museums Jessica Hubbard, Association of Childrens Museums

The Many Dimensions of Inclusion

Lightning Round: Understanding exactly who you serve in your community and how to serve them in a warm and welcoming way is important to todays childrens museums. This session will explore thought-provoking questions to evaluate whether or not you are reaching your potential as an inclusive space for your community in terms of accessibility, universal design, language, membership, funding, and more. Participants will walk away with a checklist of topics and questions that they can use again and again to consider where they are and where they want to be in serving their ever-changing communities. Ingrid Kanics, Kanics Inclusive Design Services, LLC

Early Learning and Brain Development, Part 1

Workshop: Are you aware of the direct impact early learning has on brain development during the first five years? Learn how to adapt your museums exhibits and programs to maximize the experience of early learners. Participants will learn how to utilize the ABCs of early brain developmentattention, bonding, communicationas well as the key elements of security, touch, eyes, play, and sound. Kelley Fitzsimmons, Childrens Museum of Phoenix Jill Stamm, PhD, New Directions Institute for Infant Brain Development Melanie Martin, Childrens Museum of Phoenix Jamie Lopez, New Directions Institute for Infant Brain Development

Collaborations: How to Fulfill Dreams and Avoid Nightmares

Talk Show: Join a candid discussion about collaborative and network experiences and learn how to successfully navigate the intricacies of working with other organizations to achieve mutual goals. Topics will include dealing with changing personnel, challenging personalities, and differing expectations. This session is intended for museum professionals looking to form new collaborations and networks, or to make their existing partnerships more successful. Catherine McCarthy, Science Museum of Minnesota Jennifer Rei Cameron, Arizona Science Center Betsy Loring, EcoTarium Keith Ostfeld, Childrens Museum of Houston Sam Dean, Amazeum Sari Custer, Arizona Science Center

Food for Thought

Firestarter: Many kid-focused family destinations have recently joined the healthy-eating campaign by providing play food exhibits. But are there additional opportunities were missing? This session will explore simple programming opportunities for museums of any size, including taste-testing new flavors and making simple, healthy recipes while generating positive PR. Learn how a community health/advisory committee can increase awareness of your museum and actively involve children in healthy food choices thorough cooperative play. Kelly Parthen, Bean Sprouts Caf and Cooking School Jennifer Lopez, Bean Sprouts Caf and Cooking School Amy Eisenmann, Bay Area Discovery Museum

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Wednesday May 14
Concurrent Professional Development Sessions
2:45 p.m.4:00 p.m. Convention Center

Breathe New Life and Greater Results into Individual Giving

Workshop: The majority of philanthropic dollars given in the U.S. come from individuals, yet major gift fundraising is generally underdeveloped in the childrens museum field. This session will explore the compelling data around individual giving, discuss donor identification and stewardship, building a case for support, and engaging a board in this work. Participants will work with panelists and each other to create custom individual giving work plans and processes to take home and implement. Tanya Andrews, Childrens Museum of Tacoma Gretchen Kerr, Childrens Museum of Denver Anita Durel, Durel Consulting Partners, Inc.

Lets Make Something!

Workshop: Have you been considering creating a maker space and are wondering if it is right for you? Or maybe you just opened one and are looking for vital information to help it flourish? In this Making 101 session, meet a variety of different museums, learn how they have approached making maker spaces in their museum, and examine a sampling of activities theyve created for their varied audiences and environments. Keith Ostfeld, Childrens Museum of Houston Adam Nye, The Thinkery (formerly Austin Childrens Museum) Dana Monroe, Childrens Museum of Denver Rebecca Grabman, Childrens Museum of Pittsburgh Kristi Riedel, Portland Childrens Museum

Museums for All: Engaging Diverse Audiences through Access Programs

World Caf: As museums strive to ensure that their audiences reflect the diversity within their communities, they must confront the various barriers that discourage more families from visiting, whether those barriers are real or perceived. Examples include admission costs, hours of operation, perceived value, and lack of identification with the audience. This session will seek to develop a working definition of access in childrens museums, with the goal of making the museum experience an equitable learning opportunity. Leslie Walker, Please Touch Museum Trapeta Mayson, Please Touch Museum Rachel Raizola, Childrens Museum of Phoenix Dena Milliron, i.d.e.a. Museum (formerly Arizona Museum for Youth)

Corporate Volunteers: The Untapped Resource

Talk Show: We know that the commitment of volunteers aids in the successful operation of a museum and in the strengthening of relationships between museums and their communities. We also know that companies are becoming more civically minded. Come to this session to learn how to tap into the world of corporate volunteers, explore your museums needs, and embrace the opportunity to bring in skilled talent for meaningful and purposeful activities. Sabrina Meyers, Childrens Museum of Phoenix TJ Dyer, Musical Instrument Museum Maria Maskell, Arizona Public Service Company Rick Harris, Bank of America

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Wednesday May 14
Building a Healthy Relationship with Your Board
Workshop: Explore the characteristics of healthy CEO/board relationships and why they are critical to a museums bottom line. Participants will discuss implementation of a board mentoring program which leverages board member experience and relationships to develop individual understanding and participation. This session is designed for executive staff and those who interact with boards of directors around governance, development, or organizational effectiveness. Jan Halpin, The Phoenix Philanthropy Group Julie Iacobelli, The Phoenix Philanthropy Group Deborah Whitehurst, The Phoenix Philanthropy Group

Early Learning and Brain Development, Part 2

Workshop: In the second half of this two part session, learn about a research-based, parent-education program from New Directions Institute for Infant Brain Development that features innovative early learning tools. Participants will observe how this program can be implemented in the museum setting, interact with materials, learn about potential funding opportunities, and take away crucial messages about brain development to share with parents of young children. Kelley Fitzsimmons, Childrens Museum of Phoenix Jill Stamm, PhD, New Directions Institute for Infant Brain Development Melanie Martin, Childrens Museum of Phoenix Jamie Lopez, New Directions Institute for Infant Brain Development

Back from the Brink

Talk Show: Everyone loves a good turnaround story, especially when it outlines a path for organizational transformation that can be replicated. Join a museum trustee, a community funder, a new collaborative partner, and the new executive director of the Mid-Hudson Childrens Museum, as they discuss its re-emergence as a leading area non-profit. Attendees will learn how to work collaboratively with major funders to create a community vision, engage board members in high-level organizational change, incorporate pressing community needs into an organizational strategy, and then use this strategy to create a collaborative network and realize the collective impact of community partnership. Lara Litchfield-Kimber, Mid-Hudson Childrens Museum Sam Dean, Amazeum Kimberlee Kiehl, PhD, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center Michell Speight, Dyson Foundation William Francis, Mid-Hudson Childrens Museum

How Are We Getting Kids School Ready?

Talk Show/World Caf: What is the role of childrens museums in the school readiness landscape, and how can childrens museums and school districts work together to jointly benefit children? Discover what childrens museums are doing to promote school readiness initiatives, what lessons have been learned, and what else can be done to position childrens museums as catalysts to help kids succeed in school and in lifelong learning. Pam Hartley, Marbles Kids Museum (moderator) Alyssa Tongue, Childrens Museum of Tacoma Hardin Engelhardt, Marbles Kids Museum Jeri Robinson, Boston Childrens Museum Irene Jimenez, Long Island Childrens Museum Dawn Dawson, Wake County Public School System

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Wednesday May 14
Making Digital Marketing, Mobile Technology & Social Media Work for You
Workshop: Which digital vehicles work best for your organization? How many platforms are too many to manage? What are the legal ramifications of social media? Learn how to leverage email marketing, mobile text blasts, and relevant social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram to engage and cultivate audiences, community and media relations, business development, and event promotions. Latonya S. Jordan-Smith, i.d.e.a. Museum (formerly Arizona Museum for Youth) Marion Weiner, Childrens Museum of Phoenix Julia Kennard, EdVenture Childrens Museum

IMLS Grant Programs, National Initiatives, and Commitment to Children

Talk Show: Do you know all the ways the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) supports children and youth? Receive a brief introduction to IMLS grant programs available to childrens museums while learning more about national initiatives that focus on children and youthEarly Learning, Campaign for Grade Level Reading, STEM, Lets Move, and Learning Labs. IMLS staff will be joined by grantees from the childrens museum community doing exemplary work in these areas. Reagan Moore, Institute for Museum and Library Services Claudia French, Institute for Museum and Library Services

Museum Study Tours

2:45 p.m.5:00 p.m. Tours depart from Hyatt Regency Phoenix

Pre-registration required; tickets are $25.

Tour A:
Childrens Museum of Phoenix Get an in-depth and informative tour through the Childrens Museum of Phoenix that will share innovative ideas on incorporating exercise and movement throughout your own museum. The Childrens Museum of Phoenix may have been voted one of the top 10 childrens museums in the country, but the learning and fun doesnt stop with the whimsical approach and attention to detail throughout the exhibits. Partnerships with local organizations such as St. Vincent de Paul and the Special Olympic Young Athletes Program have fostered interactive fitness programs that trained floor staff integrate into the exhibit areas on any given day. Staff will share the importance of physical fitness with caregivers and provide suggestions for continuing the physical exercise with similar activities at home. The programs open new channels for leaning and movement for every child, but especially for children with special needs and children at risk for diabetes and obesity.

Tour B:
Arizona Science Center Explore some of the Science Centers seven themed galleries that contain more than 300 hands-on exhibits. Experience the newest gallery The W.O.N.D.E.R. Center, which examines the anatomy of the brain, neuroscience, development, and thought.

Arizona Science Center

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Wednesday May 14
Investigation Sessions
4:15 p.m.5:30 p.m. Convention Center

1) Advocating for Our Youngest Learners

There is a long road ahead in the fight to advocate the benefits of quality early childhood education. Over the past year, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Association of Childrens Museums (ACM) have teamed up to develop effective messaging to get powerbrokers to stop, listen, and act. Learn about the progress made thus far and join the team to further the campaign. Jane Werner, Childrens Museum of Pittsburgh Walter F. Drew, EdD, Institute for Self Active Education, Inc.; NAEYC Play, Policy & Practice Interest Forum Marcia L. Nell, PhD, Millersville University; NAEYC Play, Policy & Practice Interest Forum

2) Creative Problem Solving Using Design Thinking

The concept of Design Thinking has gained significant recognition in several disciplines including business and engineering. Design thinking can be described as a creative, multidisciplinary, human-centered approach to solving complex problems. Indeed, childrens museums are trying to solve complex problems such as obesity, kindergarten readiness, and grade level reading. Further, ACMs Reimagining Childrens Museums project asked, How might childrens museums create a 21st century learning experience? In this session, attendees will be introduced to design thinking and its structured approach to generating and developing new solutions. Learn how design thinking can help you reimagine your museum.

Evening Event: i.d.e.a. Museums Night of Delight

6:30 p.m.9:30 p.m.
Pre-registration required; tickets are $45. Bring your imagination to the i.d.e.a. Museum for this night of creativity as we welcome you to Mesa and celebrate the child within all of us! Explore the exhibition Art of the Robot and make your own robotic masterpiece. Design your own glasses in Face Frames, create a short film with Snap Flix developed by Arizona State Universitys College of Innovation & Technology, or have a few laughs in the Camp Out! glow-in-the-dark room. Opportunities to create are abound throughout the museum. Sip on a signature drink at the bar under the stars in our Atrium or enjoy the delicious dinner buffet. Be entertained and boogie to the beat of a live band. When the night is over youll easily drift off to sleep from a night of sheer delight!

i.d.e.a. Museum

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Thursday, May 15
ACM MarketPlace
7:30 a.m.4:30 p.m.
The ACM MarketPlace is a central part of the InterActivity experience. For one day only, West of the Phoenix Convention Center will be is reimagined as marketplace of inspiring program ideas, creative product and service solutions, exhibit models that are ready to rent and design prototypes ready to be customized for your childrens museum. More than 92 percent of conference attendees report that the ACM MarketPlace is an essential resource for finding and learning about vendors and partners. For more information on exhibiting in the MarketPlace, please visit www.ChildrensMuseums.org.

ACM MarketPlace Breakfast

7:30 a.m.8:45 a.m.
All InterActivity registrants are invited to explore the exhibit hall throughout the day; complimentary breakfast will be hosted in the ACM MarketPlace.

Plenary Session & ACM Great Friend to Kids Award Ceremony

9:00 a.m.10:15 a.m.
ACM will present its 2014 Great Friend to Kids Award to Ralph Smith. The award is presented annually at InterActivity and honors those who have made significant contributions to strengthening education and advancing the interests of children. ACM selected Mr. Smith for his outstanding leadership in the national effort to increase rates of third-grade reading proficiency through the Campaign for Grade Level Reading. Keynote Address: Ralph Smith, Senior Vice President of the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Managing Director for the Campaign for Grade Level Reading, will talk about the national effort to increase rates reading proficiency by third gradea predictor of school success and high school graduation. Speaker Biography: As Managing Director for the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, a national effort to increase rates of third-grade reading proficiency, especially for children from low-income families, Ralph Smith pursues a mission that has been a personal passion throughout his career: improving academic outcomes, and with them the life chances, of children from low-income homes. As Senior Vice President of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which fosters public policies, human-service reforms, and community supports that more effectively meet the needs of today's vulnerable children and families, Smith has served on the senior leadership team of the Foundation since 1994. He led the design, development, and management of the Foundation's Making Connections initiative, a comprehensive effort to help communities improve outcomes for children by strengthening families and neighborhoods. A member of the Law Faculty at the University of Pennsylvania for two decades, Smith is a nationally recognized legal scholar and attorney with expertise in corporate and securities law as well as education law and policy. He also served as Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer for the School District of Philadelphia, and as a senior advisor to former Philadelphia Mayor Wilson Goode on children and family policy. As the founding director of both the National Center on Fathers and Families and the Philadelphia Children's Network, Smith helped launch and lead what is now known as the Responsible Fatherhood movement. Mr. Smith is a nationally recognized leader in U.S. philanthropy. He served on the Board of Directors of the Council on Foundations from 2000 to 2010. He also has served on the boards of the Foundation Center, Wells Fargo Regional Foundation, Venture Philanthropy Partners, the Clinton Center on Community Philanthropy, and the Annenberg Institute for School Reform.

Ralph Smith Managing Director for the Campaign for Grade Level Reading

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Thursday May 15
Museum Study Tours
10:30 a.m.12:45 p.m.
Pre-registration required; tickets are $25. Participants should meet in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Phoenix at 10:30 a.m. Buses will depart promptly at 10:40 a.m. and return by 12:45 p.m.

Tour C:
i.d.e.a. Museum, Mesa Do you ever wonder what it takes to create an exhibition with real art work and inspiring interactives next to one another in the same gallery? Visit the i.d.e.a. Museum and see the large workshop space, hear from the team how they create exhibits onsite, and how staff worked with Gyroscope, Inc. to bring the Hub to life. Enjoy a tour of Art of the Robot. Museum Curator Jeffory Morris, Curator of Education Dena Milliron, and Exhibit Designer Rex Witte will share how an exhibition is developed from start to finish. Dress comfortably as this is a hands-on session.

Tour D:
Arizona Museum of Natural History, Mesa Join Education staff for an interactive tour of the galleries and explore 4.5 billion years of history! After the tour we will spend time in the Exploration Station, a space which encourages inquiry through creativity and discovery. The mission of the Exploration Station is to foster a childs ability to make cognitive connections between our exciting exhibitions and their perception of the world. You will have fun participating in low tech low cost interactives. Adult and teen volunteers will tour with us to demonstrate how they make it all possible.

Arizona Museum of Natural History

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Thursday May 15
Concurrent Professional Development Sessions
10:30 a.m.11:45 a.m.

Cultivate Donors, Not Shoppers

Firestarter: For organizations dependent on contributed revenue, nothing is more important than relationships with constituents. But did you know that focusing on the tangible benefits of donating or becoming a member could be negatively impacting your ability to solicit donations in the future? Join our panel discussion to identify the type of relationship your organization has with its constituents, the impacts of your strategies, and what you can do to build future donor relationships. Julia Kennard, EdVenture Putter Bert, KidsQuest Childrens Museum Stephanie Lim Capello, Please Touch Museum Laura Beussman, Blackbaud Jay Odell, Blackbaud

Neighborhoods of Change and the New Paradigm: Reimagining Childrens Museums Case Studies
Workshop: Ch-ch-ch-changes! Examine the significant roles that childrens museums are playing and can play in community transformation and revitalization. First, revisit the concept of childrens museums as the new public squares, hubs of intergenerational activities, and engagement. Next, learn how your museum can be a catalyst for revitalization of its neighborhood and finally, how collective impact initiatives are shaping visions for the future. Doug Suisman, Suisman Urban Design Anthony Bridgeman, The Childrens Museum of Indianapolis Rhonda Kiest, Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Growing Excellence: Applying Standards at Your Museum

Workshop: Childrens museums are in an exciting period of growth and success, and a critical element to sustain this trajectory is a commitment to standardsfield-wide core standards and childrens museum-specific standards. Find out how applying standards to your museums operations is achievable and can help it showcase its achievements, increase its professionalism, and enhance its reputation and service to its community. Leave inspired to strive to meet the standards, with tips on how your museum can start applying the standards regardless of its resources or organizational lifecycle, and with an understanding of how the standards can help galvanize your staff and trustees. Sheridan Turner, Kohl Childrens Museum of Greater Chicago Julie Hart, American Alliance of Museums Victoria Garvin, Association of Childrens Museums

The Floor Staff-Education Connection

World Caf: As your largest team, the floor staff has amazing opportunities to connect visitors to the educational value of exhibits, programs, and play. This session will explore multiple approaches to enhancing visitors educational experiences and understanding of the educational value of childrens museums. We will look at the role of floor staff at an organizational level in both large and small museums, individual museums strategies for making this connection, training approaches, and evaluation opportunities. Alison Luk, KidsQuest Childrens Museum Sarah Bigley, KidsQuest Childrens Museum Sara Sherman, Omaha Childrens Museum Shira Abraham, Omaha Childrens Museum

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Thursday May 15
Beyond MakingCreating Museum Experiences
Lightning Round: This session will have you examining your own thinking and assumptions about educational programming, imaginative play, and childrens theater. Each presenter will provide examples of museum programming that moves beyond craft and maker-based activities to programming designed to engage the learner in experiences. Find ways to incorporate song and dance, movement in response to art work, short plays and larger scale childrens theater productions at your museum. Sally Otis, National Building Museum Alice Gonglewski, Please Touch Museum David Hutchman, Please Touch Museum Anna Rooney, Childrens Museum of Winston-Salem

Engaging Bilingual Audiences

Lightning Round: Whether you want to reach Spanish speaking or other bilingual audiences and dont know where to start, or you already have bilingual programs and want to enhance your offerings, this session is for you. Learn about available resources and ways to promote and increase participation. Hear what a variety of museums are doing to reach new audiences and take away simple strategies to present bilingual programs in a meaningful, relevant way. Aaron Guerrero, Childrens Museum of Houston Hardin Engelhardt, Marbles Kids Museum Renee Guerrero, WOW! Childrens Museum Karlisa Callwood, Miami Science Museum Ali Jackson, Sciencenter

Membership: Financial Boost or Institutional Drain?

Spectrogram: Are childrens museum members a source of long-term support or contributing to resource fatigue? Members boost revenue and act as our greatest advocates; but as consumers, they may drain resources with frequent free visits, building wear-and-tear, and low donor conversion rates. Museums large and small can be affected. Examine the pros and cons of museum memberships and gain an understanding of how memberships can better sustain/support your museum as well as the possible drawbacks of a rapidly expanding member base. Christy OShea Novak, Minnesota Childrens Museum Callie Siegel, Childrens Museum of Manhattan Marion Wiener, Childrens Museum of Phoenix

Bringing Reggio Home

Talk Show: In November 2013, a group of 50 childrens museums participated in a week-long study tour to Reggio Emilia, Italy. Join this session for a dialogue with some of the tour participants who will share their evolving insights into principles and practices reflecting the perspective of different cities, museums, and roles. Panelists will discuss how museums and their allies can incorporate and adapt Reggio practices, including parent engagement, community engagement, and documentation to support children and families in their communities. Jeanne Vergeront, Vergeront Museum Planning Julia Bland, Louisiana Childrens Museum Stuart Young, BCRA Design

How to Rock YOUR Museum!

Talk Show: Whats that you hear? Its music to your ears! In this session, participants will learn how to bring childrens musicians to their museum. Explore the logistics of booking musicians, feedback from staff and patrons, and the educational benefits of musical performances. Join us as we discuss how to create successful music experiences at YOUR museum. Kelley Fitzsimmons, Childrens Museum of Phoenix Stefan Shepherd, Zooglobble Lucky Diaz/Alisha Gaddis, Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band Jim Packard, Long Island Childrens Museum Kathy Rowe, Music Together in Phoenix, LLC 27

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Thursday May 15
Enhance Your Evaluation Efforts: Tools and Techniques to Refresh, Restart, and Refine Your Work
World Caf: Childrens museums are working steadily to measure the impact of visitor experiences on children, adults, and the community. This session will include an overview, three roundtable discussions, 1) using others research to inform your practice, 2) logic models and evaluation purposes, 3) writing effective questions, plus a group wrap up. Attendees will receive handouts to continue their exploration after the conference. The session is designed for those who have some experience developing and conducting evaluations, but want to restart, redefine, or renew their practice. Caren S. Oberg, Oberg Research, LLC Lorrie Beaumont, Evergreene Research and Evaluation, LLC Cheryl Kessler, Blue Scarf Consulting, LLC

Play It Forward: Elements of a Successful Request for Proposal

Workshop: Using Explore & More Childrens Museums expansion proposal, selected by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation as part of Buffalos waterfront revitalization project, this workshop will delve into the complex, comprehensive, and integrated master planning process necessary to achieve maximum impact. Learn how each element in master planning creates a road map for getting to there. Maeryta Medrano, AIA, Gyroscope, Inc. Barbara Park Leggett, Explore & More Childrens Museum Bob Brais, ConsultEcon

Journeys of Emergence and Reinvention

Media Club: This session begins with a short documentary film that follows a year in the life of a developing institution in Detroit. Afterwards, there will be conversation and questions with the panelall of whom contributed to the filmon the lessons learned while developing a new childrens museum or re-inventing one. Elizabeth Cannella, Imaginosity Discovery Center Patricia Miller-Hurley, Imaginosity Discovery Center Susan Garrard, Mississippi Childrens Museum Alicen Blanchard, Mississippi Childrens Museum Cathlin Bradley, Cloudberry Studio Sharon Klotz, Alchemy Studio

ACM MarketPlace Lunch

11:45 a.m.1:45 p.m.
All InterActivity registrants are invited to explore the exhibit hall throughout the day; complimentary lunch will be hosted in the ACM MarketPlace.

Concurrent Professional Development Sessions

2:00 p.m.3:15 p.m. Convention Center

Not Just for CEOs: The Case for Developing Mid-Level Leadership
Talk Show: Join a discussion focusing on how the childrens museum field can more actively develop adaptive leadership skills for leaders at all levels of the organization, and why leadership development matters especially for mid-career professionals. Participants will explore how skill building, reflective practice, and peer networks can strengthen both individuals and organizations. The session will also examine the importance of risk taking, active learning, deep listening, making mistakes, and finding new ways to unbundle leadership challenges. Marsha Semmel, Noyce Leadership Institute (moderator) Blake Wiegdahl, Thanksgiving Point Brenda Baker, Madison Childrens Museum Chris Seifert, Childrens Museum of Pittsburgh Gail Ringel, Association of Childrens Museums

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Thursday May 15
Innovative Early Literacy Collaboration
Talk Show: Community partnerships with non-museum institutions are important to todays childrens museums. Learn about San Antonio Childrens Museums collaboration with the San Antonio Public Library, and the way in which the two are working together to positively impact early literacy. Examine the efficacy of partnerships between diverse organizations that have different audience bases but share common goals, and gain inspiration to create your own collaborative partnerships. Robin Voight, San Antonio Childrens Museum Viki Ash, San Antonio Public Library Cheryl Bartholow, Argyle Design, Inc. Lorrie Beaumont, Evergreene Research and Evaluation, LLC

Engaging an Early Childhood Audience in Maker Spaces

Workshop: Maker and tinkering spaces are established in many museums, but it can be a challenge to find materials and strategies for effectively engaging young children. This immersive workshop will explore the ways in which design experiences and environments in museum settings can be appropriately scaffolded for young children while supporting productive family participation in making. Through hands-on activity stations, participants will discover what elements of activity design, materials, tools, and facilitation contribute to successful experiences for children age four to seven. Monika Mayer, Lawrence Hall of Science Ellen Blinderman, Lawrence Hall of Science Adam Nye, The Thinkery (formerly Austin Childrens Museum) Janella Watson, New York Hall of Science Rebecca Gragman, Childrens Museum of Pittsburgh

City Landlord: Blessing or Curse?

Firestarter: Finding an appropriate yet cost-effective building for a new or expanding museum requires skillful negotiation and a clear vision of future needs. While some childrens museums have crafted win-win contracts with their cities as landlords, there are many challenges and unintended consequences to this model. Participants will explore diverse perspectives of the city landlord relationship and develop negotiating toolboxes to help them move forward in the search for a new museum home. Nancy Stice, Childrens Museum of Phoenix Stephanie Lim Capello, Please Touch Museum Sue Broad, DuPage Childrens Museum

Improving Experiences for Children with Disabilities

Workshop: This interactive session will inspire participants with ways to offer unique play opportunities for children with disabilities. By equipping children of all abilities with inclusive environments and the skills to play together independently, all children will feel nurtured, encouraged, respected, and active during play, thereby creating a sense of community among all children. Attendees will explore how to foster friendships, break down barriers, and promote disability awareness through unique exhibits, programs, and intentional design. Jennie Sumrell, PlayCore Marcos Stafne, PhD, Brooklyn Childrens Museum Jayne Griffin, EdD, Creative Discovery Museum

Boosting Morale with a Minimal Budget

Fishbowl: What do dress down days, reserved parking spaces, and staff potlucks have in common? They all help with teambuilding among your staff and increase morale. These cost-effective activities can lead to an overall increase in positive attitude, which will translate to your museum floor and increase positive visitor experiences. Bring ideas, both successful and unsuccessful, to contribute to the discussion in this interactive session. Melanie Martin, Childrens Museum of Phoenix Kendra Decker, Childrens Museum Tucson Jeremiah Sazdanoff, Childrens Museum of Phoenix Alicen Blanchard, Mississippi Childrens Museum Sydney Pinnen, Mississippi Childrens Museum 30

Thursday May 15
The Pros and Cons of Satellite Locations
Fishbowl: Is your museum considering a satellite location? Hear from CEOs who are currently operating or contemplating a satellite location as they share their insights and efforts. This session is designed for CEOs who want to better understand the pros and cons of satellite locations, identify ways to better serve members of the community who may not have access to the main museum location, and gain a deeper appreciation of how a satellite location can impact a museums bottom line, brand, and profile in the community. Attendees will be invited into the fishbowl to ask questions and to share ideas or experiences. Kathy Gustafson-Hilton, Hands On! Inc. (moderator) Dianne Krizan, Minnesota Childrens Museum Lindy J. Hoyer, Omaha Childrens Museum Karen S. Coltrane, Childrens Museum of Richmond Michael Luria, Childrens Museum Tucson Chevy Humphrey, Arizona Science Center

Onsite School in Sight?

Firestarter: Many childrens museums have successfully incorporated a school into their operation, but the challenges can be as significant as the rewards. Four museums present their experiences establishing a private preschool, leasing to a Head Start program, or running a public charter school within their facilities. These presentations will be followed by a group discussion of experiences from other museums, as well as a Q&A for those museums contemplating an on-site school. Ruth Shelly, Portland Childrens Museum Jane Werner, Childrens Museum of Pittsburgh Deborah Spiegelman, Miami Childrens Museum Tanya Andrews, Childrens Museum of Tacoma

ACM Going Wild! Great Outdoor Exhibits

Media Club: Learn about developing great outdoor natural play exhibits from ACMs three Going Wild at Childrens Museums pilot sites. Panelists will share their experiences with site development, fabrication, installation, visitor experiences, and evaluation. Relive their journeys through design plans, photographs, and time-lapse video. Greg Belew, Hands On! Inc. (moderator) Patty Belmonte, Hands On Childrens Museum Joanne Morrell, Kansas Childrens Discovery Center Brenda Baker, Madison Childrens Museum

Multimedia Global Connections

Workshop: Stepping Stone Museum for Children received the 2013 MetLife Foundation and ACM Promising Practice Replication Award for its Multimedia Global Connections initiative. The museum will present its newly launched online toolkit with replication resources. Museum representatives share lessons and insights about how to connect children in the U.S. with children in countries around the globe and vice versa. Hyla Crane, Stepping Stones Museum for Children Michael Prescott, Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Learning Value of Childrens Museums Research Agenda

Firestarter: In September 2013, ACM convened over 100 childrens museum leaders, researchers, evaluators, and educators, together with independent and academic researchers with the purpose of building a fieldwide research agenda. Join this session for a discussion of key research agenda questions about impact, family learning, community ecosystems, and growing a culture of research in museums. To start the session, panelists will share how they have used the research agenda at their institutions. Victoria Garvin, Association of Childrens Museums (moderator)

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Thursday May 15
Developmentally Appropriate Practice and Childrens Museums
World Caf: This session will focus on Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP), the foundation of work for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Learn about the three core considerations of the DAP framework: knowing about child development and learning, knowing what is individually appropriate, and knowing what is culturally important. The session will explore issues including serving different age groups, using open-ended approaches, and involving families in their childrens learning. Kathleen Charner, NAEYC Peter Pizzolongo, NAEYC Martha Munoz, Northern Arizona University

Museum Study Tours

3:15 p.m.5:30 p.m. Tour E:
Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park Explore the ancient heart of Phoenix! During this visit you will be led on a guided tour along a 2/3 mile trail that takes you through a 1,500 year old prehistoric Hohokam archaeological village site with a partially excavated platform mound, ballcourt, and replicated prehistoric houses. Then visit the museums three galleriesthe main gallery displays artifacts of the Hohokam and discusses the site of Pueblo Grande; the childrens hands-on gallery has activities to help kids learn about the science of archaeology; and the changing gallery features exhibits on various topics from archaeology, southwest cultures, and Arizona history. Wear your walking shoes! Pre-registration required; tickets are $25.

Pubelo Grande Museum Mound Tour Bob Rink

Tour F:
Halle Heart Childrens Museum, Tempe Take an amazing journey at Halle Heart Childrens Museum and learn the science behind the heart through sensory and interactive experiences led by the museums Heart Guides. As a program of the American Heart Association, the museum is one of kind. Heart Guides will share the museums three main principles: eat a balanced diet, exercise daily, and say no to tobacco. Youll take home ideas about how to promote heart-healthy living at your museum.

ACM MarketPlace Coffee Break

3:15 p.m.3:45 p.m.
Enjoy a complimentary coffee break hosted in the ACM MarketPlace.

Investigation Sessions
3:45 p.m.5:00 p.m.

1) i.d.e.a. Museum: The Future has Arrived

For the Arizona Museum for Youth (AMY), the journey to become the i.d.e.a. Museumwhich stands for Imagination, Design, Experience, Artbegan in 2011 with a project named Image for the Future supported by the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. The initial phase included a deep-dive audience research study. Analysis of audience data provided clear and strategic direction for the museum. To guide brand development efforts, the museum collaborated with a local marketing firm that used CrowdSpring, an online logo, graphic design and naming website to engage the community and designers, writers, and artists from around the world. To reimagine the learning environment, the museum visited hybrid museums and sought international collaborations with artists and innovators. AMYs transformation to the i.d.e.a. Museum will be complete in early 2014. Gain insights about the process and take home ideas about how to create the future of your museum. Sunnee ORork, i.d.e.a. Museum James Chung, Reach Advisors John Willie, Creative Engine Judy Jolley Mohraz PhD, The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Latonya Jordan-Smith, i.d.e.a. Museum

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2) Peer to Peer Roundtable Discussions
New to InterActivity 2014: Join your fellow childrens museum professionals in an informal setting to investigate ideas, issues, challenges, and possibilitiesboth practical and philosophical through conversation. Table moderators will introduce a topic and facilitate the discussion. Stay at one roundtable discussion, or move between roundtables to touch on multiple topics. The choice is yours. Topics include: Bringing Play into the Community Moderator: Bob Dean, Grand Rapids Childrens Museum Why Teens Matter to Childrens Museums Moderator: Marcos Stafne, PhD, Brooklyn Childrens Museum Starting a Childrens Museum Idea Exchange Moderator: Peter Chang, Child Creativity Lab Museum and Library Collaborations Moderator: Rachel Stein, Eastern Shore Regional Library Using Technology in Your Museum Moderator: Kevin Dilley, Sciencenter Small Exhibit Idea Exchange Moderator: John Ito, KidsQuest Childrens Museum Creating a Successful Community Advisory Committee Moderator: Patrice Keet, Santa Cruz Childrens Museum of Discovery

CEO & Trustee Reception: Desert Botanical Garden

6:00 p.m.7:00 p.m.
Leave from the Hyatt Regency Phoenix Pre-registration required; tickets are $35. The Children's Museum of Phoenix invites museum CEOs and trustees to experience the true beauty of the Sonoran Desert at a reception held on the Ullman Terrace in the renowned Desert Botanical Garden. This spacious outdoor tiered patio is surrounded by soft petal reflective lights and up-lit saguaros. If you are lucky, you may be able to catch a glimpse of one of the twenty one stunning works of art by Dale Chihuly, which are currently on exhibition throughout the Garden.

Dale Chihuly; Scarlet Asymmetrical Tower and Yellow Asymmetrical Tower; 2013 Desert Botanical Garden; Phoenix Photo by: Scott M. Leen

Dale Chihuly; Red Reeds; 2013 Desert Botanical Garden; Phoenix Photo by: Scott M. Leen

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Thursday May 15
Evening Event: Its a PLAY DATE at the Childrens Museum of Phoenix
6:30 p.m.9:30 p.m.
Pre-registration required; tickets are $45. Its a Play Date like no other. A night for grown-ups to come out and play. This retro-inspired evening is the Museums signature adult event and you get to experience it all! Bring your inner child and build a blanket fort, ride a trike, get lost in the Noodle Forest, make a meal in Texture Caf, and create a masterpiece in the Art Studio. Thrill to classic retro games and toysthink Rock Em, Sock Em Robots, Toss Across, Twister, Chutes and Ladders, plus take aim in the Nerf gun shooting gallery or on the HUGE Atari 2600 Video Game Wall. Just be sure to watch your toes when our GIANT Jenga blocks come tumbling down! Then, pick out some props and take a photo in our free photo booth. Grab some crayons to color some retro coloring pages. Make your own Play Date button. Or sit in on a couple rounds of Candy Bar Bingo for a chance to win full size candy bars and a King Size Hershey Bar at the top of the hour! See first-hand why our iconic, one-of-a-kind, three-story Climber is referred to as the most awesome tree house everits likeTree-House-Zilla! To quench your thirst and feed your hunger, enjoy delicious southwest inspired food and bars on each floor of the Museum. But dont worry, there will also be a live DJ to help you dance away those extra calories!

Play Date Pedle Power Childrens Musuem of Phoenix CMP

Play Date Dance Floor Childrens Musuem of Phoenix CMP

Play Date Video Wall Childrens Musuem of Phoenix CMP

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Friday, May 16
SUPPORTED BY

2014 Promising Practice Award Reimagined Recognition Breakfast

7:30 a.m.8:45 a.m.
Network with peers over breakfast. Celebrate the recipients of the 2014 MetLife Foundation and ACM Promising Practice Award Reimagined. Since 1999, the Promising Practice Awards have recognized excellence and innovation in childrens museums practices. Over the programs 15 year history, the award has built a body of knowledge and replicable practices that have advanced the field. This year, the award focus will shift from recognition to incubation of innovative and creative ideas. In conjunction with ACMs three-year project, Reimagining Childrens Museums, the award itself is reimagined!

Plenary Session

9:00 a.m.10:15 a.m.

Keynote Address: Tom Kelley, general manager of IDEO, seasoned innovation practitioner, and author, will discuss his recent book, Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All (2013), which speaks to childrens museums through its acknowledgement of the power that playful, interactive, and collaborative learning experiences have in sparking curiosity and nurturing the creative spirit. Speaker Biography: Tom Kelley practices innovation every day. His ability to foster a culture of creativity in the companies he works with has made him one of the most beloved figures in innovation. Toms newest book, Creative Confidence, is an out-of-the-box success; in its first week, it was already among the best-selling business books in the country, leading the field in motivational leadership and problem-solving. Creative Confidence is a guide to recognizing and unleashing the creative potential in every employee. Too often, companies and individuals assume that creativity and innovation are the domain of the creative typesartists, writers, the design team. But every one of us has the potential to be creative; creativity is a mindset that anyone can cultivate, not a personality trait you either have or you dont. And in a marketplace where competitiveness is defined by innovation, the more creativity you unlock across the board, the more likely you are to succeed. Creative Confidence was co-written with Toms brother David Kelley, the founder of IDEO and creator of the Stanford d.school, and the book draws on both brothers extensive work through these institutions with many of the worlds top companies.
Tom Kelley General Manager, IDEO

This is just the latest step in Toms highly respected career as a leader in innovation management and design. Under his management, IDEO has won more admiration and awards than any other design firm in the last decade. At the heart of IDEOs success is the Creative Confidence philosophy: everyone can contribute creatively to a project if innovation is part of an organizations way of life. Toms earlier books include The Art of Innovation, which describes IDEOs deep dive approach to successful product creation, focusing on brainstorming and teamwork as invaluable tools. The Ten Faces of Innovation shares ten unique strategies for making sure that good ideas make it to market. Tom was named the first-ever Executive Fellow by the Dean of the Haas Business School, University of California Berkeley, and received the 2009 Kellogg Award for Distinguished Leadership from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.

Keynote Book Signing

10:15 a.m.10:45 a.m.

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Concurrent Professional Development Sessions
10:45 a.m.12:00 p.m.

Nature Maker Spaces

Firestarter: Children today are less connected with nature than ever before, which has significant consequences to their understanding of the world as well as their intellectual and developmental well-being. Learn about the powerful, first-hand experiences of Nature Maker Spaces and the potential they create to increase visitation, multi-generational engagement, educational opportunities, development, and generate revenue. Tobey Eugenio, Heritage Museums & Gardens Justine Roberts, Consultant Joseph P . Cox, EcoTarium Paula Peterson, The Childrens Museum in Easton Cybil Guess, The Thinkery (formerly Austin Childrens Museum)

Art and Technology in Creative Learning

Media Club: Learn the ways in which new media and creative programming centered on art making, storytelling, and collaboration can enhance classroom learning, reach audiences with special needs and older age groups, and promote 21st century skills. Presenter Joe Vena will set up an animation station and lead a hands-on demonstration of stop-motion animation, explaining the basic equipment and software requirements to start an animation project at your museum. Gain insights on storytelling as a pedagogical strategy, community mobilizer, and tool for change. Barbara McLanahan, Childrens Museum of the Arts Joe Vena, Childrens Museum of the Arts Allison Myers, Center for Digital Storytelling

Promising Practice Award Showcase

Workshop: Learn how four childrens museums are innovating and redefining their practices and programming to create places where all kids can learn what it takes to become a 21st century global citizen. The 2013 MetLife Foundation and ACM Promising Practice Award recipients share their practices. Attendees will walk away with new ideas and tools to implement at their own institutions. Natalie Bortoli, Chicago Childrens Museum Brenda Morrison, Childrens Museum of Tacoma Tony Lawson, Duke Energy Childrens Museum

Making Learning through Play Visible

Lightning Round/World Caf: Research has demonstrated the positive impact of open-ended play on childrens learning, but the learning that happens through play in general, and specifically in childrens museums, is often invisible to visiting families. In this session, designed for education and exhibit professionals, we will consider research and practice at several different museums, each exploring distinct methods of effectively revealing childrens learning processes to adult visitors, museum educators, and children themselves. Robin Meisner, Providence Childrens Museum Suzy Letourneau, Providence Childrens Museum Marta Biarnes, Museum of Science, Boston Kimberley McKenney, Childrens Museum of Tacoma Nichole Polifka, Minnesota Childrens Museum Jeanne Vergeront, Vergeront Museum Planning

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Friday May 16
Balanced Diet: A Fundraising Model
Workshop: Creating a balanced and integrated approach across your museums key operational areas leads to sustainable strategies for funding needs. Join this interactive session to learn how marketing, communications, membership, community outreach, and development fit together to create a comprehensive fundraising program. Designed for museum development and marketing professionals, this session will focus on strategies, tactics, organizational culture, and toolsalso included, open dialogue, discussion, and tactical application. Richard Tollefson, The Phoenix Philanthropy Group Marc Kellenberger, The Phoenix Philanthropy Group Scott Nelson, The Phoenix Philanthropy Group

Mobilizing Museums and Libraries: Lessons from Race to the Top

Workshop: Learn how to replicate the successful initiative in Massachusetts that has expanded the states network of resources for families and communities that support early learning. Serving as a core partner in the states Race to the Top award, Boston Childrens Museum has mobilized 68 museums and 55 libraries across the state with programming, curricula, and other tools to impact the youngest learners and their families. Gain hands-on experience with current materials focused on STEM, kindergarten readiness, literacy, and brain building. Jeri Robinson, Boston Childrens Museum Beth Fredericks, Boston Childrens Museum

Remarkable Customer Service in the Childrens Museum World

Workshop: In this interactive session, we will remind, inspire, and motivate attendees to improve the guest experience they provide to each museum guest every day. Not only are guests paying the salaries of museum staff, but they are enriching the lives and imaginations of our next generation. Youll be asked to imagine if admission was $200 instead of $10 and what would you do differently? Youll leave with dozens of ideas to implement when you return home. Best news: these dont need special funding, but an attitude of being the best you can be every day. Sara Sherman, Omaha Childrens Museum Bob Shaff, Customers for Life Consulting

The Science of Surviving a Software Conversion

Talk Show: Assessing your organizations needs and business processes, as well as gaining staff/team buy-in before embarking on a software conversion are critically important. Session presenters will share results of their assessments, decision points, and how they identified potential new systems. Attendees will be invited to review software pitches and join in a game of Worst (and Best) Case Scenario during a software conversion. Shelley Saunders, KidsQuest Childrens Museum Katie Boehm, KidsQuest Childrens Museum Lindy Hoyer, Omaha Childrens Museum

Gaming the Way to Learning

Media Club: Games provide great learning experiences for all audiencesfrom very young children to tweens and teens to adults! Museums of all sizes can incorporate game play and game design into programming whether it be low tech or high tech. The session will begin with two brief videos and a live theater segment. The majority of the session will be dedicated to open discussion of topics including learning outcomes, community partnerships to support game-related programs, and how to think like a game developer. Rae Ostman, Royal Ontario Museum Bep Shippers, Royal Ontario Museum Keith Ostfeld, Childrens Museum of Houston Nora Moynihan, Port Discovery Childrens Museum

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Friday, May 16
Post-Conference In Dialogue with International Childrens Museums 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Pre-registration is required for this free event (lunch included). There is limited seating, available on a first-come, first-serve basis: 50 percent of seats are allotted for International Childrens Museums (open and emerging), 25 percent of seats are allotted for U.S. childrens museums, and 25 percent of seats are allotted for non-museum professionals. Call ACM at 703.224.3100, x105 to register. Worldwide connectivity increases daily, ideas and telecommunications unite the childrens museum field as never before. Globally and locally childrens museums are building community across cultures. In Dialogue with International Childrens Museums provides an opportunity for a rich multi-country conversation about the impact of the field worldwide. Facilitators will guide attendees through a series of questions designed to build connections and unite the field in common goals, for example:

> What are the most critical issues facing children and families in your country/community? > How can/should your museum help to address these issues? > Whom do you serve? Characterize the kinds of children and families that participate in your programs.
If you are not yet open, whom do you intend to serve?

> What about staffing? What do they need to know to advance the museums work? > Who are your major partners/collaborators in serving children and families? > In your country, how do children learn in your museum compared to the way they learn in school? > What are you doing now to ensure that your museum will be financially sustainable in the future?
Discover together the similarities and differences among practices and vision for the work of childrens museums. Come to share ideas; leave inspired by colleagues and prepared to continue the global dialogue when you return to your museum. In Dialogue with International Childrens Museums is sponsored by Cambridge Seven Associates, Inc.

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