COSI WELCOMESWELCOMES OUROUR COLLEAGUESCOLLEAGUES FROMFROM AAROUNDROUND the WWORLDORLD TOTO THETHE 20172017 Vvisitorisitor Sstudiestudies Coconferencenference

COSI WELCOMESWELCOMES OUROUR COLLEAGUESCOLLEAGUES FROMFROM AAROUNDROUND THE WWORLDORLD TOTO THETHE 20172017 VVisitorisitor SStudiestudies CoConferencenference

We think you will ﬁﬁndnd that Columbus is rich with lelearningarning opportunities in tthehe arts andand sciences. COSI is proudprouud to bebe ppartart ooff this robust cultural community,community, and to supportsuppoort the work ooff the Visitor Studies Association and its members.members.

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

Monday, July 17 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Registra on Open

Tuesday, July 18 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Registra on Open 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Pre-Conference Workshops Photo Credit: Grahm S. Jones 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pre-Conference Field Trip to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium ( cket required) 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Registra on Open 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Wine and Work Pre-Conference Workshop

Wednesday, July 19 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registra on Open 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Pre-Conference Workshops 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. VSA Board of Directors Mee ng 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. April Award Celebra on ( cket required) 7:00 p.m. New A endee Hangout ( cket required) 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Slide Clinic hosted by the Data Visualiza on and Repor ng FIG

Thursday, July 20 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Registra on Open 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Coﬀ ee Break 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Opening Plenary with Keynote Speaker 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Concurrent Sessions 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch on Your Own 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Individual FIG Mee ngs 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Coﬀ ee Break 3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Roundtables and Fireside Chats 4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions Photo Credit: Grahm S. Jones 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Evening Event at the Columbus Museum of Art ( cket required)

Friday, July 21 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Registra on Open 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Coﬀ ee Break 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. VSA Business Mee ng 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Plenary with Invited Panel 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Concurrent Sessions 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch on Your Own 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Visitor Studies Editorial Board Mee ng 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Commi ee Mee ngs 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Coﬀ ee Break 3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Roundtables 4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. VSA Poster Session 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Get to Know VSA Happy Hour ( cket required) 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Dining Discussions (sign up at registra on following the Opening Plenary)

Saturday, July 22 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Closing Plenary & Breakfast with Invited Speaker Photo Credit: OSP Images ( cket required) 9:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Concurrent Sessions 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

PROGRAM CO-CHAIR WELCOME LETTER

Dear Visitor Studies Conference A endees:

Welcome to Columbus for the 30th Annual Conference of the Visitor Studies Associa on! This year’s sessions, speakers, and workshops off er a chance for you to discuss new fi ndings, discover new methods, and explore how social and technological shi s may aff ect the nature of our work.

New Pathways in Visitor Studies In visitor studies, we are challenged to respond to a rapidly changing world in order to maintain a current understanding of our visitors and their needs, as well as the fi eld of visitor studies itself. We pursue new pathways in part because of changes within the communi es we serve, as demographic shi s and technological advances (among others) require us to think diff erently about the work we do. We also look for innova ve approaches to fostering change within our fi eld, such as becoming more inclusive of other voices or fi nding ways to leverage our collec ve impact. New insights and innova ons from outside our fi eld can also off er novel ways of looking at learning and learners to support mission-driven ins tu ons like museums, zoos and aquariums. “New Pathways in Visitor Studies” seeks to advance the fi eld by challenging conference speakers and a endees to work crea vely and collabora vely to deliver reliable new insights about the experiences of our visitors.

Our Host City Welcome to Test Market, USA! For decades, universi es in the metro area have made Columbus a center for research, but in the past its populace has been a major source of human subjects, too: Columbus has a strong history in test marke ng because large retail and food companies - both industries that rely on consumer studies - are headquartered in the area.

We hope you enjoy ge ng to know the foodie city of Columbus, which is home not only to a thriving restaurant scene, but also to a great array of vendors like the North Market’s dozens of lunch stalls and Jeni’s legendary gourmet ice cream. Within walking distance of our host hotel, you can enjoy the 2017 Jazz & Rib Fest, visit several local museums, stroll through Columbus Commons, or jump on the CBUS to visit historic neighborhoods and great shopping. This year’s evening event will include opportuni es to explore the Colum- bus Museum of Art, and ahead of this year’s conference, a endees can enjoy a special ﬁ eld trip opportunity at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. We hope you enjoy visi ng these and other local ins tu ons.

In addi on to joining us for an evening event, we hope you will consider par cipa ng in a Dining Discussion, a ending a Fireside Chat, or joining a FIG. Consult this program or the registra on table for informa on about these oﬀ erings.

We hope you learn, interact with others, enjoy the city of Columbus, and leave inspired. We also invite you to share your thoughts and sugges ons with us, as we have already started planning for the 2018 conference in Chicago!

With warmest regards, Your Program Co-Chairs Claire Thoma Emmons, Allison Cosbey, Dolly Hayde

2 30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

2017 CONFERENCE TTEAMEAM Allison Cosbey, Program Co-Chair Taline Kuyumjian, April Awards and Scholarships Chair Sara Davis, Membership Commi ee Liaison Anna Lopez, Workshops Co-Chair Ly Foor, Local Host Commi ee Liaison Julia Miller, Workshops Co-Chair Emma Gardner, Associa on Coordinator Camellia Sanford-Dolly, Conference Planning Commi ee Chair Valerie Grabski, Abstracts Editor Nicole Singleton, Execu ve Director Dolly Hayde, Program Co-Chair Claire Thoma Emmons, Program Co-Chair & Conference Laura Huerta Migus, Development Commi ee Liaison Planning Commi ee Vice-Chair

2017 LOCAL HOST COMMITTEE Nadya Benne , Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Ly Foor, Ohio History Connec on Elaine Horr, COSI Amanda Kepner, Columbus Museum of Art Merilee Mostov, Columbus Museum of Art Barbara Revard, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

2017 SESSION PROPOSAL REVIEWERS StephenShA Ashton Donna DiBartolomeo Chris ne Larouche Rebekah Sobel Pa ence Baach Susan Foutz Anna Lopez Jill Stein Lorrie Beaumont Andrea Giron Mathern Jerry Luebke Claire Thoma Emmons Marjorie Beque e Ivel Gontan Beth Maloney Carey Tisdal Marta Beyer Juli Goss Rachael Mathews Lisa Trahan Jennifer Borland Pree Gupta Amy Niedbalski Maia Werner-Avidon Minda Borun Josh Gutwill Angie Ong Kari Williams Sarah Brenkert Dolly Hayde Palmyre Pierroux Lauren Wilson Sheila Brommel Jeﬀ Hayward Hannah Ridenour Mary Ann Wojton Kirsten Buchner Elaine Horr Camellia Sanford-Dolly Renae Youngs Ka e Chandler Elisa Israel Beverly Serrell Allison Cosbey James Kisiel Jessica Sickler Sara Davis Elizabeth Kollmann Ma Sikora

2017 PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS PROPOSAL REVIEWERS Cathy Sigmond Lynne Carmichael Beverly Serrell Laureen Trainer Elizabeth Bolander Donna DiBartolomeo Kelley Staab Claire Thoma Emmons Taline Kuyumjian Brooke Rosenbla Elaine Horr Erin Wilcox Camellia Sandford

2017 APRIL AWARD & STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS APPLICATION REVIEWERS Jason Allen Taline Kuyumjian Julia Miller Jennifer Borland Kate Livingston Lauren Wilson Dolly Hayde Anna Lopez 3 30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

WWHAT YYOU NNEED TTO KKNOW ...... REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION DESK REGISTRATION DESK HOURS: CONFERENCE ABSTRACTS Conference volunteers are available to an- Monday, July 17, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. The 2017 VSA Conference Abstracts intro- swer ques ons at the registra on desk, lo- Tuesday, July 18, 8:00 – 11:00 a.m.; duce the presenta ons, panels, and post- cated in the Grand Ballroom Foyer on the 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. ers at this year’s conference. Addi onally, 2nd ﬂ oor of the Wes n Columbus. Wednesday, July 19, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. they act as a las ng record of the topics Thursday, July 20, 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. discussed here in Columbus. Friday, July 21, 7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Visit www.visitorstudies.org and click on the Conference page to view or download the abstracts in PDF format.

CCONFERENCEONFERENCE EEVENTSVENTS Pre-Conference Field Trip to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium Evening of Crea vity and Conversa on at the Tuesday, July 18, 9:00-5:00 p.m. Columbus Museum of Art Ticket required, but free with conference registra on Thursday, July 20, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, $50 4850 W Powell Road, Columbus, OH 43065 Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215 21st Annual April Award Celebra on Wednesday, July 19, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Get to Know VSA Happy Hour $25 minimum Friday, July 21, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. City View Room, COSI, 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215 Ticket required, but free with conference registra on Basil Restaurant - Brewery District, New A endee Hangout 460 S Front St, Columbus, OH 43201 Wednesday, July 19, starts at 7pm Ticket required, but free with conference registra on Dining Discussions Meet at the hotel lobby, walk to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Friday, July 21, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Commons Meet at local restaurant - more informa on at registra on desk

Slide Clinic hosted by the Data Visualiza on & Repor ng FIG Closing Plenary & Breakfast Wednesday, July 19, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Saturday, July 22, 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. Free with conference registra on Ticket required, but free with conference registra on Park Parlor, Wes n Columbus Grand Ballroom

Congratulations to the Recipients of the April Award & Student Scholarships

The April Award and Student Scholarship programs help bring emerging talent to the ﬁ eld of visitor studies and the Visitor Studies Associa on.

VSA is pleased to welcome the following recipients to their ﬁ rst Visitor Studies Conference:

21st Annual April Award Recipient: Erin Tate, Saint Louis Zoo Meet Erin at the April Award Celebra on on Wednesday, July 19th. The April Award commends an outstanding emerging professional in the ﬁ eld. It was established by Dr. Marilyn (Molly) Hood to honor the memory of her long me research assistant, April Lahm.

2017 Student Scholars: Jenny Fisher, University of Washington Jeanine Pollard, University of Illinois, Chicago Gabriel Taylor, IUPUI The Student Scholarship program supports conference a endance for ac ve students interested in the ﬁ eld of visitor studies.

30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO Photo Credit: Stockhouse Credit: Photo

CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS Tuesday,Tuesday, JulJulyy 18 and WednesdaWednesday,y, JulJulyy 1199

Registra on is required.reqqppuired. A endees are responsibleresponsible for transtransportaporta on to and from the workshopworksho p loca ons. Please check thethhe Registra-Registrar - on Desk for transportaansporta on informa on, includingincluding the names of parpar cicipantspants seekingseeking to share taxis to and from the workshopworksshhop localocaa ons.

Full Day Half Day $150$150 VSA Member $$7575 VSA Member $180$180 Non-Member $$9090 Non-Member $125$125 Student Member $$6565 Student MMemberemmbber Tuesday,Tuesday, JulJulyy 18 Full Day HalfHalf Day 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Analyzing Data from Visual Artwork: LearningLearning a New Method I Can Do That: Simple StStrategiesraatteeggies ttoo LeLearnarrn About Visitors Donna DiBartolomeo,Bartolomeo, Museum & InterdisciplinaryInterdisciplinary EvaluaEvalua on MerileeMerilee Mostov, Jen LeLehe,hee, & CiCindynddy Foley,Foley, ColumbusColumbus Museum Consultantt & ZacZacharyhary Clark,Clark, 826DC826DC of ArtArt All Levels ((101101 and 301301)) AllAll Levels ((101101 and 301)3001)1 Competency:cy: C Competency: C Wes n Columbus,lumbus, ParkPark ParlorParlor ColumbusColumbus MuseumMuseeum ofof ArtArrt

WineWine & WorkWoork The Data VVisualizaisualiza on and Repor nngg Game 6 p.m.p.m.m. - 8 p.m.p.mm. Lauren Wilson,ilson, IlluminatedIlluminated Ideas; ClaireClaire ThomaThoma Emmons, The Children’srenn’ss MuseumMuseum of Indianapolis; Taline Kuyumjian,Kuyumjiaan,n CapturingCaptuurinng tth thee VisiVisitortor Experience UsinUsingg the Dimensions ooff Kuyumjiann ConsulConsulu ngng VisitorVisitoor EExExperienceperience (DoVE)(DoVE) Checklist Level 101 JanJan Packer,PPacker, Un Universitynivi ersity of Queensland; Lindsay Maldonado, Competency:cy: A, C, anandd E SheddShheedd Aquarium;Aquarium; Jennifer Rigney,Rigney, Monterey Bay Aquarium; Wes n Columbus,lumbus Neil House Parlor NickNNick Visscher, Visscheer Denver Zoo Zoo All Levels (101 and 301) Competency: C Wes n Columbus, Great Southern Gallery

5 30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

Wednesday, July 19 Full Day Half Day 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Evalua on 101 Clinic Making Sense of Visitor Studies Sta s cs: Part 1 - A Begin- Nadya Benne , The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the Zoo ner’s Framework for Understanding, Interpre ng Sta s cs and Aquarium Focused Interest Group (ZAFIG); Jerry Luebke, Deborah Wasserman, Lifelong Learning Group at COSI’s Chicago Zoological Society-Brookﬁ eld Zoo; Mar Copeland, Center for Research and Evalua on Dallas Zoo; Larry Warner, Mys c Aquarium; Joy Kubarek, All Levels (101 and 301) PEER Associates; Jennifer Rigney, Monterey Bay Aquarium; Competency: C Wei Ying Wong, Woodland Park Zoo; Brian Thill, South Wes n Columbus, Seneca Room Carolina Aquarium Level 101 Competency: C, D, and E Half Day Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Exhibi on Timing-and-Tracking: What’s it Good for? Making Sense of Visitor Studies Sta s cs: Part 2 - A “How Show Me the Data! To” Overview for Conduc ng Analyses, and Interpre ng Re- Beverly Serrell, Serrell & Associates sults of Simple Inferen al Parametric and Nonparametric Level 301 Analyses Competency: C Deborah Wasserman, Lifelong Learning Group at COSI’s Wes n Columbus, Neil House Parlor Center for Research and Evalua on All Levels (101 and 301) Recrui ng, Training, & Maintaining Research and Evalua on Competency: C Volunteers Wes n Columbus, Seneca Room Fran Mast, Shedd Aquarium Level 301 Hands-on! Designing Ac vi es to Inspire Group Planning Competency: D and Data Genera on Wes n Columbus, Great Southern Gallery Lynn Courtney, Museum of Fine Arts - Boston; Paula Lynn, Na onal Gallery of Art All Levels (101 and 301) Competency: A, B and C Wes n Columbus, Park Parlor Photo Credit: VSA

6 30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

PRE-CONFERENCE SSCHEDULE Tuesday, July 18 and Wednesday, July 19 Field Trip to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium Tuesday, July 18 | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Take the Zoo Bus from downtown to the #1 Zoo in America, according to USA Travel Guide! Once you arrive you’ll be off to discover the zoo on your own and at 2:00 pm meet with members of the Evalua on Team, who will talk about some of their projects, at Water’s Edge. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to more than 10,000 animals represen ng 600 species from around the globe. Watch a po- lar bear swim above your head, meet the world famous gorilla family, say “g’day” to the koalas, ponder the giant pachyderms and be amazed by the manatees. You’ll most certainly encounter some spring babies.

Loca on: Water’s Edge Boardwalk 2, Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, 4850 W Powell Road, Columbus, Ohio 43065 Cost: Ticket required, but admission is free with conference registra on Photo Credit: Columbus Zoo NOTE: This oﬀ er is only available for Tuesday, July 18, 2017. Limited to the ﬁ rst 50 a endees who register. Transporta on: Zoo Bus is $4.00 round trip and Self-Parking is $10.00 per vehicle. More informa on about the Zoo Bus schedule and pick-up loca ons can be found on www.cota.com.

21st Annual April Award Celebra on Wednesday, July 19 | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. City View Room, COSI, 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215

Kick oﬀ the 2017 VSA conference in Columbus with a celebratory cocktail hour. Each year, the April Award Celebra on welcomes and honors one outstanding emerging professional in the visitor studies ﬁ eld. Come toast the 2017 April Award recipient, meet our student scholarship recipients, catch up with friends and colleagues old and new, and support a longstanding VSA tradi on. Addi onal celebra ons will include a special thank you to Molly Hood, founder of the April Award, who will be joining us this year.

COSI is located across the river, 0.8 mi from the conference hotel. Enter COSI through the west side doors. Photo Credit: COSI NOTE: This event will include light appe zers, but does not include dinner. Entry cket is required. Tickets can be purchased at the door. We have three (3) diﬀ erent price points to support the ongoing fundraising endeavors of this event.

Cost: $25 cket includes 1 drink cket & $5 dona on to April Award Fund $35 cket includes 2 drink ckets & $10 dona on to April Award Fund $45 cket includes 3 drink ckets & $20 dona on to April Award Fund

New A endee Hangout Wednesday, July 19 | Begins at 7 p.m. New to VSA or the VSA Conference? Hang out with other new a endees and a few old hats! A er the April Award Celebra on, we’ll meet at the hotel lobby to walk over to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at the Commons. Jumpstart your conference with tasty ice cream and splendid conversa ons.

Cost: Ticket is required, but free with conference registra on NOTE: Food not included, but available for purchase. 7

30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

Session Streams This year, we provide a variety of streams of discussion for a endees to navigate. Session streams are listed below each session in the program.

- Prac cal Tips Informa on about carrying out visitor studies that is par cularly relevant for those new to the ﬁ eld but also useful for veterans.

- Methods and Methodologies Strategies and concepts related to data collec on, analysis, and repor ng.

- Repor ng Findings Presen ng the fi ndings from a discrete research or evalua on project. - Research to Prac ce Cycle Applied use of evalua on or research in informal learning se ngs with an emphasis on the use of fi ndings & strategies. - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Focuses on the ways visitor studies help us be er understand and implement inclusive prac ces that can foster diversity and improve accessibility at our ins tu ons and in our fi eld.

- Big Ques ons and Field-wide Issues Wrestles with a big ques on in the ﬁ eld or poses a problem or ques on for a group to discuss or solve. This could be work con nued from a previous convening.

- Organiza onal Change and Capacity Building Findings, reﬂ ec ons, and best prac ces related to leading ins tu onal change through research and evalua on and building evalua on capacity for ourselves and our stakeholders.

- Networks and Partnerships Exploring the opportuni es and challenges presented by projects that bring together mul ple ins tu ons or communi es to create informal learning networks and partnerships. - New Pathways Ideas that address this year’s conference theme, such as responding to social change, fostering change within our ﬁ eld, or drawing on insights and innova ons from outside our ﬁ eld.

Session Formats This year’s conference features a variety of presenta on formats. Please review the list below to learn more about the kinds of presenta ons you can a end:

- Individual Project/Paper Presenta ons These sessions typically include 3 presenta ons on separate, but related, topics. Each speaker gives a 15 minute presenta on about his/her project. Presenters reserve me for audience Q&A.

- Panel Presenta ons The session includes several panelists who examine an issue, topic, problem, or theme from a variety of perspec ves. Panel discussions reserve suﬃ cient me in their sessions for audience discussion about the topic.

- Roundtable Discussion An individual presenter facilitates an informal small group discussion around a key topic or area of interest during a 45-minute session.

- Working Group An individual or group of presenters facilitates ac on-focused discussion to generate ideas or plans to move towards white papers, publica ons, and/or policies. These sessions are highly collabora ve and intended to result in new direc ons or products. - Hands-on Workshop Demonstra ons or applied prac ce where par cipants experience or take part in ac ve learning.

- Poster Presenta ons Individual presenters provide graphic displays and are present for one-on-one discussions about speciﬁ c studies or projects. All posters will be presented during a single session.

9 30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE | THURSDAY, JULY 20

Thursday, July 20 and message construc on can play in issues related to power, New A endees Welcome Table(s) authority, and access, as well as how community-centered 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. approaches can eff ect posi ve social outcomes. New to the conference? Sit with some of the coolest VSA members! During the morning coff ee break and con nuing 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Concurrent Sessions through the Opening Keynote, we’ll have VSA ambassadors Exploring and Examining Art Museum Mul -visit Program hanging out at “New a endee? Sit with me!” tables. Get to know Evalua ons awesome people and get your conference ques ons answered. GREAT SOUTHERN GALLERY NOTE: Pre-registra on is NOT required - just pull up a chair. Elizabeth Bolander, Cleveland Museum of Art; Michelle Grohe, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum This panel presenta on will provide an in-depth look at two 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Coff ee Break art museum case studies of mul -visit programs represen ng WESTIN FOYER diff erent ends of the Pre-K to high school spectrum and how project-specifi c research can spark broader conversa ons about evalua on ins tu on-wide. An interac ve discussion about 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. mul -visit and longitudinal evalua ons will follow. Welcome from VSA and President’s Address Format: Panel GRAND BALLROOM Stream: Repor ng Findings Join conference a endees and the VSA President in hearing about recent VSA ac vi es and welcoming all to the conference. Beyond Excellent: The Overall Experience Ra ng 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. NEIL HOUSE PARLOR Nick Visscher, Denver Zoo; Andrew Pekarik, Freer | Sackler Gal- Opening Keynote leries; Kerry DiGiacomo, Philadelphia Museum of Art; Hannah Marika Shioiri-Clark Ridenour, Cleveland Museum of Art GRAND BALLROOM Unsa sfi ed with common measures taken from the business Photo: Marika Shioiri-Clark Marika is the principal of SOSHL Studio, a world? This session is for you! The Overall Experience Ra ng can fi rm dedicated to crea ng social impact be used to evaluate and compare across museum experiences. through design. Through her prac ce, Hear from a panel of OER evangelists about how it’s been adopt- Marika has worked extensively with the ed in a variety of sites from art museums to zoos. Nike Founda on to rethink safe spac- Format: Panel es for adolescent girls in Nigeria and Stream: Prac cal Tips Ethiopia, as well as on design projects throughout the global south. Marika cut her teeth as a co-found- Multi-Site Evaluations: Evaluation Capacity Building and er of MASS Design Group while a student at the Harvard Grad- Mutually Beneficial Partnerships uate School of Design, playing a central role in the design of SENECA the acclaimed Butaro Hospital in rural Rwanda. Trained as an Gretchen Haupt, Science Museum of Minnesota; Sarah Cohn, architect, Marika is a leading ambassador and prac oner of Cohn Consul ng, LLC; Jen Gathings, ETR Services; Ryan Auster, human-centered design, and, in 2011, was a global fellow at Museum of Science, Boston design nonprofit IDEO.org, working on projects in the edu- Mul -Site evalua ons are typically designed to best serve the ca on, health, and sanita on sectors in the United States and needs of the individual or organiza on leading the evalua on; Ghana. this session will off er examples of mutually benefi cial evalua ons that focus on building evalua on capacity at par cipa ng sites Currently, Marika is working with the Interna onal Rescue Com- by training local staff and volunteers to assist with data mi ee to design and pilot an early childhood development collec on. program for refugees in the Syrian response region. Closer to Format: Panel home, Marika is deeply involved with neighborhood develop- Stream: Networks and Partnerships and Organiza onal Change ment and crea ve placemaking in the Hingetown neighborhood and Capacity Building of Cleveland, Ohio, where she lives in an old fi rehouse that s ll has three poles. Her current prac ce relates to human-focused, research-driven design that considers not only the specifi c needs and goals of people who will use spaces, but also the role spaces 10 30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

Emerging Methodologies: Organizational Autoethnography What to do A er Pilo ng has Yielded a Null Result and Duoethnography in Museum Evaluation Gloria Segovia, Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago; PARK PARLOR Aaron Price, Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago Ann Rowson Love, Florida State University & The Ring- We will describe how a study about a LEGO-based engineering ling; John Boda, Florida State University; Victoria Eudy, exhibit dealt with a failed pilot study and the nego a ons and Florida State University itera ons needed to redesign the methodology. We will discuss Exploring new pathways includes applying new methods decisions that worked and failed as we a empted to remain faith- for understanding museum practices including train- ful to the research ques ons while not cherry picking results. ing emerging professionals. This session introduces and makes a case for using organizational autoethnography The Power of Mixed Methods: An Assessment of Visitor Emo on and duoethnography as evaluation methods for analyzing Jana Greenslit, Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago education and curation practices. Presenters unpack the A mixed methods research design allows for a deeper, more methods and engage participants in sample data collection holis c assessment of visitors’ emo onal experiences while activities. a ending a mul cultural holiday exhibit, resul ng in a more Format: Panel nuanced analysis of whether or not emo on has an impact on Stream: Methods and Methodologies; New Pathways visitors’ absorp on of exhibit content.

Applying Learning from Multi-year Studies to Improve Shaping Visitor Experience Using Confessional-Booth-Style Zoo Visitor Experience Video at Expo Events THURBER’S CONFERENCE SUITE Kelley Staab, Saint Louis Science Center Shasta Bray, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden; Dolly For six months, the Saint Louis Science Center collected Hayde, COSI / Lifelong Learning Group; Manda Smith, confessional-booth-style video data at First Friday, a monthly Lincoln Park Zoo; Nadya Benne , Columbus Zoo & Aquarium expo-style evening event that integrates science content with a Speakers will share how multi-year studies conducted at pop culture or sci-ﬁ theme. This session will highlight anecdotes three Midwestern zoos informed improvements in visitor from these videos and how the feedback has shaped the First engagement through the practical application of findings Friday experience. to the design of exhibits, programs and general visitor experience considerations. Large group discussion on Beyond Our Walls: Museum Evalua on Providing Voice for Civic conducting and building buy-in and administrative Change support for multi-year studies will follow. GREAT SOUTHERN GALLERY Format: Panel Shana Hawrylchak, EcoTarium; Betsy Loring, EcoTarium; Emmy Stream: Research to Practice Cycle Hahn, Commonwealth of Massachuse s Department of Hous- ing and Community Development; Robert Ryan, University of 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch on Your Own Massachuse s Amherst Presenters will discuss two evaluations of the EcoTarium’s 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. City Science exhibit that provided opportunity for broader Individual FIG Meetings civic collaborations. The first, an embedded evaluation tool, Time for FIG members to formally gather at the annual led to collaboration with urban planners at UMass Amherst. conference. If you are an active member, or you are The second, a more traditional front-end evaluation, provided considering joining a FIG, hop on into the conversation! implications towards use by state and city planning agencies. Format: Panel Data Visualization FIG Stream: New Pathways and Networks and Partnerships CHIPOLTLE (488 S High Street, meeting at Reg. Desk at 11:45 AM) Found in Transla on: Building Capacity for Mul lingual Data Collec on & Analysis Internal Managers FIG SENECA PARK PARLOR Smirla Ramos-Montañez, OMSI; Cecilia Garibay, Garibay Group; Verónica Betancourt, Ohio State University Zoos & Aquariums FIG Are you interested in learning more about data collection NEIL HOUSE PARLOR in multiple languages? This session will focus on processes and challenges for collecting and analyzing data in multiple Cultural Competencies FIG languages. Session will build capacity around: cultural SENECA competency, research planning, and staying true to the original meaning of the data. 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions Format: Panel PAPERS: Methods and Methodologies Stream: Organizational Change and Capacity Building and Di- THURBER’S CONFERENCE SUITE versity, Equity, Inclusion 11 30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

Key Social Science Messages for Understanding Visitor Playing with History: Evalua ng Historical Thinking in Young Studies Children NEIL HOUSE PARLOR GREAT SOUTHERN GALLERY Deborah Wasserman, Joe Heimlich, Dolly Hayde, Elaine Horr, Allison Cosbey, Conner Prairie COSI / Lifelong Learning Group While some believe young children are not developmentally What messages succinctly communicate the science behind ready to have meaningful experiences with history, others argue visitors studies and the nature of our work? Together, visitor that their experiences can lay the founda on for future history studies veterans and newcomers will build a list from 10 key learning. Join us to discuss frameworks for assessing historical messages produced by an IMLS-funded project “Social thinking and their strengths and weaknesses for describing chil- Science Under the Microscope: messages and prototypes dren’s interac ons with history. for communicating social science as a science.” Format: Roundtable Format: Working Group Stream: Research to Prac ce Cycle Stream: Big Questions and Field-Wide Issues Making Sense of Evalua on and Visitor Studies: An Emerging Children’s Museum Research Network: A Case Study in Conversa on Collaborative Research PARK PARLOR PARK PARLOR Kathy Kiser, Lincoln Park Zoo, Erin Shoﬀ stall, Shedd Aquari- Sarah May, Museum of Science, Boston; Nicole Rivera, um; Manda Smith, Lincoln Park Zoo North Central College, DuPage Children’s Museum; Kari Nel- Visitor studies, evalua on, learning research, audience re- son, Thanksgiving Point Institute; Susan Foutz, the Children’s search. What do these terms mean? How are they similar? Museum of Indianapolis How are they diﬀ erent? Why does it ma er? The presenters Four members of the Children’s Museum Research Net- work in informal learning organiza ons with mul ple research work (CMRN) will describe how they conduct collaborative and evalua on teams. Learn about their experience and join research - from shared responsibility in data collection to the discussion to further examine this topic. group data analysis. Panelists will engage audience members Format: Roundtable in collaborative meaning-making practices and analysis that Stream: Prac cal Tips will simultaneously reflect on the challenges and benefits of collaborative research. Examining Cultural Assump ons: Implica ons for Equity in Format: Panel Museums Stream: Networks and Partnerships NEIL HOUSE PARLOR Lindsay Maldonado, Shedd Aquarium, Nicole Rivera, Ed.D., 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Coffee Break North Central College WESTIN FOYER This session will explore cultural assump ons inherent to museums. Literature will be used to present alterna ve per- 3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m Roundtables and Fireside Chats spec ves and challenge our ideas about culture and learning. Fireside Chat with Kirsten Ellenbogen Discussion will address the role of research in iden fying and SENECA addressing cultural assump ons in museums and how re- Kirsten Ellenbogen worked as a researcher and evaluator searchers can work to create equity. for many years but now serves as the President and CEO Format: Roundtable of Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, OH. Chat with Stream: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and New Pathways Kirsten about her transition from museum researcher to CEO and learn about her ideas for new pathways in visitor studies 4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions based on her experience and position now. PAPERS: Understanding and Measuring Our Impact SENECA Nurturing School Partnerships Through Exhibit Evaluation Measuring our Social Impact THURBER’S CONFERENCE SUITE Stephen Ashton, Ph.D., Thanksgiving Point Ins tute Julia McAllister, Roto; Joseph Wisne, Roto; Courtney Hep- Thanksgiving Point recently successfully measured the social im- pner, Dublin City Schools pact they have on visi ng families. The results of this study were Learn how to enhance your ins tu on’s school partnerships used to garner support from policymakers and other key com- through exhibit evalua on. Presenters will use a case study as a munity stakeholders. reference and provide prac cal advice to par cipants. Panel par- cipants include representa ves from a Columbus area school Spotlights on Learning district and Roto, a design and fabrica on company. Kimberlin Sturgis, Ph.D., Children’s Museum of Houston Format: Roundtable The Children’s Museum of Houston developed three scales to Stream: Research to Prac ce Cycle measure parent percep on of their children’s learning related to exhibit interac ons. This research enables the comparison of parental percep ons across exhibits/programs. Addi onally, it 12 30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

enables the aggrega on of data to permit an understanding of comes is o en cursory because students are diffi cult to access. In the Museum’s broad-scale impacts. this session, we will share lessons learned from a na onal study of art museum fi eldtrips. Look Back and Look Ahead to Track Changes and Measure Format: Panel Impact Stream: Prac cal Tips Lei Zhao, Shedd Aquarium This por on of the session will present some trend analyses on Iden ty Ma ers: “Science Iden ty” in Exhibi ons, Evalua on, visitor demographics at Shedd, as well as a recent eff ort in mea- and Visitor Experience suring the impact of zoos and aquariums on visitors’ conserva- PARK PARLOR on learning. Erin Wilcox, Randi Korn & Associates; Gemma Mangione, Colum- bia University Teachers College; Erica Kelly, San Diego Natural Measuring the Intrinsic Impact of a Live Performance – History Museum Implications for Museums How do science iden es—the socially structured meanings dif- Alan Brown, WolfBrown ferent people make from science experiences—impact museum WolfBrown has published extensively on approaches to impact visitors? More broadly: How can professionals use theories of measurement in the performing arts, but do the same measure- inequality to diversify exhibi on design, evalua on, and visitor ment tools and approaches translate to the museum experi- experience? We’ll explore these ques ons discussing a “ci zen ence? Key results from several studies will be off ered in hopes science” exhibi on at the San Diego Natural History Museum. of gaining perspec ve on the applicability and transferability of Format: Panel measurement approaches. Stream: Research to Prac ce Cycle

Absent Visitors: New Approaches to Researching and Implementing Social Inclusion Promo ng Conserva on Learning and Behaviour Change in GREAT SOUTHERN GALLERY Zoos and Aquariums Naomi Haywood, University College London; Sarah Lee, Slover NEIL HOUSE PARLOR Line Audience Research Roy Ballantyne, University of Queensland; Jan Packer, Univer- There is growing awareness across visitor studies that museums sity of Queensland; Karen Hughes, University of Queensland; need to broaden their visitor profi le. This presenta on a ends Judy Mann, South African Associa on for Marine Biological to this need by discussing ethnographic approaches that capture Research socio-cultural resources of under-represented visitors. It cri ques The session discusses an empirical model of environmental approaches that focus on ‘defi cits’ of such visitors, and promotes learning, techniques for measuring behavior change, and re- new ways of exploring and implemen ng social inclusion. search fi ndings regarding the personal and experien al factors Format: Panel that infl uence behavior change in zoos and aquariums. On-site Stream: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and New Pathways and post-visit interven ons that encourage visitors’ adop on of environmentally responsible behavior are presented and their The Path to Assessing Student Learning Requires Planning and eff ec veness evaluated. The presenta on will discuss research Perseverance undertaken in Australia, USA, Canada and South Africa. THURBER’S CONFERENCE SUITE Format: Panel Amanda Krantz, Randi Korn & Associates; Emily Holtrop, Cin- Stream: Repor ng Findings cinna Art Museum; Missy Higgins-Linder, Na onal Art Educa- on Associa on 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Evening of Crea vity and Conversa on at the Fieldtrip programs are the primary ways museums serve school Columbus Museum of Art students (and in great numbers!), but assessment of student out-

FRIDAY, JULY 21

7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Registra on Open GRAND BALLROOM Join fellow members and colleagues for the latest VSA news to 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Coff ee Break fi nd out what is in store for the organiza on in the coming year. WESTIN FOYER VSA President, Kim Kiehl, will discuss recent ac vi es within VSA, we will review the Associa on’s fi nances, and more. 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. VSA Business Mee ng

13 30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Invited Panel What’s Holding us Back? Rethinking Outcomes-Based Evalua- Staff from The PAST Founda on on in New Contexts GRAND BALLROOM GREAT SOUTHERN GALLERY Jill Stein, COSI / Lifelong Learning Group; Shelly Valdez, Na ve Pathways; Mar n Storksdieck, Center for Research on Lifelong The PAST Innova on Lab is an Educa on STEM Learning R&D facility based in Columbus, Ohio, and This working group seeks to address and re-think the fi eld’s em- its major goal is improving educa on by beddedness in outcomes-based evalua on models that focus promo ng research-driven, transdisciplinary on individuals, par cularly as we increasingly engage with com- problem-based learning (TPBL). Rooted muni es that may be less outcomes-based. The goal is to gath- in the legacy of the larger PAST Foun- er insights toward a white paper on thinking outside the “out- dation, the Innovation Lab brings anthropologists, other comes-based box.” researchers, and educators together to support learning Format: Working Group experiences at the intersection of formal learning and Stream: Big Ques ons and Field-Wide Issues and New Pathways community. Recent projects include learning labs related to engineering and design, medicine and wellness, energy, Situa onal Interest: What is it and How do we Measure it? agriculture, and digital technology. Meanwhile, the Knowl- SENECA edge Capture division of PAST provides external evaluation Marcie Benne, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry; Josh services to schools and districts throughout the country, Gutwill, Exploratorium; Monae Verbeke, Ins tute for Learning with a culturally relevant mixed methods approach that Innova on reflects the Foundation’s overarching strategy of combining Situa onal interest, or the posi ve emo onal engagement that Anthropology with STEM to support learners. mo vates a en on and learning, is fundamental to experiences in museums and other informal/free-choice learning environ- 10:15 – 11:30 a.m. Concurrent Sessions ments. Join this ac ve discussion to review recent approaches to PAPERS: Institutional Change studying situa onal interest and explore challenges, successes, PARK PARLOR and future direc ons for the fi eld. Examining Program Evaluation Practice and Capacity in Format: Panel Museums: A New Conceptual Framework Stream: Methods and Methodologies Agnieszka Chalas, Queen’s University In this paper presentation, I elaborate on a conceptual frame- Risk and Reward: Taking Chances with Reliability work uniquely suited to describing evaluation practice and di- NEIL HOUSE PARLOR agnosing capacity for evaluation in museums and discuss its Renae Youngs, Minnesota State Arts Board; Elee Wood, IUPUI contributions for ongoing theory, research, and practice. School of Liberal Arts; Susan Foutz, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis; Kris Lekies, Ohio State University Extension Visitor Mo va on as a Roadmap to Crea ng and Marke ng When do you use an exis ng, validated evalua on instrument, a Experiences modifi ed instrument or one that’s “home grown”? Each aff ects Tiff any Leason, Indianapolis Museum of Art; Mindy Cultra, the reliability and validity of fi ndings - for good or ill. Join a lively Halverson Group discussion of when, how, and why to bend or break social science To be er understand its audiences, stay relevant in people’s “rules” about instrument reliability and validity. lives and compete against other leisure ac vi es, in 2016, the Format: Panel Indianapolis Museum of Art partnered with Halverson Group, Stream: Methods and Methodologies and Prac cal Tips a strategic research fi rm, to dig into visitors’ mo va ons. The results have enabled staff to re-think experiences, employment The Social Side of STEM: Evalua ng SciCafes and Public Forums posi ons, alloca on of resources, and tracking of success. THURBER’S CONFERENCE SUITE Jennifer Borland, Rockman et al; Elizabeth Kunz Kollmann, Mu- Look at Art. Get Paid: Accessibility and Cultural Cri que seum of Science, Boston; Chris Cadenhead, Pacifi c Science Cen- Josephine Devanbu, RISD ter; Kathryn Rende, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences This paper will discuss research design and key insights from This presenta on explores SciCafes and other live, informal Look at Art. Get Paid., a recent independent program at the Mu- events where public audiences hear from and interact with seum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design. For this program, we scientists and have socialization opportunities. Panelists invited adults who don’t normally a end art museums to spend represen ng mul ple ins tu ons will discuss evalua ve meth- an a ernoon in the Museum as paid guest cri cs. odologies and impacts of these programs on participants’ understanding of science, motivations to learn more, and resulting behavioral changes. Format: Panel Stream: Prac cal Tips

14 30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch on Your Own are often under-utilized. How do we, as researchers and evaluators, produce high-quality, useful reports eﬃ ciently? This working session will allow attendees to have critical 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Visitor Studies Editorial Board Mee ng conversations around methods for improving our reporting VENDOME BOARD ROOM strategies. Format: Working Group 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Conference Planning Commi ee Mee ng Stream: New Pathways and Big Ques ons and Field-Wide Issues GREAT SOUTHERN GALLERY Elevating the Value of Social Science in Science-based 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Professional Development Commi ee Institutions NEIL HOUSE PARLOR Mee ng THURBER’S CONFERENCE SUITE Ne e Pletcher, Pathways Collabora ve; Lisa Trahan, Lawrence Hall of Science; Kathy Kiser, Lincoln Park Zoo; Mary Jackson, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Membership Commi ee Mee ng Woodland Park Zoo PARK PARLOR Explore ways to convey the importance of the social sciences to hard-science colleagues. Gain strategies for communica ng the 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Development Commi ee Mee ng rigor and impact of evalua on with those who may not fully SENECA appreciate your work. Case studies drawn from science-based research institutions, but applicable also to history and art 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions museum professionals. PAPERS: Family Learning Format: Panel SENECA Stream: Organiza onal Change and Capacity Building

Children and Adults’ Interaction at a Brazilian Science Accessing Evaluation: Creating Evaluation Instruments for Exhibition Visitors with Disabilities Rosicler Neves, Museum of Life, Fiocruz; Luisa Massarani, PARK PARLOR Museum of Life, Fiocruz Mary Ann Wojton, Deborah Wasserman, COSI / Lifelong There are few ini a ves in La n America aiming to study learning Learning Group at science museums. Using image and audio recording of families’ In order to give all par cipants a voice, evalua on instruments visits at an exhibi on, we aimed to study their behavior and need to be accessible to all, including individuals who have interac ons. Our study intended to deepen the discussion on how physical, cogni ve or developmental disabili es. Evaluators to design for science learning and to be more inclusive. who have worked with programming for people with special needs will share outcome measurement instruments that are Parent Roles During Mobile-based Educa onal Experience on accessible for the physically, cogni vely and developmentally a Family Hike disabled. Lucy McClain, Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, Penn State Format: Panel University Stream: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Prac cal Tips This session will discuss research findings related to parent facilitation roles when families are engaged Collabora on as Process, Collabora on as Product—Naviga ng with mobile-based educational technologies during out- and Embracing Complexity door-based, family nature walks. Video clips from the NEIL HOUSE PARLOR data corpus will contextualize the findings being presented. Jim Kisiel, California State University, Long Beach ; Cecilia Gari- bay, Garibay Group; Marjorie Beque e, Science Museum of Finding the Gap: Museums in Service to Young Mul -Lingual Minnesota; Rich Pennington, Science Museum of Minnesota Learners Although messy and unpredictable, partnerships are cri cal for Rita Deedrick, COSI / Lifelong Learning Group developing inclusive practices and building institutional This paper will present an overview of a Na onal Need Assess- capacity. Here, we describe several cases involving community col- ment conducted as part of an NSF-funded Pathways project, laborations, viewed as either a means (data-collec on method) addressing the role of children’s museums and science centers or end (project outcome), leading to an audience-driv- in serving young dual language learners and their families. en discussion involving shifting evaluator roles, collaboration frameworks and lessons learned. Writer’s Block: When Repor ng Gets in the Way of Use Format: Panel GREAT SOUTHERN GALLERY Stream: Networks and Partnerships Ryan Auster, Museum of Science, Boston; Lauren Wilson, Illu- minated Ideas; Sarah Lee, Slover Linnet Audience Research 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Coﬀ ee Break Wri en reports are the culmina ng aspect of many projects, WESTIN FOYER but evidence suggests that reports may lack quality and 15 30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Roundtables Making Observations is a project of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The project goal is to develop a suite of The Polls Were Wrong: Confron ng Methodological Pi alls valid and reliable evaluation tools and approaches for as- GREAT SOUTHERN GALLERY sessing learning through making by prac oners, evaluators Amanda Krantz, Randi Korn & Associates; Jen Benoit-Bryan, and researchers in museums and libraries. Slover Line Audience Research; Jennifer Borland, Rockman et al Format: Roundtable As evidenced in 2016’s US presiden al elec on, even the most Stream: Methods and Methodologies experienced pollsters can be wrong. Methodological pi alls are present in our fi eld too. In this discussion-based session, we 4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. VSA Poster Session will identify challenges to commonly used visitor studies GRAND BALLROOM methodologies, propose solutions, and document them for the field to learn from. (#1) Ge ng to Know Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Guests Format: Roundtable Julianne Werts, Allison Blackley, Emily Grover, Nadya Bennet, Stream: Methods and Methodologies and Big Ques ons and Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Field-Wide Issues To gain a more holis c view of guests, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Evalua on and Research Team is in the process of You Keep Using that Word: Thema c Analysis of VSA Voices conduc ng a long-term project compiling then merging data PARK PARLOR from guest evalua on projects over the last four years. Jeremy Foutz, STEAM Workgroup Using latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) and critical discourse (#3) From Classrooms to the Floor: Crea ng Language Inclusive analysis methods, this roundtable examines the language Museum Programs and potentially latent themes we use in wrestling with VSA’s Lisa Trahan, Valeria Romero, Lawrence Hall of Science diverse topics and concerns. This study is exploratory and a Learn about a two-phase project at The Lawrence Hall of Science productive way to explore what VSA is “about” by analyzing that aimed to evaluate language supports implemented across documents and conference presentation texts. diff erent program areas including workshops for school groups Format: Roundtable and public programs about animals, engineering, and data Stream: Big Ques ons and Field-Wide Issues and New Pathways visualiza on. Discuss emergent considera ons and implications around audience, evaluation focus, and sustainability. Teachers as Reviewers, Informants, Guests and Guides THURBER’S CONFERENCE SUITE (#4) Embracing Empathy: Defi ning, Recognizing and Measuring Alice Anderson, Minneapolis Ins tute of Art Empathy Towards Animals In designing and evaluating school programs we need to Anna Lopez, Mary Jackson, Woodland Park Zoo effectively and efficiently gather information about what Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Seattle Aquarium, and teachers value, need and want. We will share strategies and Woodland Park Zoo formed a collaborative partnership to challenges for listening to teachers and administrators and develop, test and share tools that zoos and aquariums can how we use this data to inform decision making and advocacy use to assess whether they’re mee ng their goal of encouraging within our museums. caring and empathy towards wildlife. Format: Roundtable Stream: Prac cal Tips and Research to Prac ce Cycle (#5) Infl uence of Zoo Exhibit Design on Visitor Empathy for Wildlife Shared Language for Aligning the Visitor Experience & Design Intent Emily Grover, The Ohio State University and The Columbus Zoo NEIL HOUSE PARLOR and Aquarium; Kris Lekies, The Ohio State University Lindsay Maldonado, Kris Nesbi , John G. Shedd Aquarium This study inves gates whether 5 zoo exhibit design elements Crea ng and assessing the visitor experience requires a (theming/props, animal habitat, interpre ve signage, video, and though ul understanding of your audience, and the ability to interac ve features) infl uence zoo visitor empathy for wildlife. refl ect on your own assump ons about how visitors experience The purpose, background, and hypotheses of the study will be your ins tu on. This session will present how evaluators and presented, as well as the survey design that will be used. designers can collaborate to unpack diff erences between the visitor experience and design intent. (#6) Inves ga ng the Inves gators: Using Anthropology to Format: Roundtable Conduct Beta-Tes ng in Museums Stream: Organiza onal Change and Capacity Building Rose Jones, Ph.D., Mike Spiewak, Teresa Lenling, Jane Mullins, Rebekah Bagge , Callan Kaut, Perot Museum of Nature and Making Observations: Identifying Evidence of Learning in Science Makerspaces The Perot Museum uses a 5-ques on, Likert-scale survey to SENECA evaluate experiments in the BioLab curriculum. Recognizing Peter Wardrip, Lisa Brahms, Children’s Museum of Pi sburgh that surveys cannot capture the social and learning dynamics 16 30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

that transpire in the BioLab, this methodology was amended to (#13) Visitor-Interpreter Connections: Interactive Free Play include ethnographic principles and procedures derived from Areas at a Zoo anthropological research. Brian Sla ery, Lincoln Park Zoo and University of Illinois at Chi- cago; Manda Smith, Lincoln Park Zoo (#7) The Impact of Cultural Codes on Zoo Visitors This study inves gated the interac on between zoo visitors and Mary Ann Wojton, Joe Heimlich, COSI/Lifelong Learning Group interpre ve staff as they engaged in shared ac vity. We examined Findings indicate that cultural lenses matter. Subconscious- how visitor engagement with an exhibit and free form play space ly everyone takes in cues that are informed by culture and changes when an interpreter is present or not present, and how interprets their surroundings accordingly. This poster shares interpreters’ behavior relates to observed changes in visitor findings from a study in which zoos analyzed their physical engagement. and programmatic attributes in relation to audiences they wished to attract, identifying strengths and challenges. (#14) Unfamiliar Visitors: Research with Target and Non-Traditional Audiences (#8) Will Families Share Personal Stories in In mate Se ngs? Hannah Ridenour, Cleveland Museum of Art Rachael Mathews, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Beyond demographics, how much do you really know about your Asking families to share personal stories can be a difficult non-tradi onal visitors? Discover how the Cleveland Museum task. This study examined the effectiveness of a post-program of Art evaluated the mo va ons and mindsets of parents and discussion format that asked visitors to share personal and young professionals through focus group front-end research. emotional experiences related to the themes of the National This poster will present key fi ndings as well as lessons learned Geographic Sacred Journeys exhibit at The Children’s Museum and poten al next steps. of Indianapolis. (#15) Productive Struggle: Measuring and Designing for (#9) Utilizing a User Study Evaluation to Improve Website Meaningful Challenge Interface Ka e Todd, Sunewan Chunhasuwan Paneto, Museum of Science, Ashley Gary, Center for Advancement of Informal Science Boston Education (CAISE) This poster invites conversation about measuring and design- In 2016, CAISE launched a major redesign of the informalscience. ing for emotion in museums. It showcases productive strug- org website. A er the relaunch, a user-study was conducted by gle: physiological arousal and negative emotions experienced Rockman et al to gather feedback about the site’s func onality. during meaningful challenges. Come see video examples and The data collected was in turn used to make further improve- frameworks, learn about resources, consider methods— ments on the site. including measuring electrodermal activity, self-report, and observation—and discuss implications for your museum. (#10) Exploring Values of Cultural Heritage at Contested Sites with Factorial Analysis (#16) Touch: Building Be er Experiences for Visitors Jeremy W. Foutz, STEAM Workgroup Gabriel Taylor, Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Using Q methodology and factorial analysis, STEAM Workgroup Touching objects was a popular prac ce in the earliest museums, and the Cultural Heritage Research Center at IUPUI conducted but now is rarely, if ever, available to museum visitors. Through an inves ga on on how various stakeholder groups constructed the study of visitor interac on with objects and analysis of their their ideas of value around culture heritage for two contested responses, we can advocate for more opportuni es to touch objects, sites in Indiana. benefi ng people with various learning needs.

(#11) Border Cantos Exhibi on Evalua on (#17) Face, Space, and Anxiety in Social Media Juli Goss, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Sjobor Hammer, Case Western Reserve University See how an art museum prepared for an exhibi on about the Social media is an ideal tool for bringing together community US/Mexico border and how visitors responded. Enjoy evalua on members for the purposes of education, discussion, and highlights, learn how the evalua on department-of-one aimed preservation of local history. U lizing the ideas of ins tu onal for cultural competence, and test out the program Evernote that face and politeness, this poster presents strategies for crea ng was used to coordinate data collec on eﬃ ciently. warm and welcoming online spaces with bidirectional com- munication between institutions and communities. (#12) Evalua ng Visitor Preference in Interpre ve Zoo Exhibit Signage (#18) Evalua ng Virtual Visitors – Methodologies for Website Sarah Edmunds, Sarah Dunifon, Wildlife Conserva on Society and Social Media Evalua on We developed a pilot survey to test two design prototypes of Claire Quimby, Camellia Sanford-Dolly, Rockman et al bald eagle interpretive graphics for the Queens Zoo. We com- What are visitors ge ng out of your website, and how can you pared visitor preferences of naturalistic and stylized animal tell? Using real-world examples, this poster presents techniques illustrations to identify any patterns among demographic for designing a website or social media evalua on, including ps groups and to determine which style we should use for future for recrui ng par cipants, designing surveys, conduc ng website interpretive graphics at the Queens Zoo. walkthroughs, tackling analy cs, and making sense of your data. 17 30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

(#19) Interpre ng Experiences: The Cincinna Zoo and Botani- in museums and how ins tu ons can be er connect IMAX and cal Garden’s Recipe for Success mission. Shasta Bray, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden; Joe Heimlich, Dolly Hayde, COSI / Lifelong Learning Group (#22) Does Visi ng the Zoo Lower Stress Levels? Throughout the Zoo’s new Africa exhibit, we studied where Amy Niedbalski, Saint Louis Zoo visitors stopped, what they did and observed and what kinds of AZA ins tu ons provide a variety of benefi ts, including human learning and social experiences they had. These aspects of the health benefi ts. The eff ects of a visitor experience at a touch tank, visitor experience were chosen to put the Zoo’s hypothesized in which stress was measured by physiological and psychological “recipe for success” in interpreta on to the test. parameters, was studied. Findings support the potential for zoos and aquariums to improve public well-being. (#20) Creating and Testing Alternative Methodologies for On-Grounds Evaluations (#23) Data Collection Methods for Young Audiences in Allison Blackley, Julianne Werts, Emily Grover, Nadya Benne , Principle, in Practice Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Kaleen Tison Povis, Science Museum of Minnesota The Evaluation and Research Team at the Columbus Zoo and This is an invitation to interact! What works when soliciting Aquarium has been actively testing alternative methods of feedback from young visitors or program participants...or collec ng guest data – methods that effi ciently balance interac vity what methods have fl opped? Along with presen ng established for zoo guests with gathering rich, usable data for the many approaches for doing evaluation with young children, this on-grounds guest evaluation projects conducted every year. poster exhibits instrument itera ons to spark conversa on and learn from our collec ve exper se. (#21) Mission (Im)possible: Do Visitors Connect IMAX Experience to Museum Mission? 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Get to Know VSA Happy Hour Megan Martinko, Melisa McChesney, Travis Monagle, Free (Ticket Required) University of Washington Basil Restaurant, 460 S Front Street, Columbus, OH 43201 Designed to inves gate how IMAX guests at Pacifi c Science Cen- ter perceive the connec on between their fi lm experience and 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Dining Discussions the museum as a whole, this evalua on aims to inspire a fi eld- Space is limited; sign up at the registra on desk star ng at 10:00 wide conversa on about the role that IMAX theaters can play a.m. on Thursday, July 20.

SATURDAY, JULY 22

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Closing Plenary & Breakfast lumbus community through research dissemina on and out- Free (Ticket Required) reach that is accessible, approachable, and combines formal and GRAND BALLROOM informal learning. Invited Speaker Sathya Gopalakrishnan 9:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Concurrent Sessions Photo: Sathya Gopalakrishnan Sathya Gopalakrishnan is an Assistant Professor Inves ga ng Pathways to STEM Iden ty in Free-Choice Learning of Environmental Economics in the Department Environments of Agricultural, Environmental and Develop- SENECA ment Economics at The Ohio State University. John Falk, Institute for Learning Innovation; Lynn Dierking, She is also a founding member and the Director Oregon State University; Smirla Ramos-Montañez, OMSI; of Evalua on and Assessment at The STEAM Heidi Carlone, University of North Carolina at Greensboro Factory, a grassroots ini a ve that facilitates Although many scholars have embraced iden ty as an important collabora ve research and outreach. This diverse faculty network focus for inves ga on, the concept remains challenging to opera on- includes over 120 faculty and staﬀ across 69 departments and alize and study. Presenters will provide an overview of research on 17 colleges/ins tutes at OSU, with an ecosystem of 30+ partners STEM self/iden ty and highlight three recent studies with adults across the city of Columbus. and youth from tradi onally underserved communi es par cipa ng in free-choice learning programs. Based at The Ohio State University, The STEAM Factory provides Format: Panel a space where researchers from all disciplines can broaden their Stream: Research to Prac ce Cycle perspec ves, share resources, spark crea ve research ideas, and form collabora ons across areas of common interest. The STEAM Factory helps to bridge the gap between Ohio State and the Co- 18

30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

Save the Date for the 2018 Visitor Studies Conference in Chicago! July 19-21, 2018

Fostering Transparency, Strengthening Public Trust The Visitor Studies Association is partnering with the Association of Midwest Museums to oﬀ er a wider variety of sessions and networking opportunities in one of America’s greatest cities. This joint conference will share a theme, keynote speakers, exhibit hall, and events and will feature parallel tracks of workshops and concurrent sessions. We look forward to extensive opportunities for cross-pollination of ideas.

In the spirit of the 2018 theme, VSA and AMM invite our respective memberships to work together to answer critical questions about how, across a range of accountabilities and circumstances, we can fulﬁ ll our institutional missions with renewed perspective, rigor, and courage in order to strengthen public trust.

20 30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

THANK YOU TO OUR 2017 CONFERENCE SPONSORS

The 30th Annual Visitor Studies Associa on Conference is supported by businesses, organiza ons, and individuals commi ed to understanding and serving visitors in informal learning environments. Please support those whose work furthers VSA’s vision of a world where lifelong learning is embraced, and where learning in informal se ngs beneﬁ ts individuals, communi es, and society at large.

Local Host Organiza ons oﬀ ering free admission during the conference:

Columbus Museum of Art Ohio History Center 480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215 800 E. 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211

COSI Ohio Statehouse Museum 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215

21 30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

THANK YOU TO OUR 2017 INDIVIDUAL DONORS

SUMMATIVE SUPPORTER Laura Tietjen, New Knowledge Organiza on

FORMATIVE FELLOW Chris Parsons, Word Cra

22 30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

VSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES

Special thanks to the following volunteers whose me, energy, and dedicated service have enabled VSA to increase the scope and quality of its service to the ﬁ eld.

THE VSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2015 – 2017 OFFICERS President – Kimberlee Kiehl, Ohio History Connec on President-Elect – Rae Ostman, Arizona State University and Science Museum of Minnesota Vice President, Organiza onal Development – Laura Huerta Migus, Associa on of Children’s Museums Vice President, Professional Development – Elee Wood, Indiana University - Purdue University at Indianapolis Vice President, Outreach – Michelle Maghari, Crocker Art Museum Corporate Compliance & Secretary – Beth Shea, Illinois State Museum Treasurer – Kathleen Lawson, Arkansas Discovery Network Immediate Past President – Joe Heimlich, COSI Execu ve Director – Nicole A. Singleton, Visitor Studies Associa on

BOARD MEMBERS AT LARGE Ly Foor, Ohio History Connec on Patsy Reublin, Bootheel Youth Museum

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Vice President: Laura Huerta Migus

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Chair: Laura Huerta Migus Vice Chair: Lynn Courtney Members: Marcus Harshaw, Ellen Roth

The Development Commi ee is charged with raising money to support the work of VSA. The Development Commi ee works with other commi ees to understand resource needs so it can raise dollars accordingly. Commi ee members design, manage, and execute fundraising strategies to encourage charitable dona ons, adver sing, and sponsorships.

FINANCE COMMITTEE Chair: Patsy Reublin Members: Kim Kiehl, Kathleen Lawson

The Finance Commi ee is charged with reviewing the ﬁ nancial processes and systems that are facilitated by VSA’s contractors. The Finance Commi ee works ghtly with the Treasurer and the Associa on Manager to ensure all aspects of the ﬁ nancial accoun ng are transparent, followed, and documented.

23 30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Vice President: Elee Wood

CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE Chair: Camellia Sanford-Dolly Vice Chair: Claire Thoma Emmons Members: Allison Cosbey, Ly Foor, Dolly Hayde, Elaine Horr, Caitlin Tracey-Miller

This group is the major workforce behind the annual conference. The Conference Planning Commi ee (CPC) is responsible for ensuring that the annual conference is designed to serve VSA’s mission, strategic direc on, and members. The CPC oversees the direc on and logis cs of planning for VSA’s current and future annual conferences. The CPC also oversees and advises the annual Conference Team as they prepare for each conference. A new Team is created for each year’s conference, consis ng of the Associa on Manager, Program Co-Chairs, local VSA members, and representa ves from other VSA commi ees. The CPC provides guidance and con nuity between each year’s planning processes.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Chair: Jennifer Borland Members: Jason Allen, Elsa Bailey, Pippa Gardner, Wendy Hancock, Taline Kuyumjian, Anna Lopez, Lauren Messenger, Julia Miller, Claire Quimby, Kelley Staab, and Lauren Wilson

The Professional Development Commi ee is responsible for providing training and growth opportuni es for VSA members and other informal learning professionals. Speciﬁ cally, the commi ee is charged with the following responsibili es: conference workshops; webinars; regional workshops; the April Award and Student Scholarships; and professional standards.

OUTREACH Vice President: Michelle Maghari

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Chair: Renae Youngs Members: Linda Allegro, Pa ence Baach, Nadya Benne , Chris Cadenhead, Sara Davis, Valerie Grabski, Lindsay Maldonado, Pa y Montaño, Barbara Soren, Lisa Trahan

The Membership Commi ee strives to create accessible and inclusive pathways for joining and engaging with VSA. The commi ee co-develops a variety of resources and ac vi es to help current and prospec ve members get acquainted with each other, learn and share about visitor studies, get the most out of VSA experiences and oﬀ erings, and collaborate to advance the ﬁ eld.

24 30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO

NOTES

25 30TH ANNUAL VISITOR STUDIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE | JULY 18-22, 2017 | COLUMBUS, OHIO BETTER EVALUATION MAKES BETTER EXHIBITS

Roto is pleased to announce the renewal of its annual partnership with Dublin City Schools, comprising 12 elementary, 4 middle and 3 high schools surrounding Roto’s central Ohio headquarters. The partnership provides Roto’s museum projects with a diverse pool of participants for our extensive in-house exhibit development and evaluation efforts, while students and teachers enjoy expert support for their innovative in-class projects. Together with our museum and science center colleagues, Roto relies on practices like these to produce some of the most effective and durable exhibitions and cultural experiences in the field.

MUSEUM MASTER PLANNING • FULL-SERVICE EXHIBIT DESIGN • EXHIBIT DEVELOPMENT & EVALUATION THEMING AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN • INTERACTIVE ENGINEERING & PROTOTYPES FABRICATION & TURNKEY INSTALLATION

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