Jack Nicholson once remarked, "The minute that you're not learning I believe you're dead." To ensure you keep learning and remain very much alive, APGA 2008 brings together nine exciting pre-conference workshops spanning every interest and professional group in public gardens.
From Notion to Prototype: Developing Interactive Plant-Based Exhibits
"Right now it's only a notion, but I think I can get the money to make it into a concept, and later turn it into an idea." - Woody Allen. Is this you and exhibits? Then bring an exhibit notion to this fast-paced workshop and leave with a plan for prototyping
The Trials and Tribulations of Building and Maintaining Japanese and Chinese Gardens in the Wild West
In 2008, The Huntington opens its Chinese Garden, adjacent to the existing Japanese Garden. Planning, construction and restoration at both sites has brought together staff and artisans, creating a strong working group as well as the need to connect and collaborate with other professionals. Join us for a day of training and discussion as we establish a stronger basis for the knowledge and skills needed to support Asian gardens
Creating & Maintaining Accurate Collection Maps: The GIS & GPS Method
Do you want to learn how to create and maintain accurate collection maps for your garden? Do you want to learn how to use the industry's leading GIS software and GPS hardware? If so, then this pre-conference workshop is what you've been waiting for! There is limited space available, so sign up today!
Tackling the Tough Topics: Addressing Informal Science Education in Conservatories
Want to exploit the educational possibilities of your collection, increase audience relevancy, and attract new visitors? Come play, discuss, and hear about the lessons learned through the development and installation of a $2.7 million photosynthesis exhibit in Chicago. Lively activities, discussion, and information sharing will open a world of possibilities.
Grounding in Botany: Using Hands-On Science Labs to Strengthen Botanical Education
If your garden needs to add some excitement to the plot of its "big picture," cast plant science in a lead role! Using the case study of the Huntington's summer blockbuster "Grounding in Botany," we'll explore how to use fascinating, hands-on science labs and real plant material to enliven your garden's programs
Radio Frequency Identifiers: A Means of Improving Curation and the Visitor Experience!
Experiments at Chicago Botanic Garden have shown Radio Frequency Identification tags can improve accuracy of plant inventories, even when the plants are dormant. The can also provide information to students and garden visitors without negatively impacting the aesthetics of the garden displays
Branding Star Power: Discovering Ways to Effectively Manage Your Brand
Branding is a hot topic that hasn't had enough "camera time" at past APGA conferences. A brand is simply a symbolic embodiment of all the information connected to the product (our gardens) and serves to create associations and expectations around it; this is something participants will stand in line for!
Prop Masters: Keys To A Successful Garden Store
Learn specific, well-proven techniques for the organization and operation of the most important aspects of a retail presence. A well-run retail presence can affect how much the visitor spends in the store. If mission-related product selection, customer service, merchandising, displays, selling skills, layout and design, foot-traffic patterns, etc., reach the highest level of effectiveness it will directly translate into more revenue and greater visitor satisfaction. Presentation includes a detailed, checklist handout.
Developing Your Garden's Fan Club
Set the stage for your greatest fan club, your members. Write your own script to gain new fans, keep them returning year after year and increase their loyalty. Discuss fan club participation, and ways to cast super fans through donor opportunities. Chicago Botanic Garden will be the celebrity guest.
We hope that you will join us for one or more of these programs!
