The Visitor Experience Group (VEX) strives for a more diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive field. We believe the strength of visitor experience lies in a diverse representation of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and cultures, in the leadership and staff of our organizations, and in the publics we serve.

​

We at VEX value people of all races, colors, national origins, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, and religions.

​

To promote and support DEAI initiatives in the field of Visitor Experience, VEX will:

• Create access by, among other means, offering a DEAI Fellowship to a select group of candidates for attending the annual conference

• Share resources and professional development opportunities with specific DEAI aims

• Promote awareness of equity work and call attention to inequities as they exist in our field

 

DIVERSITY EQUITY ACCESSIBILITY + INCLUSION (DEAI) FELLOWSHIP 

 

VEX’s DEAI Fellowship Applications are now being accepted for the October 20-23, 2024 Visitor Experience Conference in Richmond, VA.

 

VEX values diversity in the community we bring together. The Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion Fellowship helps ensure the Visitor Experience Conference is optimally diverse, accessible, and inclusive. Each year a select group of attendees will receive full and free access to the annual Visitor Experience Conference, as well as a one year free Service Level VEX Membership. ​

 

The VEX Conference is held annually in the fall and is one of the few conferences dedicated entirely to the field of Visitor Experience/Guest Relations. Visitor Experience professionals from cultural organizations across the U.S. and abroad share resources, network, teach each other, and learn together. Attendees take away new ideas and strategies for strengthening the visitor experience at their organizations. The conference offers 2- or 3- day long workshops, panels, keynotes, events, and networking opportunities for Visitor Experience professionals at all career levels. 

​

What’s Included:

• All-inclusive conference registration (includes all keynote sessions, panels, workshops, and ticketed events; a $400+ value).

• Free one year Service Level VEX membership 

• Exclusive DEAI Leadership Experience: Meet and learn from active members of the arts and culture sector that are DEAI change makers in the field or in an institution to learn best practices and insight for DEAI change in the visitor experience field. 

  • The specific DEAI session will be held in the morning of October 22 for fellows and general public to purchase.

 

Requirements:

• Must work at a museum or cultural institution in Visitor Experience (full- or part-time), in a Visitor Services-related role, or be enrolled in a Museum Studies program (graduate or undergraduate) at an accredited college or university.

• Self-identifies as coming from an underrepresented or marginalized group including, but not limited to: people of color, people with special needs, LGBTQ+, and/or lower socioeconomic status.

  • Or have a strong interest/work background in DEAI/passion for making DEAI change in current work/workplace.

• Application to the Fellowship Program and completion of a virtual meet with the Audience Engagement Co-Chairs.

• After the conference, attendees will be asked to submit or present a final report to a member(s) of the VEX Board & Committees. Attendee will be expected to complete the following projects within two months after the conference:

  • Choose from the topics below and write a 300-word essay summarizing your experience:

    • Overall conference experience

    • A panel(s) that resonated with you

    • Takeaways from the DEAI Leadership Experience

 

Applications are closed for the season, for any questions please email engagement@visitorexperience.group