VEX23 Workshops
Workshops at the 2023 Visitor Experience Conference will take place on Sunday, October 22 at the Delaware History Museum in downtown Wilmington.
Sara Furr, PhD (she/her)
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Field Museum
Resuscitate your DEI Efforts
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
In the summer of 2020, many organizations and cultural institutions responded to the continued state violence against Black and Brown bodies by creating DEAI commitment statements, renewing efforts within their organization, and some going so far as to hire DEI professionals to put actions behind these commitments. After three years, many organizations do not have a story of success to share. This workshop will review the typical pitfalls organizations encounter when beginning a DEI journey. You’ll learn how to avoid these pitfalls or how to turn the course if you’re in the midst of your journey. You will leave the workshop with tangible actions that you can take regardless of your position within your organization.
Museum Workers United
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Museums and cultural institutions have faced an abundance of challenges over the past few years. Challenges call for change, and much of the change we have seen in recent years was borne of activism from workers themselves. This workshop will provide an overview of some of the most impactful worker-led actions that have created meaningful change at institutions across the country. From salary transparency to unionization to social media, workshop participants will engage in hands-on activities and challenging conversations with colleagues about how we as workers can use our voices to improve our working conditions and in turn improve the institutions at which we work.
Adam Rizzo (he/him)
Coordinator of College and Pre-Professional Programs and Museum Educator, Philadelphia Museum of Art
President, AFSCME Local 397
Improv for Visitor Experience
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Customer service requires thinking on your feet, bringing your A game, and–most importantly–an open mind! And there is no better way to open your mind than through the collaborative and exciting art of improvisation. Join us for a spirited session with Wolf Performing Arts Center where you’ll be able to hone your abilities in your field by placing yourself in unpredictable (and occasionally absurd!) circumstances. You’ll learn tips and tricks for staying present and rolling with the twists and turns that only customer service professionals can withstand. No improv or acting experience necessary!
Presented by Teaching Artists from Wolf Performing Arts Center
We Are the Access Champions
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Customer Service is the first touchpoint of connectivity our guests have with our cultural experiences. How can we ensure that our policies, practices, and procedures make welcoming the community of people with disabilities a priority? By being Access Champions! This interactive session will help you discover your organization's obligations in the ADA as well as best practices for outrageous customer service and intentional inclusion.