North American Farmers' Direct Marketing Convention
v. (grÖ west) a direct marketing journey of innovation and inspiration through Alberta's historic Cowboy Trail
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A visit to the zoo... What a great opportunity to pick up school tour tips from another industry! This workshop will take the show on the road for some behind the scenes learning at the stellar Calgary Zoo. The workshop will be broken up into several modules. You choose how to end the day.
Summary Workshop Itinerary
9:30 a.m. Icebreaker / Agenda for day / Zoo Layout / Coffee
10:00 a.m. Module #1: School Programs
10:45 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Module #2: Programming for Youth
11:45 a.m. Break
12:00 p.m. Lunch
12:15 p.m. Module #3: Connections with Nature
1:00 p.m. Break
1:15 p.m. Module #4: Behind the Scenes Experience
2:30 p.m. Break with coffee
2:45 p.m. Module #5: Schoolyard Naturalization
3:30 p.m. Wrap up / Outstanding questions?
4:00 p.m. Formal Workshop concludes:
Option A: Enjoy the zoo at your own pace until closing6:00 pm Zoo gates close; return to Hyatt via LRT at your own pleasure
Option B: Wind-down chat with a zoo marketer
Details of the day
Module #1: School Programs
At the Calgary Zoo we offer world-class educational opportunities and
learning adventures. Our programs enhance Alberta Learning curriculum
in arts and sciences while fostering the skills and attitudes that will
last students a lifetime! In this module we’ll discuss experiential
learning. This is the concept of making learning interactive and
enjoyable as opposed to having an instructor lecture from the front of
the room. Learn the value of touchable items, games and activities to
make learning fun and discuss what is important to know about
programming for different age levels. Bring an adventurous attitude as
we’ll put the group through some activities too!
Module #2: Programming for Youth
During this workshop we’ll discuss two Zoo programs: Sleepovers and
Birthday parties. Spending the night at the Calgary Zoo is a
long-standing and exceptionally popular education program that includes
a variety of interactive activities and experiences. Sleepovers
continue to evolve based both on client needs and expectations as well
as availability of Zoo resources. During this workshop learn about the
logistics behind successfully offering a sleepover program, about some
of the challenges inherent to an overnight program, how to deal with
groups with various special needs and various programming ideas that
help the program come alive. We’ll share our idea of how to ‘edu-tain’
which for us means ‘educating’ while ‘entertaining’! We’ll also
chat about whether or not to offer birthday parties. We’ll share what
factors went into our decision about birthdays, the challenges
birthdays bring, the expectations of parents and how best to meet them
as well as how we vary the program based on different ages of the
birthday child.
Module #3: Connections with Nature
Our Guest Luncheon Speaker, Kevin Strange, Manager of Education, will
inspire the group with his “Connections to Nature” presentation. Hear
heart warming stories gleaned from his many years of educating the
public about nature at The Calgary Zoo. Kevin’s humour and generous
nature will be sure to entertain and motivate attendees to look at
nature and people’s various responses to nature in a wide variety of
ways.
Module #4: Behind the Scenes Experience
Those participants who want to stretch their legs and get a change of
scenery should take advantage of this opportunity to experience one of
our behind the scenes programs as any member of the public might. We’ll
do our full ½ hour interpretive program and then go behind the scenes
with the keepers. Likely this will be a behind the scenes with giraffes
program where participants can feed a giraffe a carrot or two (if the
giraffes are keen of course?!). These experiences are based on a first
come first served scheduling for the public. We’ll talk about how this
specialized guest programming can stimulate similar programs on your
farm.
Module #5: Schoolyard Naturalization
The Calgary Zoo`s schoolyard naturalization program, which is supported
by Agrium, facilitates and supports schools that want to transform
their schoolyard into diverse natural settings. Just imagine the
opportunities for creative play and learning that come from carefully
planned native plantings. The social, ecological and educational
benefits of this kind of hands-on teaching tool are numerous, as
students get the chance to connect with nature in their own school
environment. Most schools these days have outside areas composed wholly
of concrete and there is a growing body of research that shows the
positive effect on children being able to make a connection with nature
through exposure to a naturalized space. During this session some of
this research will be shared and various ways that schools are using
their naturalized space. We will wrap it all up with a brainstorming
session on how you can apply these concepts back home by incorporating
the ecological and educational benefits of your farm into your own
school community.
Wind-down chat with a zoo marketer
The Calgary Zoo has many of the same challenges in getting guests onto
the property as you do in agritourism. Led by Wade Harper, Senior
Manager, Marketing and Sales, the zoo has developed themed promotions
for virtually every holiday, as well as brunches, Singles Safaris, Boo
at the Zoo and many others. Many are targeted at expanding our guest
audience beyond the obvious young family attractions. Some have failed
and many have been met with great success. Like you, we must always be
making changes to stay fresh. A representative of the Zoo’s marketing
staff will be available for informal discussions about the many
programs we’ve tried over the years. This optional activity provides an
entirely interactive and spontaneous visit with marketing personnel.
There will be no prepared presentation. So bring your questions, and
your brainstorm ideas, and bounce ‘em off the marketer at the zoo as
well as your own peers among the group.
Enjoy the zoo at your own pace until closing
The Calgary Zoo is certainly one of the finest in Canada. Your
participation at the workshop entitles you to admission at the zoo for
the entire day. Now that you’ve been introduced through the Behind the
Scenes Tour earlier in the day, take full advantage and see the
highlights on your own. You’ll get plenty of materials at the workshop,
including a map of the zoo grounds. So go back and see whichever
attractions most interest you, whether to study a model for
improvements on your farm to further emphasize your learning experience
today, or to enjoy a relaxing walk after a thought provoking day just
because you love the animals.
Return to Hyatt via LRT
The Hyatt Regency Calgary and the Calgary Zoo are located just four
stops apart on Calgary’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. In fact, the
zoo has its own special station attached to a main gate, which is a
treat to see in its own right!
You’ll take the LRT back to the hotel at your own schedule following
the workshop. We’ll provide you with walking maps and detailed
instructions for a simple and pleasurable return.
Join us for all or any part of our convention.
Each component is priced separately.
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Feb. 12, 2007 |
Feb. 13, 2007 |
Feb. 14, 2007 |
Feb. 15, 2007 |
Feb. 16, 2007 |
Feb. 17, 2007 |
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