19 professionals from across New York State joined together for a four-day Adirondack retreat to investigate the topic of Understanding Audiences.

Participants explored methods and strategies for engaging audiences through innovative programming, visitor-oriented planning and utilizing social media tools. Discussion ranged from preparing ourselves to be on the leading edge of audience trends to proactively capturing the attention of new visitors without disregarding our traditional allies.

We are grateful to our talented panel of presenters for sharing their innovative ideas and perspectives and for rekindling our passion for the work that we do.

I'll share a few comments from our participants ~

• It was wonderful and inspirational.  A can-do, can-put-into-action, many-concepts-learned event/institute.  Our Board is eager to learn from this experience, Loved it!
• Thank you so much!  This was an excellent experience overall.  It's hard to describe, but a sense of calm came over me which opened up my mind and heart.  I have learned and been exposed to so much.  I have come from a very stressful time at my museum and this is just what I needed to recharge by batteries.  The memories I will take away are the conversations during meals and around the lake.  Thank you!
• I love this institute.  It is the most useful and inspiring professional development workshop I have participated in so far.  Excellent work.  Thank you for the opportunity.

Special thanks to the Adirondack Museum for their support of the 2009 Museum Institute at Sagamore.

Curious about Sagamore - check out the photos and feedback on Facebook.

New York State's Museums in Conversation: What Inspires You?

April 11-13, 2010
Albany Marriott, Wolf Road, Albany, NY

We all take inspiration from many, ­ sometimes unlikely, ­ sources.  In continuing the conversation format of last year's conference, UHA and MANY seek discussion proposals that focus on what inspires you about the work of others, be they museums, libraries, nature centers or parks, small or big businesses.  What have you seen that's been so great, so innovative, so enterprising, so adaptable, and so fun that you want to talk about it with your colleagues?

We welcome proposals from a wide range of institutions and practitioners, within and outside the museum community, to encourage lively discussions that offer new perspectives on our work and create new connections to each other.

Submitting a Proposal
The deadline for submitting a proposal is November 2, 2009.  Proposals must be submitted electronically, as an email attachment to stephanie@upstatehistory.org

Visit www.upstatehistory.org to download the proposal form and for more information. The program committee will review proposals and decisions will be made by the mid-November.

Questions?
If you have any questions or are looking for assistance with developing a proposal, contact UHA Program Coordinator Stephanie Lehner at 800.895.1648