Process of Interpretive Planning Workshop

A way of thinking leading to effective interpretive opportunities

This 5-day workshop builds upon your experience and knowledge of interpretation to provide an understanding of a basic, comprehensive, interpretive planning process. It's a great way to train to become an interpretive planner and to help you along the pathway of attaining certification as a CIP. 

During this course, participants will learn key essentials in interpretive planning including identifying and profiling target audiences, developing a theme hierarchy, choosing media and evaluating impact. Throughout the course, participants will take part in practicums designed to put new content into practice, utilizing the host site as the project focus. 

Please note that although this workshop is not required for participants to apply for a Certified Interpretive Planner certification, participating in the course will meet one of the requirements for submittal.

Costs for this course can be found on our Certification and Training Fees page.

For upcoming courses see the bottom of this page.

Course outcomes, at the end of this course you will be able to: 

• Use an interpretive planning process to develop plans for individual exhibits and other interpretive opportunities; 
• Contribute significantly as a member of an interpretive planning team working on a site or facility; 
• Explain and defend the interpretive planning process; 
• Be able to explain how people make a decision to engage and stay engaged (if you know this, you can develop interpretive opportunities that attract and hold – the two precursors to effective communication);
• Evaluate existing interpretive opportunities for effectiveness; 
• Improve existing interpretive opportunities based on your evaluation of effectiveness; 
• Develop a message-driven interpretive opportunity;
• Profile target audiences in a meaningful way.  

About the Instructor

Dr. David Bucy brings a wealth of knowledge attained from over thirty-five years of experience as a trainer and interpretive planner as a principal of  Bucy Associates, which specializes in providing interpretive planning and training throughout the U.S. and abroad. A Ph.D. from the University of Idaho with a specialty in Interpretation and Communication Theory, enhances his expertise. Dave has also been an NAI board member, presenter at NAI regional and national workshops, and a long-time member of NAI.