NAI 2023

Little Rock, Arkansas — November 7–11

Pre-Conference Workshops

November 6–7, 2023
If the minimum requirements are not met by October 1st, the session will be canceled.

Interpreter's Road Show

Monday, November 6–Tuesday, November 7
8:00am–5:00pm

The NCDA Section Roadshow is a long-standing national workshop tradition which delivers interpreters, managers and administrators to several interpretive sites while giving them opportunities to go behind the scenes to meet with staff. The group will speak with administrative and front-line staff from public and private sites, institutions and organizations. Site tours will be conversational and highlight the resources that each site has while also learning about the successes and challenges that each experiences during operation. Likely conversation topics may include: volunteer management, program development, marketing, facilities management, master planning, funding development, creating partnerships, exhibit design, habitat management, and human resources.

Target Skill Level/Audience: Management Operations

Presenter: NAI NCDA Section
Meals Provided: Day 1 (lunch and dinner), Day 2 (lunch)
Transportation: All transportation from the Marriott Downtown Little Rock hotel. Overnight lodging will be required but is not included in the registration cost for this pre-workshop.
Minimum Participants: 24
Maximum Participants: 24
Price: $230

Making Meaningful Interpretive Media

Tuesday, November 7
8:30am–4:00pm

All too often front-line interpreters are asked to develop interpretive media. While talented in live interpretation, sometimes they’re not sure how to translate their skills to developing interpretive media. That’s where this workshop comes in! Centered around creativity and thematic interpretation, this interactive workshop will give front-line interpreters the tools and skills they need to confidently create interpretive media. This full-day workshop is divided into three sections – the Basics, Media Development; and a Guided Activity.

The Basics will lay the groundwork so that participants start with a solid foundation. We’ll define interpretation; talk about why it matters; and discuss the ways that we do it. We’ll define different types of media and discuss what makes some great and what makes some just plain bad. Then, we’ll dive into Media Development where we’ll learn about audiences and the needs of different exhibit experiencers. We’ll dive deep into content development and learn how best to tell a story.

Participants will build an interpretive writing toolkit that gives them the tools to create engaging and meaning text. Then, participants will learn how to structure content in a wayside panel and discover how thoughtful graphic design can help tell the story. Finally, participants will get to test their new skills as they create a small panel that they will share. Interpreters will leave with the tools and confidence needed to develop their own projects.

NOTE: You will be required to bring your own laptop or tablet for this session.

Target Skill Level/Audience: Media/Technology - Novice

Presenter: Sarah Lisle
Meals: lunch on your own
Minimum Participants: 10
Maximum Participants: 24
Price: $80

Designing for Accessibility

Tuesday, November 7
8:30am–4:00pm

Design can become an afterthought when creating interpretive materials, yet is incredibly important to a visitor's experience. Good design builds trust; for example, we rely on cues from design to determine is an email is legitimate. Special consideration must be given to ensure that interpretive materials are available to the broadest audience, including visitors with sensory, motor, or intellectual disabilities. This is more important than ever due to increased demand for virtual engagement opportunities and the fact that virtual environments lack the flexibility of an interpreter to make on-the-spot accommodations. However, these techniques don't just benefit people with disabilities. The less time your visitors spend deciphering your materials, the more time they can spend engaging with your content. We will cover types of disabilities, disability ethics, laws and standards related to accessibility, accessibility and universal design principles, and easy-to-use tools for creating quality graphics. This presentation will be appropriate for interpreters from a variety of institutions and backgrounds, but is aimed at smaller institutions without access to a dedicated design team. Most tools covered will be free; however, Adobe Acrobat Pro is highly recommended, but not required. By the end of this workshop, participants will have created accessible templates that are consistent with their institution's graphic style.

NOTE: You will be required to bring your own laptop or tablet for this session.

Target Skill Level/Audience: JEDAI - Intermediate

Presenter: Heather Mortimer
Meals: lunch on your own
Minimum Participants: 10
Maximum Participants: 24
Price: $80

Follow the Trail of Tears

Tuesday, November 7
8:00am–4:00pm

Download the full itinerary here.

Follow the Trail of Tears Water Route and visit a series of sites that provide space to reflect on the tragedy of Indian Removal, commemorate those who survived it, and consider how American Indian policy was attempted ethnic cleansing within today’s US borders. Whether referred to as Indian Removal, the Trail of Tears, or westward expansion, the US government systematically pulled apart cultures, and these policies continued far after the relocation of tribes. Hear from tribes, agency staff, and partners about the challenges of interpreting hard truths along a long, linear resource utilizing mostly outdoor, non-personal interpretive media. Perspectives and discussions include who should tell the story, how and where, and what Indian policy in the past means about America today. The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail is administered by the National Park Service, National Trails Office and includes over 5,000 miles of removal routes. It commemorates the forced removal of Cherokee from their homelands; the paths that 17 Cherokee detachments followed westward; and the revival of the Cherokee Nation. The trail also interprets the experiences of other tribes affected by the Indian Removal Act of 1830. NTIR does not manage any lands but works in partnership to offer technical assistance towards preservation, protection, interpretation, and development for public use.

Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. You can bring a small bag/backpack. Don’t forget your reusable water bottle and sunscreen.

Target Skill Level/Audience: Media/Technology - Novice

Presenter: Carol Sharon Clark
Meals: lunch on your own
Minimum Participants: 10
Maximum Participants: 50
Price: $100