MCN2015

Sponsored by the Digital Strategies & Transformations SIG and Information Technologies SIG and Moderated by Carolyn Royston, independent consultant focused on digital transformation.

MCN traditionally has had a difficult time engaging leadership to participate in the conference resulting in too much preaching to the choir (for attendees), and not enough face to face discussions with decision makers. This program hopes to end the stalemate by inviting non-digital executives, open to change, a chance to present ideas that could use direct input from experts in our community “for free.” We’ll get face to face time with influential leadership, helping all of us think more holistically and strategically about integrating technology in our organizations.

The MCN community can help cultural executives plan how digital can best serve the needs of their individual organization. We know that this should start as they imagine or initiate projects, not after the ideas have been set in stone. We’ll advise them on the most effective solutions to their questions, whether enhancing digital components or streamlining an over-designed proposal.

Some of the potential people and problems for review include:

Anita Kassof, the new Executive Director of the Baltimore Museum of Industry, is helping reimagine the decades old organization. With a robust school attendance, but aging infrastructure, it’s time for a change. She has countless ideas, but she’s not sure yet what makes the most sense given BMI small staff and budget.

Annie Polland, V.P. , the Tenement Museum, has successfully produced a MUSE award-winning stand-alone digital project, but as an institution committed to storytelling through docent-led tours, finding the right balance between technology and the personal experience is still challenging. This year the Museum begins developing their new historic site tour and exhibition space that would tell the stories of immigrants who settled in New York City after 1945. They have a grant to incorporate technology, but what’s the best approach?