MATT ROBINSON TOPHER MCKIM Eiteljorg Museum

Increase the number of state-wide visitors. Traveling Museum Exhibit and Mini-Workshops- This IMC idea would consists of a traveling Eiteljorg museum exhibit which could travel to different events such as county fairs, festivals, and art shows that take place across the state. Mini-workshop and Eitlejog displays could take place at these festivals. If paired with an appropriate event, the traveling museum could be tailored to the event that the museum is set up at. For example, if the traveling museum was at an arts and crafts festival they could have mini-workshops set up that allowed for people to create American Indian crafts. Strategy- At these events the exhibit could showcase first-hand the different things that the museum has to offer. Incentives and promotional items could be handed out as well as a free one-year membership drawing for an individual. Rationale- Because these events are taking place across the state, they will build brand awareness for individuals from different locations in Indiana and they will position the Eiteljorg Museum as a fun and interesting attraction for their next trip to Indianapolis. Bring a Friend Day This type of IMC idea is commonly used at attractions such as theme parks and local zoos. Someone purchases a ticket for the zoo and brings someone that will get in for free. Strategy- The museum will heavily promote this event. Rationale- The incentive will make people more willing to take a risk and visit the museum if they haven’t before. Some that have visited the museum may see this as a good opportunity to bring someone they know, that hasn’t been yet.

Expand the Target audience demographically and geographically. Educate the Educators: Teachers Day at the Eiteljorg- Educating the educators would be an event aimed at positioning the museum as a valuable option for educational tours and experiences. Strategy- The museum would invite K-12 th grade teachers and college professors of related fields from across the state to visit the museum for free. Guided tours for teachers that featured the benefits and different aspects of the museum would be given. The event would also feature panels of professionals from specific fields related to the topic of American Indians and Western Art in which the teachers could attend. Also, a partnership with surrounding museums and educational attractions would allow for discounted educational packages to be presented to teachers. Rationale- Presenting itself as a perfect opportunity and place for an educational experience will broaden the target audience to teachers, children, and families. Educating the Educators would promote the different things the museum has to offer that the teachers may not have known about.This in turn will increase overall attendance for the museum. Themed Days Hold certain themed weekends geared toward specific interests. Strategy- Decorate, and put on exhibits for themed weekends such as activities geared toward kids with arts and crafts, or battle history weekends possibly targeted at men or other history enthusiasts. Rationale- An exhibit specifically engineered for a type of person will be extra incentive to get them to the museum.

Increase museum membership Membership Incentive Weekend- This event would be a once-a -year membership incentive weekend. At this event, current members would have the opportunity to receive half off of their membership dues if they bring somebody to sign up for a new membership. Strategy- Get current members to encourage new members to sign up. Rationale- Members tend to recommend the museum to others so this provides a way for them to show the individuals they are recommending it to instead of just telling them about it. Free Trial Membership Give people the chance to experience the membership benefits for 30 days. Strategy- Let people visit the museum and register for the free trial membership lasting for 30 days. Get them used to visiting the museum on a regular basis, and provide easy ways for them to start a paying membership, such as online payment. Rationale- People will enjoy the membership benefits and get used to going to the museum.

Attract families and guests from visiting from out of town over the holiday season. Creation of Holiday Themed Events- Events relative to the holiday season could take place and could be promoted as the perfect opportunity for something to do when family comes in town. Strategy- For example, during thanksgiving, an exhibition that focuses on Thanksgiving and the American Indians could take place as well as a large Thanksgiving dinner where staff would dress up in Indian and settler outfits. Also, an exhibition and event centered on Native American constellations could take place around the 4 th of July and a Constellation firework show could take place one night. Rationale- Events centered on holidays present the museum as a relevant and neat place to visit when family comes in town. Family Package Deals A deal will be offered for families including admission and a discount at one of the restaurants in Indianapolis for one discounted price. Strategy- The museum will work with Indianapolis restaurants interested in providing discount coupons, and advertising as a unique family holiday experience. Rationale- Often times, families look for something to do on holidays and find many businesses are closed. And family activities become very costly, very quickly. If the museum makes itself available as a cost efficient unique holiday activity, then it could become a good story to tell for visitors.

Ideas for Enhancing the Museum Website Promote Eitlejorg’s social networking pages on the website. Current Facebook.com web page only has a little over 100 fans (friends). Strategy- Expand social networking databases and utilize them as an advertising tool for events and exhibitions. Rationale-This would allow for more exposure to the Eiteljorg Museum and of all the different events they put on. Guest Website Back Ground Design Contest- Each month a contest will take place where local American Indian and Western artists can submit a piece of art to be featured on the background of the website for a week. Rational- Promotion for this event will bring awareness of the museum as well as draw more visits to the website through word of mouth.