2011 Year End Report

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2011 YEAR END REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS Summary of Outcomes & Highlights

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Conference Report

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Drawings

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Contacts

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Conference & Category Counts

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Field Trip Counts

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Cities by Region/Planners per City

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Digital Field Trip Guide

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MN Field Trip ALERTS

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MN Field Trip EXPO

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Website

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Looking Ahead

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WE HAVE A NEW WEBSITE ADDRESS! Same website.

2 new website addresses, effective immediately Primary URL: www.MNFieldTripLibrary.org Secondary URL: www.MNFieldTripLibrary.com The original URL: www.adventurepartners.org will also continue to work.

Adventure Partners LLC • 8014 Hwy 55, Ste 130 • Minneapolis, MN 55423 www.adventurepartners.org • www.MNFieldTripLibrary.org mark@mnfieldtriplibrary.org

2011 MN Community Education

2011 Webelos Experience Scout Camp

A personal note for you from Mark Peterson, founder of the MN Field Trip Library and EXPO. Greetings!

In the past year the MINNESOTA FIELD TRIP LIBRARY & EXPO have migrated from a great experiment with high expectations (at least mine) into the welcome reality of being recognized by educators and activities planners as providing valuable resources for their program planning & development.

On the PLANNER side, we’ve gained some amazing supporters...

Education MN, the MN Community Education Ass’n, MN PTA, the MN Middle School Ass’n, HERO Homeschool Resource, the Northern Star Council BSA (and many others) have sent out to members announcements about the Library and EXPO in their newsletters. A growing number are offering newsletter space for news and events updates...

At conferences and events I have met thousands of individuals (and I’ve made a quite a few new friends) who - by their own admission - are on an often urgent hunt for new and unique field trips, recreational activities, school programs, entertainment, and funding resources. I have learned about what makes a quality field trip, what it means to meet MN’s education standards, and not just what the planners want... I learned about lots about what our kids need.

2011 Education Minnesota

Many have simply told me, “The Field Trip Library is a great resource - thank you so much!”

Throughout 2010 and 2011, I’ve transported the Library (brochure containers, heavy iron gridwall, et al...) to locations all over the state: Minneapolis, Saint Paul, New Brighton, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Bloomington, Duluth, St Cloud, Annandale, Hudson, Lakeville, Mankato, and Rochester. Once even as far away as Des Moines. 35 conferences, all told.

2010 MN Homeschoolers Alliance

We’ve been in convention centers, gymnasiums, activity centers, schools, and even at a scout camp where the Library was outdoors on a grass floor (see the photo to the left)! Our exhibit was at a BSA Base Camp event where I witnessed more than 500 scouts, students and adult leaders converse with U.S. astronauts in realtime during a live NASA International Space Station digital downlink.

We’ve enjoyed a great start... and if you were with me in 2011, I’ve enjoyed representing you, and for being a great partner!

In 2012 the adventure continues, and I look forward to working with you to help you successfully grow your student and youth business!

So as we move forwardConferences into 2012, remember,& when the tide Contacts rises, ALL boats rise!

2011 NASA Downlink Click HERE to see the video

Best Regards, Mark

MN FIELD TRIP LIBRARY

SUMMARY of OUTCOMES & HIGHLIGHTS 2010/2011 CONFERENCE & CONTACT OUTCOMES Number of conferences & events exhibited at in the past 17 months: 35 Average number of Giveaways per conference: 21 Total number of Giveaways (from free field trips to discounts) at these 35 conferences: 710 Number of groups these 710 individuals represented: 961 Every conference was treated as a unique event, with a new brochure arrangement, flyers, and signup forms.

Participating Library Partners received a new contact list after each specific conference.

Current Contact Totals: Total number of unique attendees who signed up to win a Giveaway in the past 17 months: 4249 Total number of unique contacts in master Library database: 6201 You will find planner categories subtotaled in the report.

We found an impressive number of regional contacts originating from 469 cities in the 6 MN Regions: NE - 343 individuals from 57 cities NW - 179 individuals from 45 cities Central - 597 individuals from 88 cities SW - 442 individuals from 78 cities SE - 427 individuals from 53 cities TC Metro - 3,841 individuals from 148 cities WI - 142 individuals from 54 mostly western WI cities IA - 76 individuals from 53 Iowa Cities Other States: 15 individuals from 19 cities Canada: 2 individuals from 2 Canadian cities You will find city and geographic categories subtotaled in the report.

2011 DIGITAL FIELD TRIP GUIDE

The Digital Guide is rapidly becoming a trusted resource.

4 issues were published in 2011 (one per season or quarter).

Readership in 2011: TOTALS to date in this first year (2011): 1565 unique readers • 53,426 unique page views Beginning in January 2012 destinations will be presented in 6 MN regions, and the Guide will become much more interactive.

2011 FIELD TRIP ALERTS

The Field Trip ALERTS are unique “permission-based” monthly email campaigns.

All partners in the Library are invited to provide an announcement headline/copy that is linked to more details on their website The average clicks per monthly Alert in last 3 months was approximately 15% of total emails sent - and increasing.

Total number of Field Trip Alerts emailed in the 12 months of 2011: 37,623 Total opt-outs (unsubscribes) in 2011: 91

2011 MN FIELD TRIP EXPO

The EXPO is designed to introduce providers and planners for in-person discussions about field trips, programs & fundraising.

It also showcases video tours of sites and programs, and offers unique, relevant information sessions for planners and exhibitors.

In 2011 there were 40 Giveaways and Winners at the EXPO. There were 3 breakout sessions during the Expo for attendees, and 2 breakout sessions for exhibitors the day before the EXPO. Total number of pre-registrations in 2011: 210 Total number of actual attendees: 159 Total number of exhibitors: 58

WEBSITE • New web address: www.MNFieldTripLibrary.org

The website is where planners find Library Partner contact information, and also if they have won a Giveaway.

It also provides necessary information regarding the EXPO, and assists planners in signing up for the monthly ALERTS. The website offers a homepage link to immediately send planners to the Digital Guide.

It also provides the necessary information for Library Partners to prepare materials.

For more, please proceed to the following individual reports.

Education Minnesota 2011

2011 CONFERENCE REPORT 24 CONFERENCES & EVENTS IN 2011 • 11 Conferences in 2010

Through 2011 the MINNESOTA FIELD TRIP LIBRARY exhibit traveled to 24 annual conferences and events - all in Minnesota except one - representing more than 50 partners from throughout the state by mid-year.

These 24 conferences included: 15 Professional Education Conferences (in MN) 4 Scout Conferences in MN (all 3 in MN, representing packs and troops in central MN and western Wisconsin) 4 Homeschool Conferences (3 in MN, 1 in IA) 1 faith-based, multi-denominational Conference (in MN) Total attendance for these 24 conferences: 37,000+ (approx) SPECIAL NOTE: In 2010 the Library went to at 11 conferences from August through December, if we add these to the conferences in 2011 (24), the total number of conferences is 35. Also, we have now exhibited at 8 conferences twice where we have seen new visitors in 2011 who were excited to have “found” the MN FIELD TRIP LIBRARY, plus 2010 visitors returning for new ideas and program information, often bringing more new planners with them. The extent of this “repeat business” was a pleasant surprise, and very welcome.

Accomplishments...

1. Distributed partner literature and raised awareness of available field trip destinations, presenter/speaker, and fundraising programs to educators, homeschoolers, scout leaders, and youth group planners.

2. Collected permisson-based contact names of student/youth activities planners and coordinators that are distributed to Library partners participating in that conference exhibit. These contacts were also added to the growing Master FIELD TRIP LIBRARY Database.

This Database - empty in August 2010 - has swelled to more than 6,200 contacts in a little more than a year. These contacts have received regular monthly emailings from the Library.

3. Offered drawings for valuable giveaways at each conference for planners that generated excitement among attendees. Most of these giveaways were FAMS, designed to bring youth planners onsite, and offered opportunities to experience field trips or programs. The number of giveaways ranged from 15-25 at each conference.

4. Attracted conference attendees to www.adventurepartners.org, and to their unique conference webpage on this website where they found the drawing winners for their event. On the webpage they found the Digital Field Trip Guide, the online webpage archiving the monthly Field Trip Alerts, and information about the Field Trip EXPO.

5. Library Partners were invited to participate in conferences of their choosing during the year, though the Library is designed to work for the partners without them being at each conference.

Art Educators of Minnesota 2011

2011 CONFERENCE REPORT “ONE-STOP SHOPPING” IMPRESSED ATTENDEES AT EVERY CONFERENCE “Thank you for providing relevant resources. As the Director of a place-based charter school I have found your organization to provide a quality 'one stop shopping' experience.”

Meg Cavalier, Executive Director Rivers Edge Academy Charter School, St Paul

Take a look at the Library in action and listen to comments... click on this YouTube logo:

In response to the "see you at your conference" email I received from you: "Frankly – I can’t wait!

We are so excited to have you come again!” ;) Kris Holsen, 2011 President, Art Educators of MN

WE FOUND A VERY RECEPTIVE “FAN” BASE Obviously the MN FIeld Trip Library is a new concept. This - and the “one-stop shopping” comment - was heard many times during and after every conference. Attendees also told us they appreciated the literature that provided specific information about field trips, presenters and programs, and fund-raising opportunities. Though full-color brochures are always popular, accompanying fliers that describe field trip programs - especially discussing curriculum-based and customizing services were also very important to the educators and planners. The literature was well-received as a sincere outreach effort by partners to help meet MN education standards, and to provide quality experiences.

EVERY CONFERENCE WAS TREATED AS A UNIQUE EVENT Every conference had its own flyer hand-outs, sign-up forms, signage, and also a unique conference webpage on www.adventurepartners.org that served as the one location to find drawing winners, along with contact information for all partners. The brochures in the exhibit were even organized uniquely, depending on the focus of every conference.

CONFERENCE FLYERS

A new flyer was printed for each conference. Since not all attendees took literature, this 8.5x14 flyer was handed to as many individuals as possible. It contained the names of all partners, the list of giveaways (and where the list of winners would be found), a “brand phrase”, web address. and the name of the person to call directly, with a direct phone number. It also encouraged the attendee to watch for the monthly FIELD TRIP ALERTS, use the DIGITAL GUIDE, and to come meet partners at the FIELD TRIP EXPO.

Register to Win a FREE FIELD TRIP!

Drawings for 25 valuable giveaways at the MN MIDDLE SCHOOL ASS’N CONFERENCE! To find out if To see the 25 MMSA WINNERS from this conference... go to: www.adventurepartners.org

If you can’t use what you won, your field trip is TRANSFERRABLE!

you won a Giveaway or Field Trip...go to: www.adventurepartners.org

METROPOLIS RESORT, CHAOS WATER PARK & ACTION CITY - Swim, Go-Karts, Bowl, Batting Cages, Rock Climb & More! Eau Claire FREE FIELD TRIP TO ACTION CITY and/or CHAOS WATERPARK for 10 kids when booking a group event.

will be contacted. For more field trip information, call Fiona Erdmann at 715-852-6000 - www.metropolisresort.com THE 2012 MN FIELD TRIP EXPO at the MALL OF AMERICA!Winner MINNESOTA DISCOVERY CENTER (formerly Ironworld) - Iron Range History & Heritage at its BEST! Chisholm

Win one FREE “add-on” during your class field trip to Minnesota Discovery Center.

You’re invited, and just like this past August, it’s FREE! Plan field trips and programs for 2012/2013 on August 14, 2012.

For educators, homeschoolers, scout leaders, activities coordinators, and tour operators. For more info: www.adventurepartners.orgFor field trip & performance venue information, call 218-254-7959 - Ask for Stefanie Carlson - www.mndiscoverycenter.com

MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY & HISTORY CENTER - MN History comes to life... when you come to us or with a Virtual Field Trip 26 popular historic sites throughout Minnesota, including the Mill City Museum and the MN HISTORY CENTER in St Paul!

For more information about bringing your classes and using MnHS, start with Joanna Danks at 651-259-3159 - www.mnhs.org MINNESOTA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL - Experience Medieval royalty, food and entertainment, like jousting! Shakopee Win a FREE Field Trip to the 2012 MN Renaissance Festival for a group of up to 30 students. Winner will be contacted.

For field trip and performance venue information, call 952-445-7361 - Ask for Katie Kline - www.renaissancefest.com NATIONAL EAGLE CENTER - Experience our national birds! Meet Harriet & Angel, resident bald eagles! Wabasha For field trip information, call 651-565-4989 - Ask for Alison Springer - www.nationaleaglecenter.org OLD LOG THEATRE - Great theatre for scout and student groups! We’ve offered quality youth performances for years! Excelsior Discover field trips, programs, grants, specials. The headlines are linked to websites, conveniently giving you the news and announcements you need -CINDERELLA is showing this holiday season! For information, call 952-474-5951 - Ask for Karen Mohsenian - www.oldlog.com when you want to read them...one email is sent to planners free-of-charge each month... You can always opt out... and we don’t sell names!

OUTWARD BOUND - Challenge yourself. Overcome Adversity. Build bonds. Change your World! Twin Cities For daytrip and overnight program information, call Poppy Potter at 612-418-7471 - www.outwardbound.org/twincities Sign up today to get your monthly ALERTS... go to: www.adventurepartners.org OWATONNA - Visit Cabela’s, see MN history at the Village of Yesteryear & the MN State Orphanage...! SE MN on I-35 For field trip assistance & meeting space information, call 507-451-7970 - Ask for Lisa Havelka at Owatonna CVB - www.owatonna.org • Unique Learning for Classes and Youth Groups PADELFORD RIVERBOAT COMPANY - Cruising the Mississippi River in the TC for more than 40 years! Harriet Island, St Paul Win a FREE Padelford Riverboat field trip cruise on the Mississippi River for a group of up to 30. Winner will be contacted AFTON HUDSON CRUISE LINES & AFTON INN - 3 vessels, restaurants, meeting rooms, and an Inn on the St Croix River - Afton For field trip information, call 651-227-1100 - Ask for Captain Tracy Shimek - www.riverrides.com For cruises and customized field trip information, call 651-436-8883 - Ask for Dan Jarvis - www.aftonhouseinn.com PEARL OF THE LAKE PADDLEBOAT - Cruise Lake Pepin and get a tour where water-skiing was “invented”! Lake City For field trip information, call 651-345-5500 - Ask for Captain Larry Nielson - www.lakepepinpaddleboat.com AMAZING JEFFO - A blind magician who inspires student & youth groups to see life and their abilities in a special way!

To speak directly with magician Jeff Smith, and to schedule a performance or presentation, call 651-457-7300 - www.amazingjeffo.comPOSITIVE ENERGY OUTDOORS - Using Teamwork, Healthy Risk-Taking & Positive Communication, your students win! Duluth For field trip information, call 218-391-0147 - Ask for Stephanie Love or Blake Cazier - www.outdooredventures.org AUDUBON CENTER OF THE NORTHWOODS - A Proud Leader in environmental education and renewable energy - Sandstone REPTILE & AMPHIBIAN DISCOVERY (RAD) ZOO - Minnesota’s Premier Destination for Reptiles (or we can come to you)! Owatonna Win 4 tickets to our ANNUAL PANCAKE BRUNCH & MAPLE SYRUP PROGRAM on March 24, 2012. Winner will be notified! Win a FREE 30 student field trip to the RAD zoo, or a half-price Travel Program to your class complete with RAD ZOO residents!

For group program information, call 320-245-2648 - Ask for Laurie Fenner - www.audubon-center.org Winner will be contacted. For field trip information, call 507-676-0260- Ask for Jamie Pastika - www.theradzoo.com BASE CAMP at FORT SNELLING - The BSA North Star Council’s Amazing Indoor/Outdoor Challenge Courses! - Saint Paul SCIENCE ADVENTURES OF ROCHESTER - Unforgettable hands-on science right in your home or classroom by Craig Darsow!

For field trip information, call 612-767-0051 - Ask for Jonathon Jones - www.bsa.org To talk with science teacher Craig, or to schedule a program, call 507-281-2302 - www.sites.google.com/site/rochesterscienceadventures.

BIG ISLAND RENDEZVOUS & FESTIVAL - Named one of the Top 100 U.S. Historic Festivals by the American Bus Ass’n - Albert Lea SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA - PIRATES are coming in February of 2012! Saint Paul Win 30 FREE General Exhibit Passes for up to 30 students. Valid on new reservations only. Winner will be notified.

For field trip information, call 507-373-3938 - Ask for Perry Vining - www.bigislandfestivalandbbq.org For field trip information, call 651-221-9426 - Ask for Peter Wright - www.smm.org CHANHASSEN DINNER THEATRES - Now showing: The fabulous CDT production of HAIRSPRAY!- Chanhassen SEA LIFE (formerly Underwater Adventures) World’s Largest JELLYFISH Collection, plus 5,000+ sea creatures! Totally remodeled!

Win a free CDT BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR for 15-45 student/youth. Restrictions apply... restrictions apply. Winner will be contacted.

For field trip and visitor information, call 952-853-0655 - Ask for John Sullwold - www.sealifeus.com For other field trip & performance venue information, call 952-934-1544 - Ask for Peggy Lushine - www.chanhassentheatres.com TARGET CENTER - Year ‘round entertainment - Shrine Circus, Harlem Globetrotters, and more! - We cater to youth groups! - Mpls CHILDREN’S THEATRE COMPANY - Nationally acclaimed performances through music, visual arts & dramatic play! - Minneapolis Win 2 FREE tickets to ARENACROSS at Target Center in February 2012! Winner will be notified.

Book a field trip to LIZZIE BRIGHT and get up to 10 free chaperone tickets - Valid on new reservations only. Winner will be contacted. For field trip information, call 612-673-1637 - Ask for Karen Swan - www.targetcenter.com TWIN CITY MODEL RAILROAD MUSEUM - See the Twin Cities in a scale like you’ve never seen! - Saint Paul For information, call Leah Gruber at 612-872-5149 - www.childrenstheatre.org For field trip information, call 612-625-9183 - Ask for Chad Kono - www.tcmrm.org CLAY COUNTY HISTORICAL & CULTURAL SOCIETY - Home of the Stave Church Replica & famous HJEMKOMST Viking Ship - Moorhead VALLEYFAIR! - We offer curriculum-based FUN at the Upper Midwest’s Largest Amusement Park! - Shakopee For field trip information, call 218-299-5511 x6736 - Ask for Brianne Carlsrud - www.hcscconline.org Win 2 regular admission tickets for the 2012 Valleyfair! season - valid May - Labor Day 2012. Winner will be notified.

COBORNS LAKE ITASCA CRUISES - Take a historical cruise on Lake Itasca... Follow Schoolcraft’s Route to the Mississippi Headwaters For field trip information, call 952-496-5336 - Ask for Crystalyn Bauer - www.valleyfair.com VERTICAL ENDEAVORS - Ready to climb the walls, and the ceilings? Then you’re ready for this! - Saint Paul. Duluth & now Mpls For field trip information, call 218-266-3660 - Ask for Captain Chris Coborn - www.lakeitascatours.com New Mpls Grand Opening: Nov 12th, 2011! For more info, call 651-776-1430 - Ask for Taylor Martinson - www.verticalendeavors.com EKO BACKEN - 20 acres & 40 years of fun in every season! Great for summer picnics & fun or winter snowtubing! - Scandia WABASHA STREET CAVES - Learn about gangsters and the fascinating caves that hosted them many years ago! ... Saint Paul Win a FREE Eko Backen Season Pass for snowtubing (the season will be here soon!) and outdoor summer fun. Winner will be contacted.

Win a visit that includes the popular Historic Cave Tour for a group of 25-50 students at 1/2 the regular price. Winner will be notified.

For field trip information, call 651-433-2422 - Ask for John Fraley - www.ekobacken.com For field trip information, call 651-292-1220 - Ask for Donna Bremer or Anne - www.wabashastreetcaves.com FARIBAULT - Home of the Tilt-A-Whirl ride, Faribault Woolen Mills, Hot Air Balloon Festival... and lots more! Southern MN on I-35 WATERPARK OF AMERICA / RADISSON HOTEL BLOOMINGTON - America’s LARGEST Indoor Water Park Hotel - Bloomington For field trip assistance & space information, call 507-334-4381 - Ask for Todd Ginter at Faribault Tourism - www.visitfaribault.com For Water Park & Hotel information, call 952-229-5709 - Ask for Tina Campbell - www.waterparkofamerica.com WILDLIFE SCIENCE CENTER - Inspiring Relationships with the Wild - From wolves to bear to raptors! - Columbus/Forest Lake FARMAMERICA - Experience MN’s Ag heritage & history at the unique Agricultural Interpretive Center - Waseca (Southern MN) For field trip information, call 651-464-3993- Ask for Bob Ebsen - www.wildlifesciencecenter.org Win a FREE FarmAmerica Field Trip for a class of up to 30 youth and adults. Winner will be contacted.

WILD MOUNTAIN & TAYLORS FALLS RECREATION- So many fun activities...snowskiing, waterpark, river cruises & more! -Taylors Falls For field trip information, call 507-835-2052 - Ask for Jim Gibson or Crystal Paulson - www.farmamerica.org 20 Free Students toward a Wild Mountain field trip from the provided list (gift certificate). Winner will be notified.

FESTIVAL OF NATIONS - Celebrate food, wares & festivities from around the world! An Annual Event...every May - St Paul RiverCentreFor field trip information, call 651-465-6315 - Ask for Sara Swenson - www.wildmountain.com For field trip information, call 651-647-0191 - Ask for Linda DeRoode or Steve Heckler - www.festivalofnations.com WOLF RIDGE ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER - Outdoor Immersion Learning Challenges and Adventures - Finland JOHN GRIMM - Presentations designed to help youth and adults recognize their creative uniqueness, and use their creative gifts! 10% off a 3-5 day overnight stay or daytrip through 12/31/2011 for student groups of 15-340 & who’ve not been to Wolf Ridge for 3 years.

For program information, call 218-353-7414 - Ask for Betsey Mead - betsey.mead@wolf-ridge.org - www.wolf-ridge.org To speak directly with John Grimm, and to schedule a presentation, call 612-756-1075 - johnagrimm.com - location: Montgomery YMCA CAMP ST CROIX - 400 Acres of Customized Environmental Education & Team Building - - Hudson HISTORIC THEATRE GROUP - Home of Broadway in Minnesota / Orpheum, State & Pantages Theatres - Minneapolis For program information, call 612-465-0561 - Ask for Sue Elmer - www.campstcroix.org

SIGN UP FOR THE MONTHLY FIELD TRIP ALERTS... Go to: www.adventurepartners.org

TIRED OF SIFTING THROUGH EMAILS? STAY ON TOP OF THE NEWS WITH OUR FREE

MONTHLY FIELD TRIP ALERTS!

FIELD TRIP DESTINATIONS, PROGRAMS & PRESENTERS

2 FREE tickets to ALL IS CALM at the Pantages Theatre in downtown Minneapolis. Winner will be contacted.

For field trip and performance venue information, call 612-373-5677 - Ask for Amy Henson - www.hennepintheatretrust.org STUDENT TRAVEL SERVICES • Transportation and More!

HISTORY THEATRE - from Judy Garland to A Civil War Christmas, meaningful history is revisited here! - Saint Paul RICHFIELD BUS COMPANY / HEARTLAND TOURS & TRAVEL - Highest Quality Charter Coach & Tour Services for Youth & Adult Groups Win 2 FREE tickets to A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS, good for tiers 2 or 3. Coupon cannot be applied to previously purchased tickets. Win 3 hours credit toward field trip transportation in the Twin Cities region. Winner will be notified.

Winner will be contacted. For performance venue information, call 651-292-4320 - Ask for Jill Vaughn - www.historytheatre.com For information about transportation for your groups, call 952-881-1111 - Ask for Stan Holter - www.richfieldbus.com ITOW - IN THEIR OWN WORDS VETERANS MUSEUM - See videos of interviewed veterans telling their personal stories - Perham SCHMITTY & SONS BUS COMPANY/GRAY LINE - Our fleet of reliable & safe school buses are perfect for children and adult groups...

Win a 2-hour school bus rental valid in the 7 county metro area. (Worth up to $180.00) Winner will be notified.

For field trip information, call 218-346-7678 - Ask for Lina Belar - www.itowmuseum.org For information about transportation for your groups, call 952-985-7540 - Ask for Kathryn Belcourt - www.schmittyandsons.com KEEPERS OF THE SACRED TRADITION OF PIPEMAKERS / AMERICAN AMERICAN CULTURE CAMP American Indian “immersion experiences” - sleep in a real tipi, eat Indian foods, take a pipe-making class, see a Pow-Wow - Pipestone FUNDRAISING • Unique ways to generate funds for fun!

Win a 20% discount for your Culture Camp field trip or in-school KEEPERS class presentation - Winner will be contacted.

GREATER MIDWEST FUNDRAISING & MVP FUNDRAISING CARDS- Raise money selling cookie dough, No-Name Steaks, Pre-baked Pies, For information, call 507-825-3734 - Ask for Bud Johnston - www.pipekeepers.org and much more! Register to win one of our most popular fundraising products: A FREE box of delicious No-Name Steaks!

LANDMARK CENTER - See and hear about this historic Federal Courthouse where notorious gangsters met their fates! - DT Saint Paul he winner will be notified. For fund-raising information, call 952-431-3085 - Ask for Tim Shiels or Randy Exsted - www.gmfundraise.com Win a FREE LANDMARK CENTER Book & DVD. Winner will be contacted.

MVP FUNDRAISING CARDS - A Discount Card Program with High Value Coupons from local merchants. Earn up to 70% Profit!

For fundraising information, call 651-436-3655 - Ask for Randy Exsted - www.mvpfundraisingcards.com For more field trip & performance venue information, call 651-292-1239 - Ask for Judy Brooks - www.landmarkcenter.org POSITIVE MOTION FUNDRAISING - Unique exercise programs that promote fitness and self-esteem - and raise money, too!

LARK TOYS - A Delightful Toy Company, Toy Store & Museum, and a Hand-Carved, In-Door CAROUSEL! - Kellogg, MN Win a FREE ride on the famous hand-carved indoor CAROUSEL & a factory/store tour for group of up to 30. Winner will be contacted.For fundraising information call 701-212-5143 - Ask for Patrick Kasper - www.positivemotion.net For field trip information, call 507-767-3387 - Ask for Miranda or Scott Gray-Burlingame - www.larktoys.com Remember to sign up for the monthly FIELD TRIP ALERTS • Go to www.adventurepartners.org Filled with annoucements, news, updates and reminders... designed to help you plan your group’s activities!

MALL OF AMERICA - There are NO furnaces in the MOA! Find out how they heat it up... and much more! - Bloomington Win a FREE presentation and a Mystery Ride Ticket at Nickelodeon Universe for up to 30 students. $260 value. Winner contacted.

8014 Highway 55 Suite 130, Minneapolis, MN 55427 • 612-518-8353 - www.adventurepartners.org Brought to you by: For field trip and performance venue information, call 952-883-8499 - Ask for Romy Ecker - www.mallofamerica.com

To find out if you won a Giveaway or Field Trip...go to: www.adventurepartners.org The MN Field Trip Library is brought to you by Adventure Partners LLC • 8014 Highway 55 Suite 130, Minneapolis, MN 55427 • 612-518-8353 • www.adventurepartners.org

SIGNUP FORMS FOR CONFERENCE DRAWINGS

Since every conference has a unique focus, a new signup form was also printed for every conference, requesting information that we found helped partners better use the contacts from each conference. Though a number of forms were not fully completed, qualified planners often not only filled them out - they engaged us with questions and relevant conversation.

2010/2011 CONFERENCE DRAWINGS

MN Homeschoolers Alliance 2010

DRAWINGS FOR EACH OF 35 CONFERENCES... ALL IN THE LAST 17 MONTHS We’ve been working hard for you over the last year... At every one of the 35 2010/2011 conferences the drawings - each with its own impressive number of quality giveaways and winners - were effective in attracting attendees to stop by the MN FIELD TRIP LIBRARY. The attendees would sign up, and then spend time selecting brochures and asking questions. Whenever possible, we’d ask questions to be able to offer new and unique ideas that fit their group’s needs, curriculum, recreation standards, and travel parameters.

710 GIVEAWAY WINNERS & 710 HEROES (You!) - IN A LITTLE MORE THAN A YEAR The giveaways generated very generous portions of exposure, respect, good will.

EXPOSURE - A significant number of planners now recognize that the Library - and every participating partner - provides them convenient help in doing their jobs. The Library has made their lives less strenuous. That’s good and memorable exposure.

RESPECT - Partners who provided giveaways have gained the reputation of being “education-friendly”. This is generating respect and a momentum that will bring in more groups every year.

GOOD WILL - Because the giveaways have been transferrable, partners were able to ensure their giveaways were used. That generated exceptional good will. We fulfilled the time-tested adage: "People will forget what you said; People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel."

HOW MANY YOUTH GROUPS WERE IMPACTED BY GiVEAWAYS IN 2010/2011?

710 winners represented 961 groups (because of overlaps, one person might be both a PTA officer and a teacher at a local school, or a homeschool co-op board member and a scout or church leader). The following lists categories of drawing winners: Educator winners (total): 579 WINNERS ARE DISPLAYED ONLINE FOR ENTIRE YEAR - Public School winners 306 After the drawings, unique webpages were created for each conference with the - Charter School winners 25 winners listed along with contact information for all partners. Since the Library was at - Community Ed winners 173 24 conferences in 2011, there are 24 webpages... this improved SEARCH ENGINE - Private School winners 75 OPTIMIZATION for all partners.

PTA winners 44 After the webpage is created, an email was sent to all attendees to announce Homeschool winners (total): 128 their conference’s winners. They then went to www.adventurepartners.org to find out - Family group winners: 84 who the winners were. And then they wait to be contacted by the partner to discuss - Homeschool co-op leaders: 19 the giveaway, and schedule fulfillment.

Scout leaders (packs/troops): 90 Church leaders (mostly youth): 92 SOME GIVEAWAY KUDOS: Other organizations (4-H, etc) 28 Audubon Center of the Northwoods TOTAL: 961 Childrens Theatre Company Chanhassen Dinner Theatres NOTIFYING THE WINNERS Eko Backen FarmAmerica After the winners were selected, a PDF like the one Great Midwest Fundraising displayed below was sent to partners so they could History Theatre each personally notify the winner of their giveaway.

Outreach like this built solid relationships for partners. Culture Camp Landmark Center Lark Toys Mall of America Metropolis Resort MN Discovery Center MN Renaissance Festival Orpheum, State & Pantages Theatres Padelford Riverboat Company Pearl of the Lake Paddleboat RAD Zoo of Owatonna Richfield Bus Company Science Museum of Minnesota Target Center Valleyfair!

Wabasha Street Caves Wild Mountain & Taylors Falls Recreation Wolf Ridge ELC

and others...

Art Educators of Minnesota 2011

2010/2011 CONTACTS REPORT A PERMISSION-BASED DATABASE OF 6,200+ BUILT FROM 35 CONFERENCES We’ve been working hard for you here, too, over the last year... and its not just name gathering. It’s information that will help you as you build your key relationships, including: title, school, city/region, activities preferences, and how many field trips a year?

Below is the Drawing Signup Form attendees fill out... not always did we get the information we requested, but we’re getting more as they see we can be trusted to respect the information they give us.

CONTACT LIST for Partners 1Contact Sue$Allen Tim$Andring Amy$Bang Sandy$Barry Sandy$Barry Melissa$Benjamin Angela$Bennett Mary$Bentley Sandi$Bird Nicole$Bjornvick Shannon$Blanchard Luke$Braaten Vanessa$Bruggeman Liz$Burkwald Gina$Czech Libby$Daniels Jessica$Devine Patti$Eckhoff Chris$Elwell Jessica$Ferraro Sue$Flynn Tracy$Frank Becky$Friborg Kim$Gormley Sheri$Gulenchyn Sarah$Haasis Chris$Hanson Taylor$Harris Leah$Heilman Jan$Heyerdahl Pauline$Hinsch Tim$Illies

Partners Received 4,249 Contacts Gathered from All Conferences.

In 2010, 11 conferences yielded 1442 contacts that were emailed to partners in an Excel file.

In 2011, 24 conferences yielded 2807 contacts that were emailed to partners. This totaled 4,249 contacts from the 11 conferences in 2010 and the 24 conferences in 2011.

1Title Giveaway0Winner0Destination 1Company 1City 1State 1Telephone090Main0Local 1Email0Primary Do0your0groups0go0on0field0trips?

Number0of0field0trips0per0year?

Teacher$-$8-7th$Grade Achieve$Language$Academy St$Paul MN 651-738-4875 sallen@achievemn.org Yes Teacher$-$6th$Grtade Dover$-$Eyota Eyota MN 507-545-2631 timandring!desch.org Yes 4 Teacher$-$7-12 Science$Museum$of$MNHeron$Lake$-$Okabena OkabenaMN 507-853-4507$$x1122 wamybang@ssc.hlo.mntm.org Yes 1 Teacher$6th$Grade Field$Middle$School Minneapolis MN 612-668-3640 sandyjbarry@gmail.com Yes Teacher$6th$Grade Field$Middle$School Minneapolis MN 612-668-3640 sbarry@mpls.k12.mn.us Yes 6th$grade$teacher Orono$Middle$School Long$LakeMN 763-449-8338 mbenjamin@orono.k12.mn.us Yes 1 Teacher$-$8th$Grade Chisago$Lakes LindstromMN 651-247-5555 abennett@chisagolakes.k12.mn.us Yes 1 Teacher$-$5th$Grade Audubon$Center$of$the$Northwoods Foley$Intermediate$SchoolFoley MN 320-968-8546 mbentley@foley.k12.mn.us Yes 2-3 Teacher$-$Grades$7-12 Barnum$High$School Barnum MN 218-389-3273$$x1204 sbird@barnum.k12.mn.us Sales$Mgr National$Geographic$Learning Chicago MN 847-425-6328 Teacher$-$8th$Grade Highland$Park$Middle$School St$Paul MN 651-293-8950 shannon.blanchard@spps.org Yes Teacher$-$8th$Grade Keepers$/$Culture$CampLitchfield$Middle$School LitchfieldMN 320-693-2441 luke_braaten@litchfield.k12.mn.us Yes 150 Teacher$8-9 Alexandria$Middle$SchoolAlexandria MN 320-766-5139 vbruggeman@hotmail.com Yes 1 Para AFSA$High$School Vadnais$Heights MN 651-209-3910 lburkwald@agacademy.com Yes 2 Teacher$6th$Grade Padelford$Riverboat$Company Forestview$Middle$SchoolBaxter MN 612-419-9988 gina.czech@isd181.org Yes 1 Teacher$7-8 Twin$Oaks$Middle$School Prior$LakeMN edaniels@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us Yes 6+ Middle$School$Teacher Jordan$Middle$School Jordan MN 605-868-3339 devinjes@jordan.k12.mn.us Yes Para Discovery$Middle$School Alexandria MN 320-762-7900 peckhoff@alexandria.k12.mn.us Yes 1 Teacher$6-8 Dodge$Middle$School Farmington MN 651-460-1546 celwell@farmington.k12.mn.us Teacher$-$7-12 AFSA$High$School Vadnais$Heights MN 651-209-3910 jferraro@agacademy.com No Teacher$-$Rading$Specialist Chlldrens$Theatre$Company Discovery$Middle$School Alexandria MN 320-491-2684$(cell) sflynn@alexandria.k12.mn.us Yes Principal United$South$Central$dist$2134 Wells MN 507$840-0786 tfrank@usc.k12.mn.us Yes Teacher$-$6th$Grade Century$Middle$School Park$Rapids MN 218-237-6322 bfriborg@parkrapids.k12.mn.us Teacher$-$Grade$5-6 USC$High$School Wells MN 507-553-5810 kgormley@usc.k12.mn.us Yes Teacher$-$Grade$6 Epiphany$Catholic$School Coon$Rapids MN 763-754-1750 sgulenchyn@epiphanymn.org Yes 1-2 Teacher$-$Grade$7-12 Moose$Lake$High$School Moose$Lake MN 218-485-4622 sarahh@mooselake.k12.mn.us Yes 1 Teacher$-$7th$Grade Forestview$Middle$SchoolBaxter MN 218-454-6665 chris.hanson@isd181.org Yes 1 Teacher$-$7th$Grade Northeast Minneapolis MN taylor.harris@mpls.k12.mn.us Yes 1 Teacher$-$6th$Grade Landmark$Center Epiphany$Catholic$School Coon$Rapids MN 763-498-2873 lmheilman@epiphanymn.org Yes 1-2 Teacher$-$8th$Grade Buffalo$Middle$School Buffalo MN 763-682-8263$(after$3) jan_heyerdahl@yahoo.com Yes 2 Teacher$-$7th$Grade Historic$Theatre$Group Chisago$Lakes$Middle$School LindstromMN 651-213-2433 phinsch@chisagolakes.k12.mn.us Yes 1 Teacher$-$6th$Grade Dassel$Cokato$Middle$School Cokato MN Tim.Illies@dc.k12.mn.us

After Each of the 24 Conferences All Partners Received a CONFIDENTIAL EXCEL FILE with All Contacts and Related Information After each conference, the winners were identified, the partners and conference contacts were notified, the conference webpage and website links were updated, and the Confidential Excel File was emailed to each partner.

Keeping the Confidential Lists Secure For security, every list was seeded to alert me if the list(s) were being abused. If so, any partner abusing any contacts will be immediately excluded from the MN FIELD TRIP LIBRARY. To date, and gladly, there has been NO abuse.

Also, the Master Database has grown with an addition of another 2,288 contacts, including 1512 online signups via our website (and not from conferences): www.adventurepartners.og Subtracting duplicates from multiple exhibit visits (168), unsubscribes (91), and miscellaneous contacts that don’t apply (77), the grand total is 6,201 contacts.

Go to the next few pages to see the data breakout: - Per conference (watch for occasional category overlaps) - Per category (education, scouts, homeschool, etc) - Per city (often a city has multiple schools, scout groups, homeschoolers, 4-H groups, churches, etc) - Per region (6 regions, using the Explore Minnesota Tourism map) Note that we divide the southern MN region into SW & SE, with I-35W separating them.

CONFERENCE & CATEGORY COUNTS DECEMBER'2011'CONFERENCE'TOTALS Individuals Cities

NE NW CENTRAL 343 179 597 57 45 88

SW 442 78

SE 427 53

TC'METRO WI 3841 142 148 54

IA 76 53

SD 3 8

Other'States 14 11

Most8of8the8following8are8decision?makers8and8planners,8representing8one8or8more8field8trips8or8in?school/group8presentations8and8programs.

2010'CONFERENCE'COUNTS Educ Hmschl Scouts 'Organiz Ag8Educators82010 38 38 Overlap:8educators,8FFA8leaders MN8PTA8Convention82010 47 47 Fundraise8for8field8trips8&8programs MN8Catholic8Education8Association82010 115 115 Overlap:8Educators,8Church MN8Homeschoolers8Alliance82010 95 95 Overlap:8scouts,8hmschl,8church Teachers8of8Languages8&8Cultures82010 39 39 Overlap:8Public/Private8Educators Education8MN82010 334 334 Overlap:8Public/Private8Educators University8of8Scouting82010 165 165 Overlap:8scouts,8hmschl,8church MN8Community8Education8Assn82010 128 128 Overlap:8Youth8and8Adult Art8Educators8of8MN82010 105 105 Overlap:8Public/Private8Educators Twin8Cities8Christian8Community8Fair82010 156 156 Overlap:8scouts,8hmschl,8church MN8Middle8School8Assn82010 127 127 Overlap:8Public/Private8Educators 2010'TOTAL'CONFERENCE'COUNT 1442 933 95 165 156 Total8Contacts8sent8to820108Partners 2011'CONFERENCE'COUNTS Educ Hmschl Scouts 'Organiz MnAEYC/MnSACA8Feb82011 195 195 Overlap:8Public/Private8Educators MN8Elementary8School8Principals82011 81 81 Overlap:8Public/Private8Educators MN8Music8Educators82011 137 137 Overlap:8Public/Private8Educators MN8Alternative8Programs82011 132 132 Overlap:8Public/Private8Educators MN8Council8on8Social8Studies82011 60 60 Overlap:8Public/Private8Educators MN8Science8Teachers82011 81 81 Overlap:8Public/Private8Educators University8of8Scouting8SPRING82011 137 137 Overlap:8scouts,8hmschl,8church Midwest/MN8Environmental8Educators82011 53 53 MACHE8(MN8Christian8Home8Educators)82011 328 328 Overlap:8scouts,8hmschl,8church Math8Teachers82011 113 113 Overlap:8Public/Private8Educators MN8Catholic8Home8Educators82011 88 88 Overlap:8scouts,8hmschl,8church MN8Music8Teachers8Conference82011 62 62 NICHE8(Iowa8Christian8Home8Educators)82011 76 75 Overlap:8scouts,8hmschl,8church MN8PTA8Convention82011 52 52 Fundraise8for8field8trips8&8programs BSA8Base8Camp8NASA8Downlink82011 50 50 Overlap:8scouts,8hmschl,8church MN8Homeschoolers8Alliance82011 76 76 Overlap:8scouts,8hmschl,8church Scouts8Webelos8Experience82011 278 278 Overlap:8scouts,8hmschl,8church Education8MN82011 246 246 Overlap:8Public/Private8Educators MN8Community8Ed8Assn82011 137 137 Overlap:8Youth8and8Adult University8of8Scouting8FALL82011 123 123 Overlap:8scouts,8hmschl,8church MN8Charter8Schools820118?8Directors/Staff 27 27 Art8Educators8of8MN82011 85 85 Overlap:8Public/Private8Educators Twin8Cities8Christian8Community8Fair82011 98 98 Overlap:8scouts,8hmschl,8church MN8Middle8School8Assn82011 93 93 Overlap:8Public/Private8Educators 2011'TOTAL'CONFERENCE'COUNT 2807 1461 567 588 98 Total'Contacts'sent'to'2011'Partners Subtotals'for'2010'and'2011'Conferences 4249 2394 662 753 OTHER'SOURCES Educ Hmschl Scouts 'Organiz Signups8via8website8the8the8Monthly8ALERTS 1512 Misc.8(referrals,8web,8EXPO,8etc) 554 Tour8Planners8and8Operators 98 98 Association8Boards/Stsff 31 31 MN8Ass'n8of8Sr8Services8(Centers,8etc) 93 93 'TOTAL 2288 2394 662 753 254 Grand'Subtotals' 6537 Less8Duplicates8(double/triple8signups) 168 Less8unsubscribes 91 Less8Misc8(don't8apply) 77 GRAND'TOTAL 6201 This8is8the8total8number8of8individuals8in8the8Master8Library8Database8as8of812/9/2011.

Canada 2 2

FIELD TRIP COUNTS These totals are a result of about 50% of the attendees completing their conference signup forms.

Not all conference attendees who signed up to win a conference giveaway completed the survey on the signup form. In light of this...

- REGIONAL TOTALS These totals are from October through December 2011 (the final 8 conferences). The survey asked them: “Do you take your students on field trips?”, “Do you bring in speakers or presenters?”

The same for Fundraising. Prior to these 8 conferences, we asked the types of trips they planned.

For these specific totals in this short period of time, I believe we are beginning to see how important field trips, recreational activities, presenters & programs, and fundraising really are to schools, scouts, homeschoolers, and so many different types of student and youth groups.

- DAYTRIP TOTALS All year most conference attendees told us if they did daytrips, field trips, and more... the totals are in yellow below. I believe that there are many more field trips, presenters/programs and fundraising programs brought into schools, etc. than these numbers tell us.

These totals are very impressive... as they represent real numbers of trips taken (yearly average).

2011 DIGITAL GUIDE REPORT

2011 Digital Guide Archives • www.MNFieldTripLibrary.org

SURVEYS SHOUTED THE NEED After surveying more than 75 educators and activities planners for K-12 youth, it became evident that: 1. A need for a resource for field trips, youth activities, in-school programs, and fundraising definitely existed.

2. Planners required a “one-stop” resource that would be a “hub” of information for planning activities... available 24/7.

3. This resource would need to offer helpful information, be frequently updated, and not be a “magazine” (had to more than fluff).

4. A majority of planners favored an environmentally friendly online guide over paper magazines and guides.

5. Planners have requested more interactivity that includes web addresses, video, Facebook, Twitter and mapping hotlinks.

THE DIGITAL FIELD TRIP GUIDE HAS BEEN A WELCOME RESOURCE The Guide has, in one year, become a recognized online resource... it’s effective because it has been needed.

2011 DIGITAL FIELD TRIP GUIDE Activity by Quarter Interpreting this activity should be based on the fact that this product is in the process of building the strength that comes through regular and habitual use. Data: as of 12/12/2011.

Winter 2011 62 pages

363 readers

7,359 unique page views

Spring 2011 102 pages

491 readers

18,484 unique page views

Summer 2011 142 pages

343 readers

13,307 unique page views

Fall 2011 - the current issue...to December 8, 2011 160 pages 368 readers 14,276 unique page views

Activity Totals

1,565 readers

53,426 unique page views

IN 2012, THE DIGITAL GUIDE IS EVOLVING INTO A PRACTICAL RESOURCE “HUB”...

1. Hotlinks for videos, Facebook, Twitter, and mapping will be encouraged. Planners are looking for more!

2. Based on contact locations reported earlier in this report, field trip destinations will be arranged into 6 Minnesota regions.

MINNESOTA

NE

NW

CENTRAL

SW

SE

METRO

2011 FIELD TRIP ALERTS REPORT THE DIGITAL GUIDE, THE EXPO - AND YOU - HAVE HAD AN “INTEREST GENERATOR” On a monthly basis, the FIELD TRIP ALERTS have proven to generate interest in field trips, programs, special events, fundraising, the Guide, and the EXPO. Following include the number of ALERTS emailed monthly through the year: January: 1552 February: 1691 March: 2117 April: 2283 May: 2461 June: 2882 July: 3408 August: 3827 This report includes “opens” & “clicks” for only the last 4 months of 2011...

September: 4129 sent - 1762 opens - 508 clicks October: 4318 sent - 2138 opens - 659 clicks November: 4433 sent - 2434 opens - 693 clicks December: 4522 sent - 2565 opens - 756 clicks Total emails sent during 2011: 37,623.

Total opt outs for entire year: 91

A Sample of Planners locations from around MN opening & using the Nov ALERTS Seriously, this is just a few - and a quite random sampling - of the locations of individual planners (from public ISD’s to private schools), scout leaders, homeschoolers who opened their ALERTS... many schools had multiple opens by a variety of individuals... MANY had emails that did not indicate where they were from...

Henderson (New CountrySchool) Monticello Albany Beacon Academy (St Paul) Savage Mahnomen Rochester Prior Lake Bird Island (St Marys) Vermillion (St Johns) Minneapolis (St Helena) Luverne Delano Foley Oak Park Heights (Blazing Trails) Blue Sky School St Croix Schools Eagan Little Fork Odyssey Academy Apple Valley Wells St Paul Rosemount Moorhead Wrenshall Golden Valley Hope School Robbinsdale East Grand Forks Brooklyn Center Ashby Sleepy Eye Zumbrota WIllmar Brainerd Mahtomedi Minneapolis (Emily Grey School) Minneapolis Parks Sabes Jewish Community Ctr Waconia (St Joseph) Marshall North St Paul Little Falls (Mary of Lourdes) Eden Prairie Maplewood Hastings Burnsville Oakdale Spring Lake Park St Paul (HS of the Recording Albert Lea Holy Trinity School Arts) Winona Bloomington Forest Lake St Louis Park Clarkfield Maple River Jordan Dassel Bemidji Excell Academy Cokato Blake School South St Paul Schools St Francis Stillwater Pine City Kenyon Cottage Grove Fosston Hermantown Inver Grove Heights Columbia Heights Pierz (Holy Trinity) Mt Olive Lutheran Circle Pines Minneapolis (Hiawatha Academy) Elk River Anoka Leech Lake WI Cross Lake Mankato New Richland McGregor Osseo Hartland Lewiston Duluth Ellendale Minnetonka Westonka Geneva Minneapolis Minnehaha Academy Baldwin

2011 FIELD TRIP EXPO REPORT

MN FIELD TRIP EXPO 2011

2011 MINNESOTA FIELD TRIP EXPO QUOTES This past August 16, 2011, Student/Youth Activities Planners “GOT INSPIRED!”...

Pat, Scoutmaster, Saint Paul “I was very impressed with the field trip Expo. Your exhibitors were very gracious and helpful. They also had tons of information that they made available. I'm still sorting mine out. They also all had a passion for what they were doing. I also appreciate that you included the participant’s web links... There are some really awesome websites from the various participants at the expo!

Mary, Boys & Girls Club, Rochester The exhibitors were very informative. I enjoyed visiting with each and every one of them. I was overwhelmed with the amount of information I received. I wish I would have brought another person with me to absorb some of the information. I learned a wealth of information from the two breakout sessions I attended.

Diana, Homeschool Co-op, Minneapolis I had a great time at the expo - and not just because I won stuff! Before I got there I thought it was going to be a looong day, but it went very fast and there were so many great booths and videos to watch, etc. that it turned out to be a very productive time. The lunch was great, too. The timing worked great for me. Thanks for making such a thing possible.

Sarah, Teacher, Wayzata Day, date and time were great. Nice variety of exhibitors. It was clever to place all the exhibitors from Southern Minnesota together. The name tags meant we didn't have to keep explaining what we did or where we were from either. Good idea. Great event. Learned about new opportunities for kids! Nice central location and nice new facility.

Ranae, 4-H Regional Director, Elbow Lake Thank you so much for the Expo. It helps us do our jobs better! Next year I will encourage many more 4-H directors and club leaders to attend.

The 2011 Expo was a great start for a much-needed service.

Eileen, Homeschool Co-op, Eagan I appreciated the opportunity to be able to come to the Expo, and to learn about (or more about) the many opportunities available in Minnesota.

As a home schooler, I look forward to taking advantage of as many of them as I am able - either just with my own kids, as a family, or with our homeschooling co-op. I thought the layout of the whole set-up was very good, and I appreciated the table at the entry-way with the very friendly lady there to check us in and give us info. It was also very generous of the vendors to offer prizes, so I am grateful to them, too! Thank you!

John, Youth Programs Facilitator/Community Education, North Saint Paul The time of day was great, I liked that it was in August as our summer has slowed down by this point and my schedule is open allowing me to attend... quite beneficial. Exhibitors were good. I really enjoyed the MN Arts Board and the Historical Society bringing information on upcoming grants. Thanks for putting on the event.

Sandra, Educator, Public School, Saint Paul “I found the Expo beneficial.”

Maria, Teacher, St John the Baptist Catholic School, Vermillion Thank you so much for the great day yesterday! Your event was a treasure. I'm looking forward to next year.

2011 FIELD TRIP EXPO REPORT EVERYONE “GOT INSPIRED”!

The 2011 MN FIELD TRIP EXPO - with the benefit of person-to-person discussion - was held for the first time on Tuesday, August 16th at the new BSA Base Camp in Saint Paul and was produced by The MINNESOTA FIELD TRIP LIBRARY, with sponsors including the Padelford Riverboat Company & the Base Camp/Northern Star Council BSA. 210 planners pre-registered, and 159 attended... representing the following areas: - Teachers and educators from all education sectors (public, private, community education, STEM, charter, montessori... more than 100 K-12 schools were represented...

- Homeschool co-op leaders and parents - Scout leaders (both boy & girl scouts) - YMCA activities planners - Boys & Girls Club leaders - Parks & Recreation activities planners - 4-H regional leaders and local club leaders - Church youth group leaders - Community center activities planners - Day Care activities planners - After school activities planners - Volunteers of America leaders - Social youth group leaders - Tour operators who provide services for youth travel - There were even a few leaders/planners from active adult groups _________________________________________ EXPO SUMMARY: - 58 EXHIBITS - representing 142+ field trip destinations, presenters & speakers, and fundraising opportunities, including the centerpiece American Indian tipi brought from Pipestone for this event.

- MEDIA ROOM - Pre-scheduled, exhibitor-narrated videos & Powerpoints - BREAKOUTS FOR ATTENDEES - Speakers discussed relevant topics: - Managing your groups’ behavior - Critters & Company - Funding pathways for field trips - MN Arts Board and the MnHS - Connecting kids to the natural world - The HAWC Center - ENTERTAINMENT - A magic show by Amazing Jeffo!

- DRAWINGS - 40 attendees won valuable field trips and giveaways - EVENING CRUISE ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER - Padelford Riverboats - EXHIBITOR WORKSHOPS - Curriculum-based field trips and programs - MN Dept of Education - Panel - what scouts, homeschoolers & private schools expect - Exhibitors represented the following learning areas: STEM; arts & culture; history & heritage; environment; health & wellness; sports; industry, commerce, & agriculture; and entertainment & recreation. __________________________________________________________ Exhibitors received all 210 attendee & pre-registration contact names. __________________________________________________________ Beginning in October 2011, we included a survey question at the remaining 2011 conferences that asked “Will you attend the 2012 EXPO next August 14th, 2012?” There was no reference to the Mall of America site.

As of December 2011, 75 have said “Yes, I will attend” and 182 have requested more information (which they will get throughout 2012).

MN FIELD TRIP EXPO 2011 at the Base Camp FIELD TRIP DESTINATIONS THAT EXHIBITED IN 2011 Amish Tours of Harmony, Harmony Base Camp, Saint Paul Buca di Beppo, Twin Cities Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Chanhassen Childrens Theatre Company, Minneapolis Culture Camp, Pipestone Eagle Bluff, Lanesboro Eko Bakken, Scandia Explore Minnesota Tourism Faribault Tourism & Attractions FarmAmerica, Waseca Hawks Ridge Ranch, Hudson Heartland Tour & Travel, Twin Cities & Rochester Historic Theatre Group (Orpheum, State & Pantages) History Theatre, Saint Paul In the Own Words Veterans Museum, Perham Landmark Center, Saint Paul Mall of America, Bloomington MN Childrens Museum, Saint Paul MN Historical Society (26 sites) MN Opera, Minneapolis MN Wildlife Science Center, Forest Lake National Eagle Center, Wabasha Nation Park Service/Wilderness Inquiry, Minneapolis Niagara Cave, Harmony North Star Scouting Museum, North St Paul Old Log Theatre, Excelsior Outward Bound, Twin Cities Padelford Riverboat Company, Saint Paul Pearl of the Lake Paddleboat, Lake City Positive Energy Outdoors, Duluth Preston Tourism & Attractions RAD Zoo of Owatonna Richfield Bus Company, Bloomington Science Museum of Minnesota, Saint Paul Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, Bloomington Stages Theater Company, Hopkins Target Center, Minneapolis Target Field Youth & Educational Tours, Minneapolis Three Rivers Park District, Hennepin County Triple Espresso, Minneapolis Vertical Endeavors, Saint Paul and Duluth (and now Mpls) Wabasha Street Caves, Saint Paul Water Park of America, Bloomington Wild Mountain and Taylors Falls Recreation, Taylors Falls Wolf Ridge ELC, Finland XCEL Energy Center, Saint Paul YMCA Camp St Croix, Hudson SPEAKERS/PROGRAMS Amazing Jeffo!

Critters & Company Fish on Kids Books In the Heart of the Beast Puppet Theatre Keepers of the Sacred Tradition of Pipemakers, Pipestone Oakshott Institute Paul Imholte, Stringman Zahradka Art & Illustration FUNDRAISING Clubs Choice Fundraising Gertens Greenhouse Fundraising Greater Midwest Fundraising/MVP Fundraising Cards Green 4 Good Fundraising Positive Motion Fundraising

Homepage: www.MNFieldTripLibrary.org Click on the image below to go to the website

2011 WEBSITE REPORT ALREADY A VALUED “HUB” IN ONE YEAR...

After only a little more than a year, and with 51 interactive webpages featuring dynamic information about MN Field Trip Library Partners for planners, the goal has been to not only attract and engage, it also has been to provide ongoing reasons to return again and again. In light of this, the website has become a “hub” for relevant field trip information: - The current and upcoming conference schedule - Contact information and hotlinks to Library Partners - Drawing giveaway winners - A webpage representing each conference - Ideas for field trips, group programs, and fundraising - A resource for grants and financial assistance - Convenient hotlinks to current & archived Digital Guides - A webpage for the current monthly Field Trip Alerts - Field Trip EXPO schedules and registration pathway - EXPO information, exhibitors, winners, and reports - Library Program and materials information for Partners - Photo gallery The plan has been to keep the content (information, photos, and graphics) fresh and unique... As an example, through 2011 you’ve seen new and colorful photography from partners on a monthly and quarterly basis. There’s only one unspoken rule... it has to engage planners.

24 CONFERENCES BECAME 24 WEBPAGES After each of 2011’s 24 conferences (actually, 35 if you include 2010), a new webpage was created, each with a unique list of exhibit partners who participated in the MN Field Trip Library plus dual hotlinks for each partner (logo and URL), and drawing winners for each giveaway venue. Visitors who were at a specific conference come to the “winners’ webpage to see if they won a giveaway.

After a conference webpage has been completed and uploaded, an email is generated and sent to all the contacts from that particular conference. This practice has brought many visitors, who also have referred many other visitors...

At this point, giveaway winners await the call or email from the “giver” to discuss their giveaway.

It’s been quite a bit of work, but it has paid off in more ways than one, as you’ll now see...

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION THAT GOT BETTER WITH EVERY CONFERENCE The search engine BOTs love websites that upload lots of frequent and new information, plus website traffic that is consistently increasing in visitors. And that’s what we do.

So instead of one list of partners, in 2011, every partner was listed and hotlinked in 24 separate webpages... one for each conference. This kicked the Bots into high gear, and which in turn generates very good search rankings for partners... whether it’s by Google, Yahoo, Bing or any other of the many search engines on the web.

And on it goes for the MN Field Trip Library web activities for the 24 conferences scheduled in 2012.

LOOKING AHEAD

Calvary Lutheran Youth Mission Trip • Golden Valley

EVERY 2012 CONFERENCE WILL BRING MORE OPPORTUNITY! As a result, the productivity of the Digital Guide, the Field Trip Alerts, and the popularity of the annual MN Field Trip EXPO we expect will also grow accordingly...

Estimated total attendance in 2012: 38,500+ with an Summary Totals for the 24 Minnesota conferences & events in 2011: 15 Education Conferences (in MN) 3 Scouting Conferences in MN (all 3 in MN, though 2 of them include packs and troops from western Wisconsin) 3 Homeschooling Conferences (3 in MN) 1 Christian Expo (in MN) 1 Recreation & Parks Conference - MN 1 Minnesota Annual Tourism Conference Estimated total attendance in 2012: 38,500+ Estimated increase in the Master Database to a total of 9,500+ JANUARY 2012 - MN ANNUAL TOURISM CONFERENCE - Rochester FEBRUARY 2012 - MN Association of Elementary School Principals - Bloomington - Voyageurs Area Council Conference - Duluth - MN Association for the Education of Young Children and School Age Children - Saint Paul - MN Association of Alternative Programs - Rochester - MN Music Educators Association - Minneapolis MARCH 2012 - MN Conference on Science Education (MnSTA) - Duluth - MN Conference for Social Studies - St Cloud APRIL 2012 - University of Scouting/Northern Star Council - SPRING - MN Association of Christian Home Educators (MACHE) - St Paul - MN PTA Convention - Saint Paul MAY 2012 - Conference for MN Teachers of Math - Location TBD JUNE 2012 - MN Catholic Home Educators Association - Location TBD - MN Environmental Educator Conference - Itasca State Park AUGUST 2012 - MN Catholic Education Assn Annual Conference - Rochester SEPTEMBER 2012 - MN Recreation & Park Association - Brainerd - MN Homeschoolers Alliance - New Brighton Community Center OCTOBER 2012 - Education Minnesota - Saint Paul - MN Community Education Association - Location TBD - University of Scouting - Fall / North Star Council - Location TBD NOVEMBER 2012 - MN Non-Public School Accrediting Association - Location TBD - MN Association of Charter Schools - Location TBD - Art Educators of MN - Location TBD - Twin Cities Christian Community Fair - Minneapolis DECEMBER 2012 - MN Middle School Association - Bloomington