As a member of the marketing team, it’s part of my job to get the word out about how awesome Conner Prairie is. We know it’s great, but how can we get more people to visit and experience it, and even better, get them to become a member so they can experience it all year long?
When I first started, I was like some of you; I hadn’t been here since the 4th grade and the only thing I could remember about the trip was dipping a candle. I was shocked when I took my first trip around the various historic areas and saw everything that was going on. Within my first year here I had milked a goat, watched the birth of a baby lamb, thrown a tomahawk, had my picture taken with the Gingerbread Man, plowed a field and much more. I learned quickly to keep a pair of boots under my desk just in case I needed to take a quick trip outside!
We recently polled a group of our members to find out what they value most about their membership and Conner Prairie. I thought it would be the cost effectiveness of membership that really sold people—in this economy how can you beat free admission with each visit and free admission to select special events? But to my surprise the results showed while they do value the cost effectiveness, it’s the entertainment and educational value that stands out the most. This was really refreshing to hear because if there are two things Conner Prairie excels in it’s education and entertainment.
In the survey there were also some great suggestions and recommendations that I liked; things that would add even more to a membership, such as preview nights to special events for members only, a historic area dedicated to the Civil War, and guest passes that can be used a couple times a year. While we can’t promise all of the suggestions will be addressed, we can promise they are all taken into consideration. Some suggestions, including new historic areas, more special events and more affordable winter options have already been addressed with the addition of 1859 Balloon Voyage, 150th Anniversary of Air Mail special event this weekend and $5 admission during the winter months.
What else would you like to see as part of your Conner Prairie membership? If you aren’t a member, what would make you join?