Agenda in progress. Check back for updates.
Agenda | Tuesday, November 12
4-6pm | Registration and Welcome Reception
Location: Junior Ballroom
Register and mix and mingle with fellow attendees
Agenda | Wednesday, November 13
7-8am | Registration and Breakfast
Location: Grand Ballroom A & B
Register and join us for continental breakfast
8-8:45am | Welcome and Opening Remarks
Location: Grand Ballroom A & B
Overview and goals of the Conference
Introduction to presenters and panelists, highlighting their background and contributions to the field
Tom Hand | Founder, Americana Corner
David Duncan | President, American Battlefield Trust
9-9:45am | Charting the Course
Location: Grand Ballroom A & B
Strategic Planning: A roadmap guiding decision-making and resource allocation to ensure sustained growth and success
Presenter | Mary Manges, Executive Director, Fort Ligonier
10-10:45am | Fortifying Foundations
Location: Grand Ballroom A & B
Recruiting board members for function and funding; enhancing friends groups; mobilizing and managing volunteers
Panelists:
Matthew Wedd, Executive Director, Conococheague Institute
Mary Manges, Executive Director, Fort Ligonier
Chuck Laudner, Strategic Consultant, American Battlefield Trust
Moderated by Tom Hand, Americana Corner
11-11:45am | Funding the Framework
Location: Grand Ballroom A & B
Fundraising strategies: what works for one doesn’t work for all
Where to find the money and how to get it: grant resources and writing, membership programs, donor cultivation, corporate partnerships, fundraising events, earned revenue
Panelists:
Jennifer Martin, Executive Director, Friends of Washington Crossing Park, PA
Matthew Wedd, Executive Director, Conococheague Institute
Connie Langum, Retired, National Park Service
Moderated by Jim Campi, American Battlefield Trust
12-12:45pm | Lunch
Location: Grand Ballroom A & B
1-1:45pm | Building Brands in a Digital World
Location: Grand Ballroom A & B
Using digital resources to promote your mission: content and digital marketing; website management and social media strategy
Presenter | Lawrence Swiader, Chief Digital Officer, American Battlefield Trust
2-2:45pm | Bridging Bonds
Location: Grand Ballroom A & B
Developing strong relationships with media, Chamber of Commerce, tourism boards, and local civic groups, and the importance of partnering with and sharing knowledge among other historical sites and organizations to promote mutual growth and visibility
Panelists:
Jennifer Martin, Executive Director, Friends of Washington Crossing Park, PA
Chuck Laudner, Strategic Consultant, American Battlefield Trust
Moderated by Tom Hand, Americana Corner
3-4pm | Breakout Groups
Location: Grand Ballroom A & B
Recap the day’s discussion with your peers and get assistance from group leaders to develop your plan of action
6-8pm | Reception and Dinner
Location: Grand Ballroom A & B
Enjoy a catered dinner and the chance to mingle with your peers, presenters, and Conference staff
Agenda | Thursday, November 14
7-8am | Continental Breakfast
Location: Grand Ballroom A & B
8-8:45am | Teaching History in the 21st Century
Location: Grand Ballroom A & B
Developing educational programs for schools, groups, and the general public to increase awareness and support
Exhibits, signage, guided and self-guided tours, traveling trunks, living history programs
Panelists:
Matthew Wedd, Executive Director, Conococheague Institute
Mary Manges, Executive Director, Fort Ligonier
Moderated by Tom Hand, Americana Corner
9-9:45am | Connecting Communities
Location: Grand Ballroom A & B
Quality vs. Quantity
Engage the local community by organizing events, workshops, festivals, and programs; collaborate with local businesses, food vendors, artisans, reenactors to enhance the overall experience
Panelists:
Jennifer Martin, Executive Director, Friends of Washington Crossing Park, PA
Connie Langum, Retired, National Park Service
Mary Manges, Executive Director, Fort Ligonier
Moderated by Jim Campi, American Battlefield Trust
10-10:45am | Breakout Groups
Location: Grand Ballroom A & B
Recap the day’s discussion with your peers and get assistance from group leaders to develop your plan of action
11-11:45am | Preserving America Grant Program
Location: Grand Ballroom A & B
Presenter | Tom Hand, Creator and Publisher, Americana Corner
12-12:45pm | Lunch
Location: Grand Ballroom A & B
1-2pm | 1:1 Work Session
Location: Grand Ballroom A & B
Groups will meet one-on-one with a representative from Americana Corner or American Battlefield Trust to review and refine your post-Conference plan of action
