VEX + YOU

The Visitor Experience Group (VEX) strives for a more diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive field. We believe the strength of visitor experience lies in a diverse representation of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and cultures, in the leadership and staff of our organizations, and in the publics we serve.

​We at VEX value people of all races, colors, national origins, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, and religions.

​To promote and support DEAI initiatives in the field of Visitor Experience, VEX will:

  • Create access by, among other means, offering a DEAI Fellowship to a select group of candidates for attending the annual conference
  • Share resources and professional development opportunities with specific DEAI aims
  • Promote awareness of equity work and call attention to inequities as they exist in our field

DIVERSITY EQUITY ACCESSIBILITY + INCLUSION (DEAI) FELLOWSHIP 

VEX’s DEAI Fellowship Applications are now being accepted for the October 14-15, 2021 Virtual Visitor Experience Conference. 

VEX values diversity in the community we bring together. The Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion Fellowship helps ensure the Visitor Experience Conference is optimally diverse, accessible, and inclusive. Each year a select group of attendees will receive full and free access to the annual Visitor Experience Conference, as well as a one year free Service Level VEX Membership. ​

The VEX Conference is held annually in the fall and is one of the few conferences dedicated entirely to the field of Visitor Experience/Guest Relations. Visitor Experience professionals from cultural organizations across the U.S. and abroad share resources, network, teach each other, and learn together. Attendees take away new ideas and strategies for strengthening the visitor experience at their organizations. The conference offers 2- or 3- day long workshops, panels, keynotes, events, and networking opportunities for Visitor Experience professionals at all career levels. 

​What’s Included:

  • All-inclusive conference registration (includes all keynote sessions, panels, workshops, and ticketed events; a $400+ value).
  • Free one year Service Level VEX membership 
  • Meet the Artist Experience: Meet with a creative professional(s) and learn how their work supports DEAI initiatives  

Requirements:

  • Must work at a museum or cultural institution in Visitor Experience (full- or part-time), in a Visitor Services-related role, or be enrolled in a Museum Studies program (graduate or undergraduate) at an accredited college or university.
  • Self-identifies as coming from an underrepresented or marginalized group including, but not limited to: people of color, people with special needs, LGBTQ+, and/or lower socioeconomic status.
  • Application to the Fellowship Program and completion of the interview process
  • After the conference, attendees will be required to present a final report to a member(s) of the VEX Board. Attendee will be expected to complete the following projects within two months after the conference:
    • Choose from the topics below and write a 300-word essay summarizing your experience:
      • Overall conference experience
      • A panel(s) that resonated with you
      • Takeaways from the “Meet the Artist” experience

 

To learn more and apply to the VEX DEAI Fellowship, please complete this short survey. 

Questions? Email us at engagement@visitorexperience.group.