Episode 031 - Gerry VanAcker

 

“If we’re not going to talk positively about Detroit, why would anyone else?”

Detroit Zoological Society’s chief operating officer, Gerry Van Acker, has been driving change by asking simple questions and really listening to the feedback he’s getting from various and diverse entities.

In this episode, Mike Bills taps into Gerry’s wisdom on how to break down a seemingly gigantic undertaking like helping reinvent a major city into realistic, executable tasks. As you listen, ask yourself how you can apply some of what the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center have been doing to your own industry.

QUOTE IT

“When [Detroit] was struggling...it was pretty evident that the city needed to go through a process where they could hit the pause button and reset.” (3:15)

“A challenge in downtown Detroit [was] that there were individual assets in neighborhoods that were fantastic, but the connectivity wasn’t great...Now you’ll see connectivity.” (15:30)

DIG IN

Gerry makes an interesting point at 8:35 about the zoo as a gathering place. As you listen, consider how your organization connects people and serves as a gathering place. You may find inspiration in his story about collaborating with another major summer activity in Detroit instead of competing with it.

Gerry breaks down the zoo’s very simple core culture at 13:05, and his philosophy on why it’s important.

Stay tuned at 19:42 to hear Jerry’s message on why ASAE attendees will enjoy visiting Detroit and what they should be on the lookout for while they’re in the city that’s reinventing itself before their eyes.

TAKEAWAYS

1 - Simply asking your customers what they want is an effective way to improve your services and offerings.

2 - Cultural institutions and associations alike are undergoing changes that allow them to play an important role in providing an outlet for social engagement.

3 - Effectively incorporating multimedia and new technologies can enhance the user experience and improve customer interactions.

4 - Stick to the basics that you know you can do well, and look for opportunities to maximize that core.

5 - Finding ways to blend or leverage other established events can enhance value for all collaborators.