NAI Conference in Denver 2014
In 2024 we travelled to Denver, Colorado, to attend an international conference on interpretation. With hundreds of delegates from around the world, the program was rich in workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities. Denver’s backdrop of the Rocky Mountains reminded us daily of the strong link between place and practice—a fitting setting for a profession grounded in landscape, culture, and story.
A global gathering of ideas
The conference theme focused on innovation and inclusion in interpretation, exploring how we can make heritage experiences more engaging, accessible, and relevant for diverse audiences. Sessions ranged from new technologies and design approaches, to strategies for addressing climate change, community engagement, and Indigenous storytelling.
We were inspired by case studies showing how interpretation can foster deeper understanding—whether through urban park programs, interactive museum exhibits, or visitor centre planning. Many of these ideas connected directly with our own projects at home, sparking reflections on how global trends can be applied locally.
Professional development in action
What stood out most was the conference’s emphasis on learning by sharing. From keynote addresses to informal hallway conversations, we exchanged insights with colleagues facing challenges similar to our own. We also discovered new frameworks for evaluating interpretive success, and gained fresh ideas for training and capacity-building within our sector.
The professional development value was immense—not just from the structured sessions, but also from the conversations over coffee, meals, and evening events. These informal exchanges reminded us that interpretation is as much about people as it is about places.
Field trips and firsthand experiences
One of the highlights was venturing beyond the conference centre to experience interpretation in the field. Visits to local parks, cultural centres, and museums offered living examples of best practice. Seeing interpretation in context—supported by passionate staff and community voices—was a valuable reminder that our work is about connection: between heritage and people, and between global ideas and local realities.
Reflections
Denver reinforced the importance of staying connected to the international interpretive community. By acting locally while learning globally, we continue to grow as practitioners and strengthen our ability to enrich visitor experiences across landscapes, cultures, and stories.
