AZA Panel Highlights: "60 Earned Revenue Ideas in 60 Minutes"
In case you missed it, we’ve recapped some of the big ideas from the "60 Earned Revenue Ideas in 60 Minutes" panel hosted by our own Jessica Van Dyke. It was a whirlwind of insights, innovative ideas, and inspiration!
Donation Methods: Implement round-up donations at the register, maintain a year-round giving tree, embed QR codes throughout the attraction that provide a direct opportunity for visitors to donate.
Sponsorship Connection: Link your mission with sponsors' interests; for example, water filling stations sponsored by a business promoting plastic waste reduction.
Data-driven Pricing and Digital Signs: Leverage data to make informed decisions on admissions and product. Implement Digital signs, which are eco-friendly, facilitate quick price changes, and enhance responsiveness.
Seasonal Extensions: Prolonging seasonal hours not only drives up admission but also boosts gift and café shop sales.
Unique Events: Organize exclusive experiences such as 'Breakfast with the Animals', 'Dog Days' or 'Happy Hours' designed for the 21+ crowd. These can introduce new audiences to your venue, setting the stage for future event rentals.
Retail Enhancements: Extend retail spaces to support new exhibits, offering exclusive products that let guests bring a part of their visit home.
Reservations and Vouchers: $5 reservation fee with free $5 Zoo bucks to spend that day; this helps ensure guests who reserve show up and often leads to additional spending.
Engaging Activities: Ideas like scavenger hunts ending with a small prize from the gift shop drive store traffic and increase sales.
Branding: Offer branded refillable items.
Retail Characters: Design retail products aligned with costume characters, enhancing the story behind them.
Optimize F&B by mapping the Customer Journey: Understand the visitor journey and balance food offerings from table service to kiosks. Diversify beyond main meals to cater to all guest preferences.
Product Highlights: Link conservation programs with shop-in-shop setups leveraging custom products, driving engagement and furthering your mission.
Unique Offerings: Consider selling 'Zoo doo' for gardening.
Sustainability and Brand Awareness: Launch a sustainably sourced reusable bag program.
Store Sales: Implement surveys to ensure guests are being greeted, which correlates to significantly higher Average Dollar Sales.
Big thanks to Laura Rieder (Woodland Park Zoo), Beth Chee (Birch Aquarium), Cara Treadway (Philadelphia Zoo), Eric Donovan (Elmwood Park Zoo), and Kelly Imrisek (Sodexo) for sharing your proven revenue-generating insights with the AZA Community!
Watch the whole 60-minute panel at the upcoming AZA REWIND. Registered attendees can access the recordings in the Attendee Service Center. If you still need to register, click here.
In the meantime, to learn more about the Earned Revenue Ideas Jessica shared on behalf of Event Network, click here.