CI to Eye

More than ever, arts marketers need to be purposeful about data collection, responsive to privacy regulations, and respectful of their audiences’ preferences. In 2023 and beyond, it’s all about staying user-centric and privacy-focused.  Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with expert insights from CI consultants, a data privacy expert, and a fellow arts marketer who's been in your shoes—and has a few words of advice.   Digital Download (2:20) - Dan chats with fellow Senior Consultant Alison Goldberg about changes in the data privacy space and why this topic is so time-sensitive for arts marketers. They break down commonly used acronyms so you can feel confident tackling this topic. CI to Eye Interview with Jodi Daniels (13:30) - Certified data privacy expert Jodi Daniels shines light on the human side of this technical subject, and offers suggestions for ensuring your organization’s practices are both legally compliant and trust-building.  CI to Eye inerview with Rob Macpherson (44:44) - Arts marketer extraordinaire Rob Macpherson reflects on his experience implementing privacy regulations at Birmingham Hippodrome, one of the U.K.’s most prolific theaters. He shares his first-hand experience and offers sage advice to U.S. marketers just starting on this journey.   LINKS: CMSWire: Future of Data Collection: From Coercive to Consensual to Collaborative Pew Research Center: Half of Americans have decided not to use a product or service because of privacy concerns KPMG: The new imperative for corporate data responsibility Capacity Interactive Red Clover Advisors Creating Impakt

As arts marketers, it’s easy to get distracted by shiny new digital marketing trends or bogged down with low-impact work. In this episode, we cut through the noise and help you focus on strategies that yield the greatest results for your organization. Media Moment (2:15) - News outlets, like Axios, have published eye-catching headlines about Google and Meta’s declining ad dominance. The articles are shocking, but should we really panic? Dan sits down with CI’s own Ally Duffey Cubilette to look at how U.S. ad spend is changing and what this really means for arts marketers. Digital Download (10:30) - Dan chats with Principal Consultant Nick Nolte about the digital tools and strategies you should prioritize in 2023 and beyond. They’ll cover topics like first-party data, Google Analytics 4, and SEO-focused content to help you gain high-impact results. CI to Eye Interview (27:43) - CI’s Managing Director Christopher Williams catches up with Ballet Austin’s executive director Cookie Ruiz, who shares her team’s unique approach to customer service. You’ll also learn more about their powerful on-site engagement strategy and how it’s turning newcomers into brand evangelists. LINKS: Slow fade for Google and Meta's ad dominance Forecast 2023: Ad Spending Will Slow Down Next Year But Will Continue To Grow CI Ticket Buyer Media Usage Study

In this episode, we revisit a panel discussion from Boot Camp 2022 about creating a more inclusive and accountable arts ecosystem. Diversity strategist and consultant Theresa Ruth Howard sits down with colleagues Jane Raleigh, Director of Dance Programming at the Kennedy Center, and Melanie George, Director of Artist Initiatives at Jacob’s Pillow, to explore how institutional hierarchies can cap progress and how legacy structures can dampen organizational accountability. 

As we near the end of 2022, arts organizations are still in recovery mode. Audiences are slow to return to cultural activities, and without proper benchmarks for attendance and revenue planning, arts leaders are without a compass. In this episode, we consider how audiences have evolved, propose fresh ways to engage and retain attendees, and share predictions for the new year. Media Moment (1:40) - Priya talks with CI’s VP/Managing Director, Christopher Williams, about a recent Washington Post article highlighting the pandemic’s influence on human behavior. CI’s Stance (8:44) - Principal Consultant Sam Kindler connects with Sara Villagio, CMO of Carnegie Hall, who led a panel at Boot Camp 2022 on the future of subscriptions/memberships. They discuss crucial learnings to help you meet your audience's evolving needs. CI to Eye Interview (23:22) - Priya sits down with Colleen Dilenschneider, Founder & Managing Director of IMPACTS Experience, to discuss the driving factors for audience behavior today and the power of mission and storytelling. Colleen also dives into pressing visitor engagement trends for 2023 as we continue on the road to recovery.   LINKS: Washington Post: Is the Pandemic Over? DMBC 2022: The Future of Subscription and Membership Models  JCA Arts Marketing: Subscription decline is an opportunity—not a threat Know Your Own Bone

In this episode, we navigate themes of authenticity and personal connection. From building teams that reflect the individual team members’ strengths to breaking down institutional facades, it’s time to get personal. Media Moment (01:00) - Erik and Priya nerd out about one of their favorite tools, the Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment. They explore using this framework to bring teams together who can achieve more than the sum of their individual strengths. CI’s Stance (13:30) - Senior Consultant Alison Goldberg explains why Apple’s Mail Privacy Protection may have skewed your email metrics for the last year and how to use these shifts to level up your user-centric email strategy. CI to Eye Interview (17:25) - Erik sits down with branding expert Jessica Watson to uncover why great branding evokes a feeling, what institutional authenticity actually looks like, and how you can manage change more sustainably by starting small.   LINKS: Tom Rath on The Elevate Podcast with Robert Glazer Learn more about Mail Privacy Protection (MPP) Points North Studio

In this episode, we embrace the evolution of digital content. From the shift towards vertical video across social media platforms to the imperative of website inclusivity and accessibility, you’ll learn how to keep your organization moving forward.  Digital Download (09:32) - CI’s graphic design team, Jess Berube and Stephanie Medina, share the scoop on Instagram’s new immersive feed with design tips to help your content shine in 9:16. CI’s Stance (12:36) - CI Senior Consultants Sam Kindler and Laura Dauksewicz discuss why it’s time for your organization to explore TikTok, and how you can take the first step.  CI to Eye Interview (18:47) - Christopher Williams sits down with web accessibility expert Sue Ann Rodriquez from Digital Accessibility by WeCo to find out what it really means for your website to be accessible to disabled users, from your site map to your purchase path.  LINKS: Digital Accessibility by WeCo CI Blog: Creating Accessible Social Content

In this episode, we explore themes of transition and turnover. From shifts away from old digital tools towards new ones to an honest exploration of the “Great Resignation” and its impact on the arts, it’s time to adapt, grow, and evolve.  Media Moment - Erik and Priya break down an episode of Adam Grant’s WorkLife podcast on “The Not-So-Great Resignation.”  WorkLife Podcast with Adam Grant Digital Download - CI team members Madelyn Frascella and Ally Duffey Cubilette share what you need to know about sunsetting two digital marketing tools: Expanded Text Ads for Search Marketing and Google’s Universal Analytics. CI Blog on Responsive Search Ads One-Sheet on GA4 CI’s Stance - CI’s Natalie Martinez and Rachel Purcell get real about the shift towards machine learning in digital as they break down Responsive Display Ads. CI to Eye Interview -  Priya sits down with Tom O’Connor, President of Tom O’Connor Consulting Group, to talk about the firm’s new policy around salary transparency, what’s really behind the “Great Resignation” within the arts industry, and how our work culture can adapt to be more sustainable for those with a passion for this field. A Message from Tom O’Connor on Salary Transparency Original Music by whoisuzo

In this episode, Priya sits down with Johnna Fellows Gluth and MP to dive into the 2021 Performing Arts Ticket Buyer Media Usage Study. They talk about what it means to be a loyal ticket buyer two years into the pandemic and explore where those audiences spend their time online, how much time they spend on their devices, and what influences them to purchase a ticket.

In this episode, Erik speaks with CI’s new President, Priya Iyer, about her experience navigating a new and challenging leadership role. They discuss what supportive leadership really looks like, how to embrace feedback as a gift, and why it’s important to make space for celebrating your accomplishments. In this vulnerable conversation, Priya reflects on the imposter syndrome she’s felt in her new role and how her integrity has helped to carry her forward through challenges. Priya spent four years serving on the consulting team at Capacity Interactive and in July 2021 returned to CI in the role of President. Prior to CI, she worked in marketing and sales on Broadway. In 2019, she moved from NYC to Southern California where she lead the client services team at a full-service creative agency. Outside of work, Priya enjoys soaking up the sun, dancing, exercising, spending time with friends and family, traveling with her partner Neil, cuddling with her dog Bibo, and taking quiet time to unwind and meditate.

How might the transformative events of the last two years impact the arts sector going forward? In this conversation, Erik interviews cultural leaders Indira Etwaroo and Alex Sarian for their perspectives on how the personal evolutions we’ve each undergone are impacting our institutions, our communities, and the arts sector. They also discuss how organizations are addressing historical inequities, what it means for an institution to embrace relationship-building, and how cultural organizations can be community anchors.