NAI Region 9 Sierra Pacific
National Association for Interpretation
Sierra Pacific Region Virtual Highlighter Event
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
6:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Region Highlights, Award Celebration,
Halloween Themed Event with
Keynote Alison Parks, Reinterpreting Sutter’s Fort
Joining Communities through Interpretation: Growing Local Connections
Join us at our final event of the 2025 Sierra Pacific Workshop Training Series on Wednesday, October 29, from 6 pm to 8:15 pm. This special evening will include our annual Region Meeting and the Professional Awards Ceremony, where we recognize individuals whose contributions have advanced interpretation in our region. Get inspired by their work and consider who you might nominate in the future.
If you weren’t able to attend one of the three incredible In-Person Community Events held in various parts of our region – the Bay Area, North Coast Area, & Sacramento Area – see the slideshow of the highlights!
If you want to find out how to update and expand your exhibits to include the stories of many diverse, and often adversarial cultures, then you don’t want to miss our keynote speaker, Alison Parks from Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park in downtown Sacramento. Alison will share the challenges and successes of reinterpreting Sutter’s Fort in an effort to present a more complex and accurate view of what happened during the Gold Rush, California’s early statehood, and the colonization of the many different people involved.
End the night with a little socializing & Halloween fun by donning a real or virtual mask or makeup. Then spin the wheel to win Sierra Pacific merchandise & goodies with a grand prize ticket to the 2026 Sierra Pacific Workshop Training Series Virtual Event or any one of the In-Person Area field trips. As a special incentive for non-members, you will have a chance to win one of 2 annual NAI memberships!! You must be present to win any of the prizes.
Scholarships are available for this event. Please click HERE for details & an application.
Show your support for the Sierra Pacific Region by attending this last event in the Interpretive Insights – Lighting the Way Workshop Training Series
AGENDA
6 – 6:10 pm (10 min): Welcome from all board members
Description: Begin the evening with greetings from the Sierra Pacific Board. Learn about recent developments and opportunities in the region.
6:10 – 6:25 pm (15 min) 2025 Workshop Training Series Highlights
Description: Recap of the three remarkable In-Person Community Events held in the Bay Area, North Coast Area, and Sacramento Area.
6:25 – 6:55 pm (30 min) Award Ceremony
Description: Every year we honor interpreters in our region that have gone above & beyond in advancing our region or the field of interpretation. This year we will be giving out 4 awards: Excellence in Interpretive Support, Outstanding New Interpreter, Outstanding Interpretive Manager, and Outstanding Senior/Retired Interpreter. Get inspired by the awardees & how they have influenced others around them!
6:55 – 7:40 pm (45 min) Keynote: Alison Parks Reinterpreting California’s First Historic Site
Description: Alison Parks, California State Park interpreter, will share the challenges and successes of reinterpreting Sutter’s Fort in an effort to present a more complex and accurate view of what has happened over the last 185 years. Sutter’s Fort represents, for many Californians, the triumphant myth of early statehood and the Gold Rush, but is also a prime example of the colonization of California. Learn how to navigate different visions of one site and how to expand the story to include many compelling narratives.
7:40 – 7:55 pm (15 min) Q & A with Alison Parks
7:55 – 8:15 pm (20 min) Socializing Fun Time & Prizes!
Description: It’s time to socialize & have some Halloween fun! Don a virtual or real mask, makeup up or costume! Celebrate with your favorite beverage to toast the successful end of our 2025 Workshop Series! Then have a chance to win a prize – all attendees are eligible!
Prizes include Sierra Pacific merchandise & swag. The Grand Prize is a ticket to the 2026 Virtual Workshop or any one of the in-person Workshop Training Series Area field trips!
As a special incentive for those of you who have never been an NAI member, we are offering all non-members the chance to win an annual NAI membership! A value of between $35 to $90 dollars!! Two annual memberships will be awarded! You must be present to win any of the prizes.
Please Support your Region and Join Us at this Virtual Event Celebration!!
REGISTER HERE
Thank you to the continued support of the Sierra Pacific Region from our sponsors:
NAI Region 9 Sierra Pacific 