Season 1 - Idea Jam 7
Spotlight Business: Wild Things https://wildthingsattractions.weebly.com/
CLICKABLE CHAPTERS:

Event Pictures
Event Deck
Problem StatementÂ
Wild Things is looking to transition from a traditional zoo-like concept to an innovative, educational, community-focused destination with sustainable income generation opportunities. The challenge is to create a unique wildlife experience that balances conservation, education, and entertainment while ensuring financial viability.
Summary
The brainstorming session for Wild Things focused on two main topics:Â
Developing innovative messaging to communicate the shift from a zoo-like concept to an educational community focus with income generation opportunitiesÂ
Finding the optimal balance of amenities for a rustic island location to create a unique and viable destination experience.Â
Participants generated ideas ranging from rebranding strategies and educational programs to accommodation options and technology integration. The session emphasized creating intimate wildlife encounters, leveraging the island setting, and balancing conservation efforts with visitor engagement. Key themes included developing tiered experiences, partnering with educational institutions, and implementing sustainable practices. The diverse ideas aim to transform Wild Things into a distinctive eco-education destination that offers immersive experiences while ensuring financial viability and community involvement.
Innovate MN - AI Analysis
TOPIC 1: Communicating Services Develop innovative messaging to communicate the shift from a zoo-like concept to an educational community focus with income generation opportunities: What would motivate you/others to go there?Â
To develop innovative messaging that communicates the shift from a zoo-like concept to an educational community focus with income generation opportunities, we should consider the following points (brainstorming points in quotes) from the brainstorming session:
Avoid using the word "zoo" - Instead, use terms like "wildlife park" or "nature experience."
Emphasize intimacy and unique experiences - "Zoos don't have that 'touch'"
Focus on education and adventure - "Adventure + Education"
Highlight the island setting - "Why the island?" and "The driver of the story + plot → why is this on an island?"
Promote interaction with animals - "up-close encounter" and "integration with an animal"
Stress environmental and conservation aspects - "ENVIRONMENTAL ECOSYSTEM"
Motivational factors for visitors:
Unique experiences - "We got engaged at Wild Things"
Educational opportunities - "Life Science students College Level?? Magnet schools? Biology students?"
Intimate animal encounters - "Maintain petting or up-close encounter"
Adventure and outdoor activities - "KAYAK SAFARI," "Walking Safari"
Exclusive and status-driven experiences - "Consumers want status & affiliation"
Family-friendly activities - "SUMMER CAMP STYLE PROGRAMS"
TOPIC 2:Â Services and Amenities What is the optimal balance of (essential and optional) amenities for the rustic island location to create a unique and viable destination experience, considering: Accessibility, Logistics, and Customer Expectations.
To determine the optimal balance of essential and optional amenities for the rustic island location, we need to consider accessibility, logistics, and customer expectations:
Essential amenities:
Transportation - "Boat entry", "Ferry house on shore"
Basic infrastructure - "BATHROOMS", "Plumbing (SHOWERS)"
Food and drink options - "Food - pizza, Small / local sustainable food", "SNACKS", "DRINKS"
Safety measures - "SAFETY"
Visitor center - "Visitor Center (not necessarily a building, but a covered pavilion)"
Accessible trails - "Accessible trail for families + older folks"
Optional amenities:
Accommodation options - "TREEHOUSE CABINS", "GLAMPING WEEKENDS", "Basic campsites"
Educational facilities - "outdoor classroom space"
Gift shop - "Sell merchandise - food - souvenirs (animals) Plush toys"
Special experiences - "OVERNIGHT WEEKEND EXPERIENCE", "Safari-like experience but with golf cart"
Technology integration - "ADD/MAC CAMERAS "EAGLE CAM" + WEBCAM TRAPS", "Live YouTube Feed"
Accessibility and Logistics Considerations:
Limited daily reservations - "Daily Reservations • Limited spots • Leave for walk-ons"
Driving range - "1.5h - TC metro area St. Cloud, Owatonna & over to western WI"
Boat transportation - "ENTRANCE (1) PARKING LOT + BOAT (2) ARRIVAL DOCK"
Seasonal adaptations - "What about winter? Ski/snowshoe trails"
Customer Expectations:
Unique and intimate experiences - "Positioning = Intimacy"
Educational value - "take this topic to a group of MBA students! It's a great case study"
Family-friendly environment - "Sounds like a great school field trip! BUT I'm guessing you want to make it more family?"
Environmentally conscious - "transition to restored plants native"
Flexibility in experience options - "SELF-GUIDED VS. GUIDED TOURS"
Holistic Themes, Recommendations, and Roadmap
Holistic Themes:
Immersive Nature Experience: Focus on creating an intimate, educational, and adventure-driven wildlife experience that differentiates Wild Things from traditional zoos.
Educational Ecosystem: Position Wild Things as a living classroom for all ages, emphasizing conservation, environmental science, and hands-on learning.
Island Adventure: Leverage the unique island setting to create visitors' sense of escape and discovery.
Sustainable Tourism: Develop a model that balances ecological preservation with visitor engagement and economic viability.
Community Connection: Partner with local organizations, schools, and conservation groups to create a sense of shared ownership and ongoing engagement.
Recommendations as the owner of Wild Things:
Rebrand as an eco-education destination: Move away from the zoo concept and position Wild Things as an immersive nature and learning experience.
Develop a tiered visitation model: Offer various experience levels, from day trips to overnight stays, catering to different interests and budgets.
Create a robust educational program: Partner with schools, universities, and wildlife experts to develop curriculum-aligned programs and research opportunities.
Implement sustainable practices: Prioritize eco-friendly operations, from energy use to waste management, making sustainability a core part of the Wild Things experience.
Invest in technology: Use webcams, apps, and interactive displays to enhance the visitor experience and extend engagement beyond the physical visit.
Cultivate partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses, conservation organizations, and tourism boards to increase visibility and create mutually beneficial opportunities.
Roadmap for achievable (business value returned) vs. long-term, personal time-constrained ideas:
Achievable Short-term Ideas (0-12 months):
Rebrand marketing materials and website to reflect the new eco-education focus
Develop and launch basic educational programs for schools and families
Implement a reservation system with limited daily spots to manage capacity
Create essential amenities: improve bathrooms, set up basic food and drink options
Start a social media campaign showcasing unique animal encounters and educational moments
Partner with local tour operators and hotels to create package deals
Medium-term Ideas (1-3 years):
Construct a visitor center with interactive educational displays
Develop a mobile app for self-guided tours and animal tracking
Introduce glamping options for overnight stays
Launch a citizen science program for visitors to contribute to ongoing research
Create a "Junior Naturalist" program for children
Establish partnerships with universities for research projects
Long-term, Personal Time-Constrained Ideas (3+ years):
Build eco-friendly treehouse cabins for premium overnight experiences
Develop a comprehensive sustainability plan, including renewable energy sources
Create a wildlife rehabilitation center
Establish an international conservation partnership program
Develop a Wild Things conservation area on the mainland to extend the brand and mission
Launch a Wild Things Foundation to fund ongoing research and conservation efforts
Potential Money-Making Opportunities
Admission Fees Strategy:
Tiered pricing structure based on experience levelsÂ
Tactics:
Basic admission: Day pass for general access
Premium admission: Includes guided tours or memorable animal encounters
Annual memberships: Offering unlimited visits and member perks
Pricing model:
Basic: $25 adults, $15 children
Premium: $40 adults, $25 children
Annual membership: $100 individual, $250 family
Implementation:
Online booking system with capacity management
QR code-based ticketing for easy entry
Membership cards with RFID technology for quick access and data collection
Educational Programs Strategy:Â
Develop curriculum-aligned programs for various educational levelsÂ
Tactics:
School field trips with tailored programs
Summer camps and workshops
Adult learning courses (e.g., wildlife photography, conservation)
Pricing model:
School programs: $15 per student (minimum 20 students)
Summer camps: $300 per week
Adult workshops: $75 for half-day, $150 for full-day
Implementation:
Partner with local school districts
Create a dedicated education team
Develop online resources to complement in-person experiences
Accommodation Strategy:Â
Offer unique overnight experiencesÂ
Tactics:
Glamping sites
Treehouse cabins
Eco-lodges
Pricing model:
Glamping: $150 per night
Treehouse cabins: $250 per night
Eco-lodges: $350 per night
Implementation:
Phase construction to test market demand
Partner with eco-friendly construction firms
Implement an online booking system with seasonal pricing
Corporate Partnerships and Venue Rental Strategy:Â
Leverage the unique setting for corporate events and private functionsÂ
Tactics:
Team-building packages
Conference facilities with a wildlife twist
Wedding and unique occasion venue
Pricing model:
Team-building: $2,000 for up to 20 people
Conference facilities: $5,000 per day
Wedding packages: Starting at $10,000
Implementation:
Create marketing materials targeting corporate clients
Develop all-inclusive packages
Train staff in event management
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