ABOUT
Want to attract more visitors, members, and donors so you can increase your attendance, membership, revenue, and impact?
You Deserve a Strong Marketing Partner!
See how Dee Gardner Communications can help put your museum or organization on the map.
Hi, I’m Dee!
Dee Gardner Communications empowers museums to maximize their tourism and marketing potential. I help your museum stand out using the power of tourism, content, and social media marketing so you can connect and engage with your visitors, Members, volunteers, and donors to increase your attendance, revenue, and impact:
without a big marketing team or budget
without complicated strategies and tactics, &
without spending hours online every day.
With decades of experience in the museum and tourism industries, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing museums in today's tourism market.
I’m a former VP of Marketing & Communications for a destination marketing organization with 23+ years of tourism experience. Since 2006, I’ve been a museum marketing/communication consultant and content/copywriter working DAILY with museums, museum districts, and tourism organizations. And, I’ve been on a retainer with a state natural science museum for almost two decades and helped launch 34+ special exhibits.
Sometimes, I’m creating strategy. Sometimes, I’m writing copy and content. Sometimes, I’m a trusted partner offering sound advice.
But, I’m always LOVING what I do for my clients.
Fun Facts
I'm a wife of 30+ years, a mom, and a life-long learner! Darcy is our sweet rescue dog.
My Top 5 Strengths: Learning, Developer, Achiever, Futuristic, and Focus.
1. Former Adventurous Backpacker
I backpacked across Europe in my 20s! Now, my favorite activity is exploring the museums in a destination. I’m fascinated by the educational roles and economic impact museums and the travel industry play in a community.
2. Viva Las Vegas
I graduated from high school and college in Las Vegas, Nevada! I don’t read cards, but I love to read books. I’ve been known to stay up all night to finish a good one - bookmarks are for quitters!
CORE VALUES
KINDNESS
CLARITY
CURIOSITY
SIMPLICITY
INTEGRITY
Why I Do This Work
I understand that tourism and marketing can be confusing, especially without a big marketing team or agency to help.
That’s why I created this business. Because growing your museum or organization can be fun and effective when you have a strategy that enhances your mission, an implementation plan, and an experienced mentor to offer guidance and insights.
No two clients are alike, so I customize how we work together to achieve your goals. And, you work directly with me.
We approach each project from a position of “practical creativity” - we dream big together, but we get things done within the scope of your resources and budget.
Ready to get started?
Happy Clients
MY MUSEUM/TOURISM RELATED
CLIENT LIST / EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
MDWFP's Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation
LeFleur Museum District
Mississippi Science Fest
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks
Communication Arts Company - International Museum of Muslim Cultures
Pacesetter Gallery
Visit Jackson - in addition to the museums listed above, I worked closely with:
Manship House Museum
Mississippi Museum of Art
Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum
Museum of Mississippi History
Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum
Old Capitol Museum
Smith Robertson Museum
The Oaks House Museum
USDA Forest Service Spring Mountains National Recreation Area
US Congressman James Bilbray
Jackson Convention Complex
Keep Jackson Beautiful
Belhaven University
Highlights
Recognition
Certificate of Congressional Recognition
Distinguished Woman of Southern Nevada
U.S. Forest Service Regional Interpreter of the Year (Spring Mountains National Recreation Area)
Southeast Tourism Society Partnership Award - LeFleur Museum District
Metro Jackson Attractions Association Spotlight Member
Addy Award for Jingle Bell Jackson campaign creative
Experience
17+ Years as a marketing consultant and coach specializing in museums and cultural/tourism industry
Helped launch 34+ special exhibits including scriptwriting and creative direction for promotional videos like this and this.
Former VP of Marketing for Visit Jackson
Former District Representative for a U.S. Congressman
Coordinated the creation of the LeFleur Museum District
Coordinated publicity for Jackson Convention Complex Grand Opening
Wrote and designed on-brand, monthly print and e-newsletters for small business and travel industry clients
Created client-attracting web copy and websites for salon brands and award-winning tourism brands
Created the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science marketing, public relations, and social media programs
Taught university courses in Arts Marketing and Political Science
Service
Visit Jackson Events, Grants, Sponsorships Advisory Committee Member
Southeast Tourism Society - past Board Member
Mississippi Tourism Association PR Committee - past Co-Chair
Metro Jackson Attractions Association - past President / Board Member
Tourism Leadership
Served on Southeast Tourism Society Board of Directors.
Built strong relationships with attractions partners through the Metro Jackson Attractions Association. Served as President, VP, and Marketing Chair for several terms. Recognized as Spotlight Member.
Worked as District Representative for a U.S. Congressman - assisted with Spring Mountains National Recreation Area legislation and served as liaison to US Forest Service
Serving on the Visit Jackson Events/Grants/Sponsorships Advisory Committee.