LaunchPad is comprised of a free show license, ‘Ground School’ virtual workshops, and access to an online library of helpful resources.
We’re excited to announce the kick-off of LaunchPad, a free program for the planetarium community to support their reopening, help them reengage with audiences, and boost fundraising following the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. LaunchPad is comprised of a free show license, ‘Ground School’ virtual workshops, and access to an online library of helpful resources.
As pioneers in the immersive industry, Cosm companies Evans & Sutherland and Spitz, Inc. have partnered with planetariums for more than 70 years, providing rich immersive experiences enjoyed by audiences worldwide. As we watched the devastating effects of the pandemic on the planetarium community, we created LaunchPad to help our friends and business partners who are working diligently to open their doors and reengage with audiences.
“Since our earliest days, the planetarium community has been a constant collaborator and mainstay of our business,” said Kirk Johnson, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Evans & Sutherland, a Cosm company. “We designed LaunchPad to help planetariums fill their spaces and connect with audiences like never before, and we are honored to provide our partners with tools and know-how to reopen and reengage with audiences after the devastating effects of Covid-19. We hope planetariums of all sizes will take advantage of the free full-resolution show license, and the Ground School virtual workshops.”
“The past year has been challenging for many planetariums, and we’re thrilled to raise the bar on our customer support and make a lasting impact on the planetarium community,” added Michael McConville, the head of community outreach for Cosm and President-Elect of the International Planetarium Society (IPS). “We are committed to the health and vibrancy of the planetarium community and look forward to starting our Ground School series with friends and colleagues worldwide.”
LaunchPad is comprised of three components – or stages:
Stage One: A Free Show License. To help boost audiences with a new show offering, planetariums may choose one of three popular features – Mars: One Thousand One, Birth of Planet Earth, and Beyond the Sun – made available free of charge for a limited time.
Stage Two: Ground School Workshops. To learn best practices in marketing, fundraising and audience engagement, Cosm is offering planetariums a series of virtual Ground School workshops, beginning June 15 and running through early fall. The workshops will be taught by experts on topics ranging from Effective Social Media Strategies to Team Training for the Dome, and Grant-writing and Fundraising.
Stage Three: Collateral and Training Library. As a virtual resource library, planetariums who sign up for LaunchPad will have access to free collateral and training materials, including graphics and design templates for the three show offerings, and a video archive of Ground School workshops offered to date.
“We are thrilled to offer a free show license for planetariums to feature with their current show lineup,” said Michael McConville. “Each of the family-friendly shows promises an entertaining experience for all ages, from the action-packed first manned expedition to Mars, to the charming, animated tale of a curious eight-year-old girl’s planet-hunting expedition with the Moon as her guide.”
For additional information about LaunchPad, to register for the program and learn more about the offering, visit https://www.es.com/launchpad/.
