This book has briefly covered all the main tasks required to project manage an exhibition and the role of the PM in steering the project from a kernel of an idea to a show that is open to the public. On the way we have looked at setting up key documents to help with the management of this work, and taken deeper dives into some of the most important work that will contribute to the exhibition's success, such as getting the vision right, interpretation planning and design. We have also focused on the process for exhibition management using a five-stage process with clear gateways at the completion of each stage. In this final chapter I will sum up for each of the five stages the key tasks you need to undertake, the main outputs being created and the gateway questions you will be working towards answering.

Define

Work needed: In this stage you take the exhibition concept, analyse it, carry out formative evaluation and create a vision for the exhibition.

Output: An exhibition proposal, complete with the vision and ‘big idea’ for the exhibition, including the outline of its content, showing:

• • how it is unique;

• • how it will contribute to the overall museum vision and objectives;

• • how it responds to visitor needs;

• • what its goals are;

• • what its objectives are (so these can be measured against at the end of the project);

• • when it will happen (noting that many exhibitions take at least two years to develop and implement);

• • images of key objects, and perhaps some quotes or interesting information about the subject to help sell the idea;

• • some examples of the type of display, which will serve as creative inspiration for the team.

Gateway question: Is this exhibition something that you, the museum, want to invest in, and do you agree that it meets the museum's objectives?

Plan

Work needed: This is a stage which requires you, as the PM, to set up all the processes needed to manage the exhibition, alongside development by the design team of the concept for the show.

Output: A project execution plan that contains elements including:

• • cost plan;

• • risk register;

• • programme;

• • project structure;

• • RACI;

• • communication plan;

• • decision register;

• • sustainability, inclusivity and access information;

• • concept design for the exhibition;

• • key objects list/images;

• • business case information such as the projected return on investment.