Erin Manning

About Erin Manning

As the Vice President of Marketing at Exploration Place, I have had the privilege of collaborating with a dedicated team to enhance our digital marketing strategies, storytelling, and customer experience, contributing to record-breaking achievements for the museum over the past several years. In addition to my role at Exploration Place, I serve as an Adjunct Professor of Marketing at Friends University, where I enjoy mentoring the next generation of marketing professionals.I am grateful for the recognition from the Wichita marketing community, including being named the 2023 Marketer of the Year by the Wichita AMA and a 2023 Marketing Award honoree from the Wichita Business Journal. Previous honors include the 2020 Women Who Lead in Marketing, 2019 Women in Business, 2017 40 Under 40 by the Wichita Business Journal, and participation in the 2016 Leadership Class through the Young Professionals of Wichita (now known as W).I hold a Bachelor\'s degree in Marketing from Wichita State University and an MBA from Friends University. I am passionate about collaborating with fellow marketing professionals and community members to drive impactful marketing initiatives in Wichita and beyond.

Experience

1. Vice President of Marketing

   Exploration Place

   Dec 2024 — Present · Wichita, KS, US

   Comprehensive Marketing Oversight: Manage all aspects of marketing, including digital, print, media, social media, email, website, app development, and advertising, with a strong focus on branding, user experience, and customer engagement.• Regional Growth: Develop and execute marketing strategies to expand the museum’s regional reach in preparation for the opening of a 6-acre destination playground in late 2025.• Brand and Campaign Management: Maintain and enhance the museum\'s brand identity through consistent messaging, brand guidelines, and integrated marketing campaigns.• Lead and Strategize: Oversee the marketing, special events, and rentals teams, ensuring alignment of initiatives across all departments and driving organizational goals.• Event Leadership: Conceptualize and plan themes, budgets, and objectives for museum-hosted events. Support the Special Events Manager with execution and actively assist during events to ensure success.•Rentals Oversight: Direct the rentals team, overseeing external events such as weddings, birthdays, corporate gatherings, and private parties to ensure exceptional guest experiences.• Theater Programming: Select and oversee programming for the museum’s dome theater and amphitheater, curating engaging experiences for visitors.• Team Collaboration: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate marketing and event initiatives, fostering a culture of innovation and teamwork.

Education

• Wichita State University

  Bachelors of Business Administration in Marketing, Marketing

  2008 — 2010

• Warner Pacific University

  Business Administration

  1998 — 2001

• Friends University

  Masters of Business Administration, MBA

  2011 — 2013

Skills

• Marketing
• Microsoft Office
• Sales
• Time Management
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Strategy
• E-Commerce
• Newsletters
• Direct Sales
• Marketing Management
• Email Marketing
• Copywriting
• Brand Development
• Market Research
• Editing
• Account Management
• Integrated Marketing
• Project Planning
• Budgets
• Community Outreach
• Event Planning
• Strategic Planning
• Research
• Brand Management
• Social Media Marketing
• Marketing Strategy
• Presentations
• Customer Service
• Online Advertising
• Sales Management
• Event Management
• Online Marketing
• Public Speaking
• Product Marketing
• Project Management
• Merchandising
• Social Networking
• Social Media
• Inventory Management