RISD RI Alumni Oyster Farm Tour
On-the-water educational seminar + tour of a working oyster farm
Event Coordination | Email and Social Media CRM | Website and Registration | Vendor Management
“It was an eye-opening experience into the role of oysters in our waters’ ecosystem. Oysters, boat ride, sunshine and wonderful people. What more could you ask for? Thank you to the fabulous organizer Christina for such a smoothly run and special event!”
— Cat Smith, wildlife artist and event attendee
The Challenge
Local alumni of the Rhode Island School of Design have some of the most discerning palates of any artists and designers in the world, and often associate themselves with a higher calling for food as well. To satisfy this growing affinity group within the region, support local sustainable aquaculture industry, and take advantage of the gorgeous RI summer boating weather, Christina reached out to Perry Raso, restaurateur and oyster farmer of the renowned Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown, RI to organize a bespoke private tour with an accessible science flair.
The Approach
Christina pitched this event as a quintessential Rhode Island summer gathering for foodies and sent targeted communications to local affinity groups based in Rhode Island. She built a customized registration website, secured a small subsidy to offset the cost of tickets, coordinated with the vendor, and handled all customer service concerning age restrictions, boat safety concerns, weather considerations, and more. Raso led an informative lecture on sustainable oyster aquaculture, including RI's unique impact on both a local and global scale, then took the group aboard his barge for an upclose and personal look at the oyster farm.
The Results
The event boasted a rapid sell-out (within 24-hours), next to no attrition, and an extremely high rate of attendee satisfaction. On the barge, attendees handled oysters in many stages of growth, saw new equipment of Raso's own invention, and learned about some of the techniques, benefits, and challenges of oyster farming, all while taking in gorgeous views of Potter Pond. An oyster tasting with sparkling wine and a no-host luncheon followed the tour. Alumni were so enthusiastic that demand was high for a repeat tour the following year.
Photo courtesy of Cat Smith
Photo courtesy of Cat Smith