The ROM Gets Social Media

The ROM gets social social media in a big way. This Friday I will be attending a blogger preview of the new Royal Ontario Museum’s Ancient Peru exhibit, in an event designed solely for the Toronto blogging community. Bloggers will be treated to a brief presentation by ROM curator Justin Jennings, as well as introductions to the ROM’s communications and New Media staff.

Similar media events for bloggers have happened elsewhere in Toronto, like the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts preview in June 2006, and are a strong indication that Torontonians and local companies and organizations understand of the value of blogs. This exclusive invitation is strong indication that the ROM sees the value of the Toronto blogging community, and is utilizing it much like it would any other press medium.

In addition to inviting bloggers to this opening, the ROM has created fun and engaging advertisements on the Freshdaily Toronto-based site BlogTO, where visitors can sweep dirt to uncover relics from ancient Peru. Targeted and engaging, I spent a few minutes playing with the advertisement – a token to its engaging success, and something I rarely do.

A visit to the Peru Microsite provides visitors with an integrated video, as well as a link to the ROM’s Podcast. The website is in line with curator Justin Jennings’ hope to “create an engaging place to create an experience around the museum or exhibit.” Justin, and the ROM’s media team understand the value of Toronto’s blogging community, and realize that “bloggers are passionate about what they blog about, which creates a different experience when compared to traditional media.”

Check Flickr and local blogs this weekend to see what the exhibit is all about – or better yet, buy a ticket and visit the ROM.