In 2014 our website launched with information, events and marketing requests. With so much content it became slow and was divided into three individual sites. Not finding a commercial events program to meet our needs, IMC created a custom Drupal site, Eventree. We analyzed the types of activities offered and held focus groups to get staff input. The web team then developed a site that simplified data entry and addressed staff needs. Custom reports allow us to streamline production of publicity.

IMC held staff focus groups and developed a site plan to meet their needs. The types of activities offered and information within an entry were analyzed so that the site would alleviate the need for staff to format the content to understand the AP style used by IMC to create publicity. Then Drupal modules were customized with drop-down menus, checkboxes, translations, duplication features and manager approvals. IMC created a step-by-step manual and 25 videos and offered in-person training to 100.

A commercial product would have cost $22,000 for set up and $20,000 each year for service and maintenance. Initial training would have cost $8,000 and $150 per hour for web-based training. By developing the site in-house, we can house the information on our servers and will not incur the costs of yearly service and maintenance. Creating it in-house allows us to make updates. IMC offers individual training for new hires and those promoted who will approve entries.