April 24, 2025

This paid piece is sponsored by MarketBeat.

For many Sioux Falls families, the Washington Pavilion is where memories are made. From exhibits at the Kirby Science Discovery Center and Visual Arts Center to shows in the Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium, Broadway performances, concerts, seasonal workshops and more, it offers something for almost everyone. 

That has been true for the MarketBeat team too. Long before any formal partnership between the two organizations began, employees were attending events, bringing their kids and making their own memories at the Pavilion.

Declan Ohm at the Kirby Science Discovery Center

So when the opportunity to collaborate more intentionally came along, it felt like a natural next step. What began as a personal connection has grown into a values-driven partnership between two organizations that care deeply about Sioux Falls.

“We already had a connection to the Pavilion,” said Maureen Ohm, director of community relations at MarketBeat. “It’s always been a place we valued personally. That’s what makes this partnership feel special. You can’t force personal interest. This grew because it was already there, and that’s why it was easy for things to escalate in a good way.”

Together, the Pavilion and MarketBeat are bringing two ambitious projects to life this year: a full transformation of the Pavilion’s Space and Technology Floor and Lallycooler Music Festival.

One is rooted in education; the other is all about connection. Both are designed to bring people together and create shared experiences that last.

When values align

Before tackling major projects as a team, MarketBeat and the Washington Pavilion already had built a relationship rooted in shared values. Both organizations are committed to making Sioux Falls a better place to live through experiences that connect the community.

East 10th Street mural

Over the years, MarketBeat has supported several Pavilion-led efforts, including sponsoring the East 10th Street mural, helping bring Bill Nye “The Science Guy” to town and backing the family-focused Winter Weekends series.

The team even has pitched in for smaller efforts, like helping decorate trees for holiday displays.

MarketBeat employees decorate trees at the Washington Pavilion.

While those efforts evolved, so did the relationship.

As the Pavilion continued expanding its programming and thinking about larger-scale initiatives, MarketBeat already was positioned as more than a casual supporter. It had developed a reputation for showing up, not just with funding, but with time and presence.

“This partnership means a lot to us because we’re just trying to do good things in the community, and that requires great partners,” said Darrin Smith, president and CEO of Washington Pavilion Management Inc.

“We approached MarketBeat because we see how they give back and how they care about their people. They’re innovative, successful, and they have one of the best workplace cultures in Sioux Falls. That’s the kind of partner we want to build with.”

That recognition went both ways.

“We didn’t come into this needing to be convinced,” Ohm said. “We already understood the impact the Pavilion has in Sioux Falls. Being allowed to help shape what’s next has made it even more meaningful.”

Investing in STEM’s future

The Pavilion’s Space and Technology Floor, a longtime centerpiece of the Kirby Science Discovery Center, is about to be reimagined for a new generation of learners. Scheduled to open this year in fall, the new exhibit, “Space Explorers: Mission Infinity,” is being developed in partnership with Dakota State University.

Design rendering of “Space Explorers: Mission Infinity” exhibit

“Recognizing that our current exhibits were showing signs of age, we saw an opportunity to create a dynamic, interactive environment that would captivate and educate young learners,” said Madelyn Grogan, director of education and museums at the Pavilion. 

“By partnering with MarketBeat and Dakota State University, we’re combining educational expertise with innovative design to craft experiences that inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and technologists.”

DSU President José-Marie Griffiths, Pavilion CEO Darrin Smith and MarketBeat CEO Matt Paulson

Grogan added that hands-on STEM learning has a direct role to play in Sioux Falls’ future. 

“In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, fostering a strong foundation in STEM is crucial for our community’s growth and prosperity. We’re not only enriching the educational landscape but also preparing our youth to be innovators and leaders.”

That future focus resonated with MarketBeat, particularly with founder and CEO Matt Paulson.

“My daughter Ady and I are regular visitors to the Kirby Science Discovery Center, especially during the winter months,” Paulson said. “She loves the Space and Technology Floor. I wanted to make a gift that would honor her and inspire other children to get interested in space and technology.”

Adylin Paulson at the Kirby Science Discovery Center

The hope is that the redesigned exhibit will do exactly that: Spark curiosity, support learning and serve as a meaningful resource for families across the region for years to come.

Connection takes center stage

On July 11-12, the Lallycooler Music Festival will feature multiple genres of live music, a vendor village, art installations and interactive experiences, all set against the scenic backdrop of Great Bear Ski Valley. With headliners like Sam Hunt and Pitbull, Lallycooler is expected to attract visitors from across the Midwest.

Darrin Smith at the Lallycooler news conference at Great Bear Ski Valley

“Music festivals are something that excite a lot of people,” Smith said. “We wanted to do something different, something unique to Sioux Falls, and we knew we needed the right partner to help us do that. MarketBeat was at the top of the list.”

Planning has been underway for months, with MarketBeat involved in creative meetings and shaping the vision alongside the Pavilion team.

“This isn’t something we’re just supporting from the sidelines,” Ohm said. “We’ve been in the room from the beginning, contributing ideas and building something we think the community is really going to be proud of. It’s exciting to see something that brings people together like this.”

From the location to the lineup, every part of Lallycooler is being designed to feel personal, welcoming and distinctly local, reflecting the energy of Sioux Falls.

“Our goal is for Lallycooler to become a long-term tradition, something the community can look forward to year after year,” Smith said.

Model for local collaboration

As the Pavilion and MarketBeat continue shaping these projects and future initiatives, they hope to demonstrate what a community-focused partnership can really look like: collaborative, people-centered and built to last.

“This is a budding relationship,” Smith said. “Even just a couple of years ago, we weren’t doing much together. Now, we have major partnerships in place, and it’s exciting to see how it’s grown.”

For MarketBeat, there’s a bigger message in all of it. 

“MarketBeat hopes to set an example for other Sioux Falls businesses by investing in the community through partnerships with established nonprofits,” Paulson said. “Our community has many needs, and it will take the efforts of every business and its leadership to meet them all.”

He added, “The Pavilion has a track record of success. They have shown time and time again that they can deliver on community projects and entertainment initiatives. As a donor, I know they will always deliver what they promise.”

Matt Paulson and the Pavilion leadership team

The Washington Pavilion and MarketBeat both believe this is just the beginning. With deep local roots, a shared vision and a commitment to doing the work together, they’re focused on what comes next and building something Sioux Falls can be proud of.