Arts Midwest

Monday, September 13, 12:30 p.m.—4:30 p.m.

• Our in-depth pre-Conference seminars are a great way to dig into a particular topic.
• Seating capacity is limited, and pre-registration is required.
• Sign up for your chosen seminar when you register for the Conference. If you’ve already registered, contact us to add a seminar to your registration and submit payment.
• All pre-Conference seminars include an afternoon beverage break. Be sure to grab lunch on your own beforehand.

Fundraising is the Work of Engagement ($125)

Research data show discernible trends in donor choices in charitable giving. In this session, we will examine best practices for approaching corporations and foundations for funding and sponsorships, explore some of the these charitable-giving trends, and learn how fundraising can be more effective through the hard work of engaging donors in ways that help them meet their own philanthropic goals while funding your organization’s programs.

Session Leader: Tim Seiler, The Fundraising School, Center for Philanthropy, Indiana University

Leadership Skills for Navigating Turbulent Times ($125)

These turbulent times call for a special set of leadership skills, not just to help our staffs and our organizations weather the current challenges, but to thrive and be ready when opportunities come our way. In this session, we will focus on developing the practical leadership skills, tools, and attitudes you need to work more effectively in your current (or future) leadership positions. Specifically, we will develop the problem-solving and strategic-thinking skills that are key competencies needed by leaders to successfully navigate a challenging and changing environment.

Session Leader: Catherine Lilly, Business and Finance Leadership Academy, University of Michigan

Presenting 101 ($50)

What does it mean to be a good presenter? Even newcomers recognize that this work involves wide-ranging skills — from crunching numbers to finding an artistic vision, from developing a marketing plan to leading an organization, and much more — but how does one effectively integrate the day-to-day tasks with the conceptual work? Whether you’re new to presenting or you simply haven’t had a chance to reflect upon your work in a while, this is your opportunity to take a thoughtful look at the art of presenting, explore how theory and practice come together, and learn about a wealth of practical concepts that you can put into use right away.

Session Leaders: Marc Baylin, Baylin Artists Management; Todd Wetzel, Purdue Convocations

Presenting 101 is a standardized professional development curriculum offered by the Network of Regional Performing Arts Conferences — the Performing Arts Exchange, Midwest Arts Conference and Western Arts Alliance Conference — with support and assistance from the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts and the Cultural Human Resources Council of Canada.