• 9am-10:15am:  Session #1

Welcome from Sedona Mayor Scott Jablow, Sedona Vice-Mayor Holli Ploog, and Gerd Wuestemann of Scottsdale Arts.

Keynote by Eric Rodriguez

Building the Future of the  Human Experience. Eric will examine the intersection of technology and the arts, how technology can bridge gaps inequity and access to the arts, and what does the arts experience look like in our high-tech environment. He will delve into the intrinsic value of the arts in enriching our human experience amidst the back drop of rapid technological evolution. He advocates for harnessing digital tools not as a replacement for human interaction but as a means to augment and celebrate the arts, reinforcing our shared humanity. His perspective is a beacon for artists aiming to navigate the digital age without losing sight of the arts' power to connect us more deeply to one another and our communities.

• 10:30am- 11:45am:  Session #2

Fireside Chat

Join Moderator Sandra Bassett, Vice President of APA, Keynote Speaker Eric Rodriguez, and APA Member Radhika Kotwal for a deeper dive into leveraging technology in our industry. Explore innovative solutions to enhance your arts organization through technological advancements.

• 12pm-1:15pm:  Hosted Lunch with Performance​, on-site

• 1:15pm- 2:30pm:  Session #3

Pitch Session  

5-min presentation to share idea, project, performance or opportunity with fellow members.  Must apply by July 19 to be eligible to present.  Click below for more information or to register.

• ​​​​2:45pm- 3:45pm:  Session #4

Artists and Cross-Sector Collaboration

Speaker Johanna Taylor  ​

Artists are artists everywhere. They bring their creative practices into tech companies, government agencies, and theatres alike. Increasingly, there is support from both the private and public sectors to bridge industries together in collaboration with artists and arts organizations on projects that address core civic ideas from public safety to community belonging. This takes the form of place-based projects that connect arts organizations with local business districts as well as residencies for artists embedded within local mayor’s offices. But what do these cross-sector collaboration opportunities offer an arts organization? What does cultural policy mean for you? And are there opportunities for you to do the work you really want to do? Together we will explore the ways in which artists and arts organizations are working across sectors from health to civic spaces. We will look at new collaboration opportunities in funding, programming, and ways of advancing the work.

• 4:05pm- 5:05pm:  Session #5

Combatting the Age of Digital Convenience - Off the Couch and into Your Venue!

The landscape for capturing consumer attention and spending has evolved, making attention nearly as valuable as money. With endless entertainment options available, including 83% of Americans subscribing to streaming services, live events need to adapt swiftly. However, live events offer unique advantages over digital content, such as human connection, a lasting journey, and the magic of witnessing world-class performers. Through our TheaterMania consumer brand, we surveyed over 2,000 event-goers to understand their behaviors, motivations, and future plans. This session will explore insights to draw audiences out of their homes and into your venues.​

• 6pm Off Site Dine- Arounds

Join a board member and colleagues at one of Sedona's local restaurants.  Non-hosted

• ​​8:30pm -10pm Arizona Artist Showcase 

Sponsored by AMAZ Entertainment and the Western Arts Alliance

Enjoy performances by Arizona artists AJ Odneal, Grace Rolland-Redwood, and Simply Three. Emceed by Sandra Bassett, this showcase is a perfect opportunity to experience the rich talent Arizona has to offer.

Each attendee will receive one drink ticket. 

​