Join the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville on Friday, Oct. 25 for a one-day conference that brings together artists, arts administrators, creative entrepreneurs, and business professionals to build community across genres; inspire thought-provoking dialogue; and provide high-quality, practical tools to galvanize the creative economy. 

Presented by Designworks Collective

Nashville’s creative community is arguably its greatest asset, but where is the creative community’s voice in the conversations about the issues facing our city? From transit to affordable housing to juvenile justice, Nashville needs innovative thinkers able to balance the necessities of a rapidly changing metropolis while preserving the diverse legacies of the creative citizens who call Nashville home. This conversation is meant to explore and galvanize a big-picture view of the creative community's role in solving Nashville’s greatest challenges while building on its unique cultural heritage. 

Moderator: Audra Ladd, Manager, Creative Economy/Small Business, Mayor’s Office of Community & Economic Development

Panelists: Sheila Calloway, Judge, Juvenile Court of Metropolitan Nashville & Davidson County; Manuel Delgado, Owner & Luthier, Delgado Guitars; Steve Hinkley, CEO, Adventure Science Center; Nancy VanReece, Metro Council, District 8. Moderator

Making Space: The Impact of Community Creative Spaces in Nashville | 10:10–11:10 a.m.
This panel will take a look at what Nashville's collaborative creative spaces offer to support artists, artisans, and small businesses. The conversation will focus on what our communities and local government can do to ensure that these spaces thrive. Moderator: Jennifer Deafenbaugh, Data Working Group Lead, Nation of Makers Panelists: Bob Mendes, Metro Council At-Large; Megan Kelley, President, Platetone  Printmaking, Paper and Book Arts and more.

Getting Your Art Funded… By Any Means Necessary! | 11:20 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
This fun and interactive workshop will engage you in a learning experience that will encourage the participant to think creatively about diversifying their funding streams by exploring different models for generating value, resources and revenue. Instructor: Lauren Elysse Fitzgerald, Metro Arts: Nashville's Office of Arts + Culture

Using Data to Make Strategic Decisions | 2:30–3:30 p.m.
In today’s information-driven age, the push to collect and use data is more prevalent than ever before. New technologies are developed every day to help us harness the power of information to improve our lives and our organizations, but without a clear understanding of how to strategically collect the information we need and how to learn from it, it is easy to become overwhelmed and unfocused. For nonprofit organizations, in particular, using data and evaluation not only to measure and communicate impact but also to learn and improve is particularly critical. In this session, participants will unpack some basic fundamentals of evaluation and data collection, understand the connection between learning and improvement, and learn how to infuse data-driven decision making throughout their programs and organizations. Instructors: Amy Campbell and Jessica Gibbons–Benton, Elevate Consulting

Do You REALLY Want to Start a Nonprofit? (CLE) | 3:40–4:40 p.m.
You’ve decided to start a nonprofit, but you don’t know where to start. Maybe you’re an artist who wants to provide educational opportunities to the community. You could be a choreographer with a community dance studio or an acting group looking to start a community theater. In this seminar, you’ll learn the process required to establish a legal entity, what you’ll need to be able to apply for tax-exempt status, and what the legal requirements are to create and maintain a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization moving forward. Explore the various issues and considerations involved so you can decide… do you REALLY want to start a nonprofit? Instructor: Alandis Brassel, Meridian Law PLLC

This course is approved by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education for a maximum of one (1) hour of general credit.

Bigger is Better: Designing Your Growth Strategy | 10:10–11:10 a.m.
You've started your own creative business, and it's doing well. But, what do you do next? Designing a growth strategy that's right for you means building a team around you to add capacity where it's needed. It also means knowing when to take the leap and when to step back. In this session, you'll hear from experts who've been there, so you can learn from what they did wrong and what they did right. Moderator: Harry Allen, Studio Bank. Panelists: Margaret Dolan, LaunchTN; Patrick Hayes, 1767 Designs; Channing Moreland, EVAmore

Negotiation for the Creative Community (CLE) | 11:20 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
For artists, musicians, and other creators, what is agreed upon during a negotiation can have a dramatic effect on earning potential and future growth. Presenter Jack Waddey, partner at Waller, provides a practical overview of interest-based negotiation methods based on four decades of experience as an attorney and mediator. Artists, musicians, and attorneys will gain insights into their current negotiation styles while learning tools and tips to help them prepare and adjust for any given negotiation. More money is gained or lost per minute negotiating than any other activity, so don't leave money on the table. Sharpen your negotiation skills with this valuable seminar. Instructor: Jack Waddey, Waller

This course is approved by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education for a maximum of one (1) hour of general credit.

Understanding Your Unique Value & Pricing Accordingly | 2:30–3:30 p.m.
The session will provide an overview of how the costs of materials, unique design, and labor affect value & price and how creative entrepreneurs can identify their value proposition in relation to pricing. You will learn how economic conditions affect purchases, how to use market research to recognize the added value for your customers, and how awards and accolades affect perceived value. Determine what the market will bear and gain and a greater understanding of the promotional and recognition value of your work. Instructor: Frank Shields, Looking Glass Strategy

Building the Bridge: From Side Hustle to Creative Career | 3:40–4:40 p.m.
Building A Bridge is the process of getting you from where you are to where you want to go with confidence and clarity. It's taking your big dreams and breaking them down into daily steps. It's identifying opportunities and mapping out a plan. It's shifting your mindset from fear to courage. It's uncovering everything you need in order to achieve your goals. It's making the process of jumping into the known more calculated. Instructor: Meredith C. Bullock, Artist & Entrepreneur 

Your Brand Is You: How to Build A Brand That Is Authentic & Sustainable | 10:10–11:10 am
Your brand is your identity in the marketplace. Building authentic and sustainable brands that are also marketable takes perseverance! Join us for a dynamic panel filled with valuable wisdom from successful creatives who are building distinctive brands. You'll hear how they got started and what the unique challenges and solutions are to creating a brand around your art. Moderator: Mayter Scott, Hurtz Hospitality Marketing. Panelists: Sarah Gavigan, The Otaku Group; Anna Haas, Anna Haas Creative; Chad Smith, Snapshot Interactive

Collaborating with the Algorithm | 11:20 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Is the Algorithm stunting your growth on social media? Join Mayter Scott (Content Creator) for a break or session on what the algorithm is and how to work with it to grow your social media presence. You’ll walk away with applicable and strategic ways to work alongside the algorithm to engage and reach the audience you need. Instructor: Mayter Scott, Hurtz Hospitality Marketing

Protecting Your Brand Identity (CLE) | 2:30–3:30 p.m.
The presentation will begin with a trademark law primer – concepts of trademark law and an introduction to the Lanham Act, including the differences between registered and unregistered trademarks and a difference between copyright protection and trademark protection, for the legally-savvy creatives and the unfamiliar attorneys. Following that, the presentation will discuss some of the most important issues in trademarks for creatives – not being able to trademark proper names or geographical descriptions, a discussion of personality/publicity rights, and what “use in commerce” means. Finally, if time permits, the presentation will focus on the most important advice for a creative as far as expanding and protecting their brand: become famous, because fame overrides most of the restrictions on trademarks. Instructor: Steven Wolfe, Brothers Business Law

Podcast Marketing | 3:40–4:40 p.m.
This panel discussion will examine new trends in marketing and branding in how individuals and brands can build new audiences through podcast marketing. Experience podcasters and marketeers will discuss success stories, hurdles in the marketplace, and how to do it well. Moderator: Clark Buckner, Relationary Marketing

Legal Issues in Music Publishing (CLE) | 10:10–11:10 a.m.
This seminar will break down key legal issues for music publishing including recent developments such as the Music Modernization Act (MMA), California’s AB5 “Gig-Work Bill,” and others.  Drawing on their own experiences, attorneys Eric Griffin of Music City Counsel and Jeremy Brook of The Brook Law Firm will provide insights into how these issues are taking take shape in the music industry. There will be time for Q&A at the end of the presentation for those with questions about songwriting agreements, split sheets, etc. Instructors: Eric Griffin, Music City Counsel, and Jeremy Brook, The Brook Law Firm

This course is approved by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education for a maximum of one (1) hour of general credit.

Music Licensing & Placement | 11:20 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
This panel of industry experts from the music industry will discuss music licensing and placement strategies in today’s music landscape. Learn specific strategies for how to get or increase music licensing and placement on both film & television. Panelists: Thalia Ewing (Muziqueen), Zach Hartley, Paradigm Talent Agency, David Pomeroy, Nashville Musicians Association

Streaming Platform Masterclass | 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Learn the ropes in this streaming platform masterclass. Get information that isn’t always easy to find on how to set up your artist profile. Learn best practices and get the chance to ask your burning questions. This session will cover everything you need to know to get starting so that your music gets streamed and you can start earning revenue online.

Music Modernization Act: Where We Stand Today | 3:40–4:40 p.m.
The Music Modernization Act was unanimously passed by the House and Senate and was signed in to law in October of 2018. But what does it really mean for the music industry? The law is LONG and attempts to solve many complicated issues facing creators and copyright owners. Join us as we anecdotally talk through the history of what led to the historic legislation, what the law actually means, and how it is being carried out today. We will break down the three main components of the legislation and catch up on all the current events. Artist Rights Alliance’s Erin McAnally will present the overview and hold q&a following the presentation. The Artist Rights Alliance is an artist-run non-profit working for fair compensation for creators in the digital age. Having presented on the topic with artists like Rosanne Cash, Keb’ Mo’, Parker Milsap and Jason Eskridge, as well as with legislators, the US Copyright Office, and key industry representatives, the organization possess a unique blend of perspective on the legislation and its effect on the future of the music business. Instructor: Erin McAnally, Artist Rights Alliance

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