Attendees included representatives from 42 universities and organizations hailing from 22 U.S. states, Canada, Norway, and Australia. Throughout the conference, attendees enjoyed sessions highlighting path breaking research, interactive classroom activities, new philosophies on teaching and learning entrepreneurship, and insightful advice from published book authors and recently-graduated arts students.

Conference Highlights

• Keynote Address: Josh Davies, CEO of The Center for Work Ethic Development, a dynamic speaker with a provocative message about the workplace of the 21st century- and how arts and entrepreneurship can play an important role in preparing students.

• Plenary Panel: Women in Arts Leadership, featuring women leaders from the greater Boulder arts community: Katie Lehman, Executive Director of the Boulder Philharmonic, Kathy Kuscan, Co-Founder of the Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts, and Nancy Smith, Founding Artistic Director of Frequent Flyers. Moderated by CU-Boulder Innovation & Entrepreneurship Director, Sarabeth Berk.

• Gary D. Beckman Research Impact Award: “Connecting Artistic Practice, Foundational Skills in Arts Management, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship in the Arts – A New Model,” Todd Stuart and Willie Caldwell, Miami University 

• Best Workshop Award: “Design Thinking for Audience Development,” Gerald Klickstein