Run It Like a Business

If you hate that phrase, you’re not alone. But the arts are a business, a sector worth billions whose institutions serve almost every region in the country. Today, arts organizations are trying to rebuild audiences, reclaim relevance, and confront centuries of systemic discrimination.

The solutions are right before our eyes though. Volumes of data, research, and case studies from the for-profit sector demonstrate how to achieve success across customer engagement, the user experience, company culture, the subscription economy, digital content, new revenue streams, and brand relevance.

Just because arts organizations are non-profits doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make money; it means the money we make goes back to fund the mission. And it means a sustainable model is still necessary. Running it like a business isn’t unwitting board speak; it’s essential to revitalize this critical, massive economic engine and ultimately better serve the art and its consumers in the new normal ahead.

Aubrey’s book, Run It Like a Business, will be available for sale.

Are the Performing Arts Imploding Before Our Eyes?

AI: What is Real in 2024 and What Could It Be Going Forward?

The Fundamentals of Corporate Sponsorship

This session is designed for anyone interested in learning more about the business of Corporate Sponsorship and Naming Rights.

Using case studies, items such as prospecting (who gets on your list), packaging (what should the sales document look like) and the sales process will be covered in this highly interactive session. 

Creating Art for Art: Visual Storytelling for Arts Organizations

Explore the transformative impact of visual storytelling for arts organizations in this presentation. Delve into creating engaging video, captivating photography, and strategic social media content to amplify your brand, reach, and revenue.

Discover the secrets of crafting content that resonates with your audience, fostering a passionate community around your organization. This roadmap will guide you in leveraging visual storytelling as a dynamic tool for success in the digital landscape.

Join us in unlocking the potential of compelling narratives that propel arts organizations to new heights, creating lasting impact and growth. Let's craft a story that captivates, resonates, and fuels your organization's journey toward enhanced visibility and financial success.

The Board's Role in Fundraising

Simple Ways to Attract a Younger Audience

The challenge of attracting a younger audience is not new to our sector. It can be a daunting task – how to design it, how to fund it, how to manage it? In this session, the National Arts Centre of Canada will share learning from their recent approach to attracting younger audiences to the performing arts.

Then, we’ll turn the microphone over to the audience and dive into what strategies other groups across Canada are finding effective.

SEO in the Age of AI: Events (And The Organizations That Present Them)

Subscriptions: Are They Down for the Count?

With changing demographics, shifts in consumer and social behaviour, new technologies, and life in a post-pandemic context, how is all of this affecting loyalty and subscriptions?  What are the ramifications for programming?  And what will it mean for donations? 

Our esteemed panel will discuss one of the most pressing topics of today.

Branding Your Organisation: Putting the You in UVP!

Too often, individuals and organisations think they know exactly what their brand and UVP are, but do they? Join us for this 50-minute workshop where we go into what branding really is, what your UVP (Unique Value Proposition) is, how to make sure YOUR brand rings true and how YOUR UVP can work for you. Remember, your brand is only as good as others think it is, and your UVP is all about what others think as well.

Using handouts, participants to work together in groups to assist one another in discovering the true brand and UVP of their organization. 

The 5 Metrics Worth Investing In

Is Your Business Model Broken?

Building Bonds Through Strategic Donor Relations