Conference Workshops

A fast-paced exploration of relevant topics in 2023. Each table will have a different subject and a leader that will kick off the discussion. You will either briefly share your insight or listen and learn! Hot topics may include subjects such as streaming rights, negotiations, ticket refunds, and stakeholder communication.

Make It Sensory Friendly: Creating Events and Spaces for People with High Sensory Sensitivity

Workshop leader: Andee Joyce, Rhythm and Autism

Bio: I am an autistic performer (singer/songwriter/storyteller) who has high sensory sensitivity, so I understand these issues in a way that few others can. (And yes, I can do a sensory-friendly show about my obsession with clapping and noisy percussion!) I have a RHYTHM AND AUTISM show booked at the Walters Cultural Arts Center in Hillsboro (right next door to Beaverton) in April 2024 which will be a special sensory-friendly show, and I have done shows of that type before. There are different approaches that can work, and I would love to see more of these types of shows being offered and greater access for my fellow autistic and sensory-sensitive folks. 

Workshop description: Find out how to customize your event or environment for people who might not otherwise find them accessible because of the potential for sensory overload. This workshop is led by an autistic performing artist and includes brief examples of “before and after” sensory-friendly makeovers for her own shows. 

From Vision to Venue: Crafting your arts space transformation

Workshop leaders:  Jill Barnes, Executive Director, Washington Center for the Performing Arts

Drew Phillips

Workship description: This is an essential workshop designed to empower arts organizations with the knowledge and strategies needed to embark on successful renovation or building projects. In this session, participants will learn the crucial steps to take prior to launching fundraising efforts, including assessing needs, clarifying goals, and assembling a project team. Delving into the intricate realm of construction management, attendees will gain insights into creating realistic timelines, setting budgets, and navigating the intricacies of contractor selection. From the initial vision to the final brushstroke, this workshop will equip arts organizations with the tools to not only lay the groundwork for transformative spaces but also to confidently oversee the entire construction journey.

WESTAF and the TourWest Regional Touring Grant

Workshop leader: Ashanti McGee

Workshop description: Learn more about the Western States Arts Federation and their regional touring grant, TourWest. Learn about the organization, and details about the TourWest grant and other opportunities.

Building your board in a changing nonprofit environment

Workshop leader: Lenore Naxon, Naxon Consulting

Workshop description: There is a generational shift happening and our boards must become younger, more diverse and more committed to our work. How do we take the steps to make this happen? What are the tools we can use to bring our boards into this new world?

Reframing Contracts as a Relationship-Building Tool

Workshop leader: Cheri Jamison

Bio: Cheri Jamison is an Arts & Nonprofit Management Professional and Consultant with over 12 years of experience in strategic planning, streamlining operations and community outreach. As a Renaissance woman with a diverse skill set, Cheri is known for her ability to spearhead new initiatives and bring visionary projects to life. 

Workshop description: Contracts are often viewed as the boring, unpleasant, but essential administrative task to solidify all the hard work done to negotiate and book an engagement. What if we could reframe contracts as a relationship-building tool? Every communication between the artist, manager, agent, and presenter is an opportunity to build up (or break down) your professional relationships. In this session, we'll discuss: *How to set the stage during negotiations for a more graceful contracting experience. *Tips to navigate tricky conversations or re-negotiations during the contracting phase. *Opportunities to update your standard contract to include equitable language that builds in relationship-enhancing agreements should something go wrong. *Interpersonal skills and tools to exude confidence, improve communication, and deepen trust. In our relationship-based industry, let's use every interaction-- especially contracts-- as a way to showcase our professionalism, brand, and strengthen our connections.

Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: Emerging Threats, Best Practices for Data Protection, & Privacy Regulation Compliance

Workshop leaders: LaMae Weber, DWG Executive Officer, Behnam Ataee, MA, DWG Chief Technology Officer

Description: Risk Management and security are some of the biggest issues facing art organizations today. Not just because it may prove daunting, but because it is rarely given priority within the organization until trouble arises. We will cover security on your email, website, network, online servers and in-house servers and provide insight about how to protect the organizations and your patrons.

LaMae Weber, Dream Warrior Group’s entrepreneurial CEO is a force to be reckoned with. Whether Weber is presenting breaking trends on the web or at a conference in China, her commitment to excellence sets her apart from the rest of the field. Since joining Dream Warrior Group (DWG) in 2003, Weber has increased business revenue and facilitated the growth of its staff. She is a sought-after speaker at Arts Reach and regional social media marketing events.

Weber has written and performed stand-up comedy in and around Los Angeles at the Hollywood Improv, Flappers and the legendary Comedy Store and all shows met with a standing ovation. Workshop description: Risk Management and security are some of the biggest issues facing art organizations today. Not just because it may prove daunting, but because it is rarely given priority within the organization until trouble arises. We will cover security on your email, website, network, online servers and in-house servers and provide insight about how to protect the organizations and your patrons.

Weber has written and performed stand-up comedy in and around Los Angeles at the Hollywood Improv, Flappers and the legendary Comedy Store and all shows met with a standing ovation. Workshop description: Risk Management and security are some of the biggest issues facing art organizations today. Not just because it may prove daunting, but because it is rarely given priority within the organization until trouble arises. We will cover security on your email, website, network, online servers and in-house servers and provide insight about how to protect the organizations and your patrons.

Behnam Ataee is a seasoned technology leader who has been a Chief Technology Officer for over 20 years. Ataee has broad-based technology experience ranging from the nitty-gritty of the hardware to networks and software development. During the last 22 years, his main focus has been on websites, web applications, and app developments.

High performance and innovation has been the hallmark of his work. Ataee has a proven track record of delivering high-quality technology solutions across web and mobile platforms and the diversity of the projects has taught him how to engineer large-scale systems with the speed and agility of a startup. Ataee utilizes his infrastructure and server experience to perform white knight services when uptime matters.

He has authored several books of poetry and translation of the works of Sohrab Sepehri, and Hafez. He has also authored books on thought Process of Web Site development, and e-marketing techniques. As a technology executive, he has been a member of the computer science advisory committee for several higher learning institutions, and non-profit organizations. Weber has managed teams of multi-disciplinary IT, Web development, and social marketing experts for over 50 clients. Weber has developed the company’s three-year growth plan and completed the first Content Management Service & System for Performing Arts Organizations. She has also developed, implemented, and managed multi-year global social marketing campaigns for clients around the globe, including large and medium-sized businesses in the US, Australia, and Southeast Asia. 

Self-Represented Artists

The Art of Access in the Arts

Workshop leader: Samuel Hobbs, Push/fold dance

Bio: Samuel Hobbs is a mixed-Latinx presenter, educator, and multidisciplinary artist, and the Artistic Director of push/FOLD. Focused on Arts Equity and Access over the past 15 years, Samuel’s work couples education with professional performance. Named an Oregon Performing Arts Fellow, Samuel’s choreography and musical compositions have premiered in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Workshop description: A 90-minute, audience interactive presentation — "How do we create a dynamic and responsive organizational foundation where advocacy and access are natural byproducts of our internal structures, as opposed to addendums and line items?"