ZAPPcon14 Edited
Top 10 Reasons We Can’t Wait for ZAPPcon 2014!

With only three weeks until the sixth annual Arts Festival Conference, we can hardly contain our excitement! Here are just some of this year’s highlights:

10. The National Association of Independent Artists (NAIA)
NAIA is the resource for all things related to artists who participate in art shows. This year, NAIA will be discussing means for more effective communication in the art show industry and addressing ways in which the key players can work together for success.

9. Art in the Pearl
Named one of the Top Ten Arts and Crafts Festivals in the country by Art Fair SourceBook, this event is packed with high-quality art, local music, and hands-on, educational activities.

8. The Historic Benson Hotel
With a reputation as one of Portland’s finest hotels, and even a few ghost stories to keep us entertained, we’re sure to have a memorable stay at this beautiful hotel!

7. Picturesque Portland
There are more arts activities (think the amazing Pearl District or the numerous art galleries) and sights than we know what to do with. And don’t you want to see if Portlandia nailed it?

6. Opening Reception at Blackfish Gallery
Not only will there be mingling galore with fellow artists and show administrators, but you get to see some really great art, too!

5. Networking
Have you seen the growing list of attendees? Whether you’re attending a dine-around, the opening reception, or at lunch with a new group of folks, the Conference is the perfect setting for meeting new people, asking questions, and sharing ideas.

4. The Annual Symposium
With a panel of savvy arts industry insiders including Salvador AcevedoTonisha A. TolerNamita Gupta WiggersWill Armstrong, and Dave Weich, this symposium is going to be simply stupendous.

3. The Public Portfolio Critique
Seeing your body of work projected and hearing from an expert panel about the ways in which you can improve your submission is a unique professional development opportunity just before application season kicks into high gear. Didn’t apply? Don’t worry — everyone can learn something about the jury process in this session!

2. Russell Willis Taylor
With more than 20 years of arts experience in both England and the United States, this year’s opening speaker is poised to present new, global ideas about how the arts can remain relevant during her opening presentation.

1. The Agenda
With two days full of carefully-crafted sessions and even the Art Biz Coach herself, the Conference offers a unique opportunity to glean helpful tips and strategies for running a show or an art business. Get your notepads ready!

BONUS! Portland’s Distillery Row
It didn’t quite make our list, but for those of you who enjoy a nice adult beverage, you won’t want to miss the Saturday activities in Southeast Portland. If craft beer is more your thing, we hear there are more than 30 different breweries in PDX.

Still need to register? Visit bit.ly/zappcon14 today!