2024 Schedule!

The ABJ Lineup for ArtBizJ am 2024!

Sunday, October 6

Arrival and Registration

6:00 – Meet and Greet to meet and socialize with your fellow attendees and the very fun and popular Name Badge Contest. The theme of this party will be Black and White – snazzy, jazzy, whatever you want! The location will be in the hotel.

Monday – Wednesday, October 7 – 9

Speakers: These sessions will be held at Evergreen Enterprises of VA.

Jan Beach, Licensing Artist – Protecting Your Work and Dealing with Infringement, Creating Successful Reels.

Over the years, Jan has successfully navigated several bouts with copyright infringement. Join her as she shares how she handled each instance to achieve positive outcomes. Jan will also explain crucial terms and definitions to include—and avoid—in your licensing contracts. Protecting your work is essential, so learn how to safeguard your creations and confidently defend your rights.

Jan is also very successful in creating fantastic Reels and will give you tips to create your own Reels. You can view hers on her Instagram (JanShadeBeach) and on Facebook (Jan Shade Beach).

Anne Brown, Vice President of Product Development at Williamson Home. Navigating the Ever-Evolving Landscape of Art Licensing and Product Development

In this presentation, Anne will be sharing insights gleaned from over 25 years of experience in Art Licensing and Product Development within the home and gift industries. As we explore the evolution of Art Licensing, she will delve into its impact on product development and what the future might hold.

We’ll journey through the shifting landscape of Art Licensing, examining how it has transformed over the years and the factors driving these changes. From traditional approaches to innovative strategies, we’ll uncover the keys to success in this competitive arena.

Drawing from her extensive background, Anne will provide valuable insights into creating art for home decor, with a special focus on the wall art category. We’ll explore the intersection of art and consumer preferences, deciphering macro and micro trends that influence design decisions.

Furthermore, Anne will shed light on the broader influences shaping the home fashion industry, from lifestyle shifts to technological advancements. By understanding these trends, artists and designers can better align their creations with market demands and stay ahead of the curve.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in Art Licensing, this presentation promises to inspire, educate, and equip you with the tools needed to thrive in this ever-evolving landscape. Join us as we navigate the exciting world of art, design, and home decor together at Art Biz Jam 2024.

Anne will also have an informal session one evening where she discusses other opportunities for artists to expand their businesses.

Wendy Conkin, Chair Stylist Chair Whimsy Author and Decorator, Growing a Successful Brand with the Power of Social Media

Discover how Wendy Conklin transformed her passion for creating beautiful upholstered chairs into a thriving brand with diverse income sources. Using the power of social media, Wendy expanded her business to include online classes, live retreats, and even a book. Wendy will tell her strategies for building a strong online presence, engaging with her community, and leveraging social media to turn her creative talent into multiple successful ventures.

Lori Siebert will conduct an exclusive Q&A session with Patti Huges, the visionary entrepreneur behind a remarkable success story. Learn how Patti turned her passion for art into a thriving business, starting with a small product line of magnets and the strategic steps she took to diversify her product offerings to a lifestyle brand with clothing, bedding, accessories and gifts. Patti will tell of the obstacles she faced along the way and how she overcame them to achieve success. Benefit from Patti’s valuable advice for artists and entrepreneurs looking to grow your own businesses. This Q&A session is a unique opportunity to learn from Patti’s experience and expertise.

Joan Kergides, Chief Merchandizing Officer at Enesco, LLC. How to work with manufacturers to Create a Strong Product Line.

Joan will discuss how creating a successful collection and forging a strong partnership with a manufacturer are key components of a thriving art licensing career. Clear and effective communication with your manufacturing partners is essential. A successful collection starts with a unique and compelling artistic vision. Joan will discuss past successes and stories on what makes a good collection including collections by artists like Jim Shore, one of the most successful artists in licensing.

Tim Lamm – Senior Product Development Manager at Evergreen Enterprises of VA

Ann Marie Mendlow, President, CoFounder, Werkshoppe

Grace Watson, Evergreen Enterprises of VA

Ting Xu, Evergreen Enterprises of VA

Roundtables with several speakers on various topics – Short sessions by speakers and artists on topics such as POD’s. tech topics, augmented reality, Pinterest, email marketing, memberships and much more. You will be able to attend the ones that fit your needs. Note: the augmented reality topic may expanded into a larger time session. You can attend several of these topics.

And More:

As in the past, portfolio reviews will be available from our speakers on a limited first come basis. More details are on the registration page.

Thursday, October 10

Goodbyes, hugs and departure! Warning: You will return home with new friendships, a creative and caring network and full of creative energy!

After you return home, there’s even more!

You will return home able to stay in touch with everyone you met during ArtBizJam tonetwork, ask or answer questions with your fellow attendees via regular Zoom meetups.

To keep the spirit of ArtBizJam alive and thriving, we will have regular Zoom meetups. These sessions are designed to help you stay connected with fellow participants and continue your journey of learning and growth in the art business.

Our meetups will be a valuable resource for:

  • Industry Insights: Gain deeper knowledge about the art industry.
  • Educational Sessions: Explore topics such as technology, marketing techniques, and other essential business skills.
  • Networking: Build and strengthen connections with like-minded professionals.

You will be able to share your suggestions for meetup topics such as POD’s, marketing, various tech topics, Pinterest, topics about the business and much more. If you can’t attend the meetup, you will be able to watch a recording it.

Networking is so vital to our creative souls! ArtBizJam was founded based on the philosophy of this quote:

In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. Albert Schweitzer (1875 -1965)