In March of 2009, discussion began about convening a statewide conference for nonprofit arts administrators/executives, managers and board leaders. Given the positive feedback we have received from our partners throughout the state, Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) will host a two day conference in Houston.

The objective of the convening is to strengthen relationships statewide, develop peer relationships and share resources and strategies. Survey respondents expressed interest in discussing human resource issues, board and leadership development, new tools and approaches in grantmaking, advocacy and civic art. This convening will be valuable to nonprofit professionals statewide - providing access to critical skills and new concepts to promote the growth and sustainability of Texas nonprofit arts organizations.

Attendee Profile:

Professional staff and board members from nonprofit arts & cultural organizations and art councils of all budget sizes from across the state.

Speakers

We are proud to announce our keynote speaker for Saturday's luncheon. Randy Cohen, Vice President of Local Arts Advancement at Americans for the Arts (AFTA), will talk to us about the health and vitality of the arts sector through the lens of The National Arts Index.

Other presenters will include:

• Dan Cameron (Prospect New Orleans)
• Allen Craig(Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP)
• Megan Crigger (Art in Public Places - City of Austin)
• David Fisher(City of Dallas Cultural Affairs)
• Gary Gibbs (Texas Commission on the Arts)
• Marian Godfrey (The Pew Charitable Trusts)
• Toni Harrison(KGBTexas Public Relations/Advertising)
• ArgentinaJames (Port of Houston Authority)
• Scott Joslove(Texas Hotel & Lodging Association)
• Katie Laird(Schipul - The Web Marketing Company)
• Jimmy LeFlore (Public Art San Antonio)
• Matt Lehrman(Alliance for Audience, Phoenix AZ)
• Will Lester(Target Resource Group)
• Jim Bob McMillan (Texas Commission on the Arts)
• Kathy Ploch (Zientek & Co., P.C.)
• Cookie Ruiz(Ballet Austin)
• Charla Sanderson (City of Dallas Cultural Affairs)
• Joe Synan(Leadingwell Associates)
• Neville Vakharia (The Pew Charitable Trusts)

Click here for the full conference agenda.

Registration:

• Advanced Registration
  • Both days - $125 ($100 for TFA members)
  • 1 Day - $75
  • Lunch ONLY (either day) - $40
• Registration at the door
  • Both days - $135 ($110 for TFA members)
  • 1 Day - $75
  • Lunch ONLY (either day) - $40

Click here to register.

Limited Travel Assistance and Technical Support are available.

• Travel Assistance, generously provided by Southwest Airlines, is available. Click here to apply.
• Technical Support Awards are available for individuals on staff with organizations receiving funds from or through The Houston Arts Alliance. Click here to apply.

Local Host:

Host Hotel: Hyatt Regency Houston, 1200 Louisiana St. Houston, 77002

• Room rate: $109/night
• Click here to reserve a room at the Hyatt Regency Houston

Parking

• Hotel Valet - $10
• Hotel Garage - $15
• Self-Parking (across the street) - $8

This project made possible by grants from City of Houston Mayor’s Special Initiatives, the Texas Cultural Trust, the Texas Commission on the Arts and the Houston Endowment with additional sponsorship by Southwest Airlines and Texans for the Arts (as of 3/10/10). For more information, please contact Janel Badrina at janel@haatx.com or 713-527-9330.