Caffenate and connect . Meet fellow attendees, and swap economic development war stories before we dive in.

This interactive session sets the stage for the Summit with a clear, accessible overview of what the creative economy is—and why it matters for Indiana. Through a back-and-forth conversation, Polina Osherov and Sara Peterson break down the differences between arts and culture, placemaking, and commercial creative sectors, highlighting both grassroots and statewide perspectives. Participants will also engage in table discussions to help refine the language and strategies needed to make a compelling case to legislators, funders, and business leaders.

What’s happening in Indiana’s creative economy? A lot—and it looks different depending on where you are. From music festivals to maker hubs, film initiatives to cultural districts, each region has been mapping its arts, culture, and creative industry strengths.

This interactive 2.5-hour session brings those findings into one room. You’ll hear rapid-fire briefings from regional consultants and their local partners—short, punchy snapshots that spotlight what’s working, what’s missing, and what’s next.

We’ll close with a roundtable conversation that goes beyond reports: What do these regional snapshots add up to? Where can we align efforts? And how do we turn scattered sparks into statewide momentum?

Come ready to listen, compare, challenge, and help shape the emerging picture of Indiana’s creative economy.

Moderated by Nida Ansari
Panelists: Kait Mahl, Nandhini Giri, & Christian Rogers

Join us for early morning networking and continental breakfast, catered by Sahm’s.