Artificial Intelligence for Art Show Directors

AI is already part of the tools many arts leaders use daily. But as generative AI steps into the spotlight, show organizers are faced with new challenges and possibilities: How do we use these tools to increase capacity without compromising our artistic values or community trust?

This session offers a jargon-free introduction to AI tailored for leaders, especially those navigating limited staff and high expectations. Led by a practitioner who supports festivals nationwide, this conversation blends practical strategy with ethical grounding.

What we’ll explore:

• Time-saving tools for grant research, volunteer onboarding, emergency communications, and marketing
• A plain-language overview of how different types of AI work (and what to watch for)
• Frameworks for ethical and transparent use of AI in creative communities.
• Thoughtful ways to respond to skepticism from artists, staff, or board members

S. David Ramirez, CFEE, is an award-winning marketing and event technologist based in San Antonio. He is the founder and CEO of SDMRamirez, an agency working with events, entrepreneurs, and economic development organizations across the nation. He is a sought-after speaker, presenting at dozens of events and conferences each year. He serves on the boards of the International Festivals and Events Association Foundation and the Texas Festivals and Events Association. He is a faculty member teaching marketing and technology topics at the National Event Management School in Wheeling, West Virginia, and the Texas Event Management Institute. Mostly, he’s a nerd. Talk to him about anime, craft beers, and science fiction.

Creating & Implementing Immersive Experiences at Festivals: A Hands-on How-To

In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore the core components of immersive and experiential design. From imagination to implementation, educational creative and experiential designer Ashley “Birdie” will guide attendees through a step-by-step process for crafting meaningful, high-impact festival experiences. Through real-world examples, interactive exercises, and collaborative ideation, participants will gain practical tools and creative inspiration to design immersive environments that captivate audiences and keep them coming back.

Through her organizations Blooming with Birdie and non-profit Project Bloom, she shares her expertise as an experiential designer, consultant, and certified Montessori educator by designing innovative learning experiences that inspire curiosity and compassion for life.  Blooming with Birdie’s flagship event, The Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival marks its 10 year anniversary in 2025 . Under Birdie’s leadership and innovative approach to immersive installations,  the Festival has seen exponential growth with the 2024 event engaging over 10,000 community members.

Fundamentals of Grant Writing: Planning, Budgeting, and Telling Your Story

The world of grants can be challenging.  This session with Stacy Keith, Director of the Lubbock Cultural Arts Foundation, will discuss how to research grants and develop a proposal.  It will include developing a budget, narrative, appropriate evaluation tools and examining sustainability.  Content will also discuss the importance of Board and partner involvement to strengthen an application and how to work collaboratively to engage those who are responsible for budget oversite, implementation and reporting.