Context: Finding the Future: Creative Sustainability in Uncertain Times
Opening Plenary Session, Thursday, June 4, 9:15-11am

Available for download:
Margaret Jenkins's speech "Keeping On Keeping On"

The economy has hobbled the budgets, if not the thinking, of many in the nonprofit sector. But there are ways that dance companies, long practiced in the realm of economic insecurity, can re-assess resources to make it through an economic crisis.   While no one has a magic wand of certainty, our guest economist will reveal the findings of a current study of the importance and geography of creative industries and occupations, and aspects of local culture, habits and consumption that can be a springboard for innovation and a more sustainable future.  In addition to the economist's point of view, three seasoned colleagues of the dance field - a contemporary choreographer, a ballet company manager and a dance presenter will offer their perspectives about finding the future of creative sustainability in uncertain times.
Presenters: Joe Cortright, Margaret Jenkins, Charles Santos, Rachel Moore
Moderator: Alicia Anstead

Context: Let's Talk about Diversity: Today's Realities, Tomorrow's Possibilities
Break-out session, Thursday, June 4, 11:15am-12:45pm

Available for download:
1)  Let's Talk about Diversity: Today's Realities, Tomorrow's Possibilities
2)  Recruitment, Retention, and Development of People of Color in Middle and Senior Level Management Positions and New York City-Based Dance Companies
3)  Why is Cultural Competence Work Important?

By the year 2050, there will be no majority population in the United States, yet today 80% of dance administration and 80% of dance audiences are Caucasian/White. What can we do today to ensure long-term sustainability for the dance community? This session will reveal statistics from a recent dance study, and begin a discussion on how we individually and organizationally perceive diversity, inclusion and culture. Inspired by NPAC's priority strategy of diversity, this session will open minds and provide ideas for next steps.
Presenters: Michelle Burkhart, Ebonie C. Pittman, Diana Hossack

Context: Development in Today’s World
Break-out session, Thursday, June 4, 11:15am-12:45pm

Available for download:
1) Public Funding for the Arts by NASAA
2) US Dance Company Trends by Dance/USA
3) Results of the Dance/USA Rough Waters Survey 2

This is your opportunity to learn more about what’s REALLY going on in philanthropy.  We will discuss the latest findings from Dance/USA’s Rough Waters survey, and hear about the current status of funding for state arts agencies and trends in individual, corporate, and foundation giving.  There will be plenty of time to discuss strategies for surviving the recession and insuring your organization’s long-term sustainability.
Presenters: Jim Hackney, Angela Han, John Munger

Conext: Less Overhead, Better Marketing: The Changing Nature of Arts Administration
Break-out session, Thursday, June 4, 11:15am-12:45pm

Available for download:
Next Generation Arts Administration

Who pays no rent or mortgage during these times of cutbacks?  Who has doubled their email distribution list in six months?   This session will highlight how some performing arts organizations save thousands of dollars by using Facebook, Twitter, online social networks and other emerging technologies to foster dance education, audience engagement, and infrastructural efficiency. You’ll be surprised at the huge tangible results accomplished with tiny budgets.  Given today’s economic climate, learning from these successes is imperative. Troubled economic times require reconsidering how good art is marketed, and necessitates a re-conception of how arts organizations function. Cutting costs to survive while increasing the effectiveness of marketing and infrastructure:  it’s about spending less but getting more.
Presenter: Sydney Skybetter

Context: Engaging Dance Audiences:  Current Practices and Future Possibilities
Break-out session, Friday, June 5, 3:00-4:30pm

In a peer learning community format, hear recent findings and new thinking about engaging  dance audiences—or going beyond selling tickets to building lasting and meaningful relationships with those who support your work.  Share your own ideas and learn from others about engagement practices that will build and sustain audiences.
Presenters: Alan Brown, Jennifer Novak, Suzanne Callahan

Available for download:
1)  Financial Scenario Planning for an Uncertain Future
2)  Organization Life Stages

This is an interactive working session for Executive Directors, Board Members and Financial Staff interested in learning more about coping with declining funding and who want to develop 2-3 scenarios for the future.  Participants will engage in some “fast forward” planning which will enable them to practice using the scenario planning process.
Presenter: Emil W. Angelica

Context: Financial Strategies for an Uncertain Future
Break-out session, Saturday, June 6, 11:00am-12:30pm

Available for download:
Financial Strategies for an Uncertain Future

This is an interactive working session for Executive Directors, Board Members and Financial Staff interested in making major changes in how they will operate in the future.  Participants will engage in some “fast forward” strategy planning which will enable them to decide which strategies make sense for them.
Presenter: Emil W. Angelica

Context: The new Form 990 – How to prepare for it and how to file it
Break-out session, Saturday, June 6, 11:00am-12:30pm

Available for download:
Essential changes to the Form 990 and Schedules  

The IRS has redesigned the Form 990 that not-for profit dance organizations must complete for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2008.  The new Form has been exponentially expanded with increased reporting for governance, compensation, and non-cash contributions, as well as many other areas.  It is crucial that you understand the changes so that you may complete the Form correctly and with a view to its public availability. This session will aim to give an overview of the new Form with a focus on areas of specific concern to the dance field and an extended question-and-answer period. Please be sure to bring your copy of the Form and related schedules as limited copies will be available on-site.
Presenter: Amanda Adams 

Context: Articulate your Success: Outcome Measurement for Dance Companies
Break-out session, Saturday, June 6, 11:00am-12:30pm

Available for download:
Candidate Outcome Indicators: Performing Arts Program

Articulating the results and successes for your dance organization may be the difference between achieving your mission-based outcomes and simply having a lofty vision. Effective measurement is a critical component of building a healthy and stable organization, especially in our current economic environment.  This session will work to increase comfort with various tools, through relevant examples that will help dance companies to thrive.  Visit www.whatworks.org for more information.
Presenter: Debra Natenshon