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CommsCon 2026 Day 2: Conference Sessions *

Arts & Culture Nonprofits

Artists, creative entrepreneurs, and arts and culture nonprofits are invited to CommsCon for two days of free workshops taught by professionals that will help improve communications skill development.

Join us for CommsCon 2026 conference sessions. Day 2 is all about arts and culture nonprofits! See the full schedule and register →

Day 2 Sessions

10:30–11:30am | Articulating Your WHY to Your Network

Every post, every email, and every newsletter can make it easier for folks to know who you are and what you’re all about. Keep your mission at the core of your communication strategy to expand your audience and strengthen your peer network.

Facilitator: Jesse Lane (Branches Mission Lab and Goodmaker U)

11:45am–12:45pm | Messaging Frameworks

A brave conversation about "authentic voice" from organization leaders who have navigated all-too familiar changes and PR challenges in the last few years.

Participants: Ashlyn Dillard-Hansen (Kaleidoscope Collective) & Joanna Krause (Canopy NWA) / Moderated by Amber Perrodin (CACHE Artist and Community Manager at the Medium)

12:45–1:30pm | Lunch provided! 

1:30–2:30pm | Panel Discussion on AI Use

AI in Communication: Nonprofits are asking a lot of questions: Should we have an AI policy? How can AI increase our efficiency and further our mission? What’s the environmental and social impact? This session will be an open and vulnerable conversation between panelists from several perspectives to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of this new technology.

Panel Moderator: Orson Weems (Music Education Initiative) / Panelists: Juli Goss (Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art), Josh Hall (Hark NWA), Jessica Whalen (independent film maker and storytelling strategist)

2:45–3:45pm | Grant Writing - Write it Once

Grant applications can be daunting but you don’t have to start from scratch each time. Get a jump start on grant applications with a workshop that gives you time to write answers to the most common questions.

Facilitator: Hannah Lastra (Melanie Palmer Consulting)

4–5pm | Tools for Telling Your Story

Every team member has a story. Every team member represents the organization. Messaging framework and guidance to help every single team member and board member communicate your organization’s purpose clearly and consistently.

Facilitator: Holland Hayden (Amazeum)

5–6pm | Social Hour: Meet the Press

You’ve spent all day talking about communications. Meet local media members and introduce your org! We’ll keep the snacks and drinks flowing!

Media Representatives: Clint Schaff (KUAF), Katy Henriksen (NWA Democrat Gazette), Monica Hooper (NWA Online)

Northwest Arkansas’ creative community is invited to CommsCon 2026! Artists, creatives, creative entrepreneurs, and arts and culture nonprofit organizations are invited to the Fayetteville Public Library on September 21 and 22 for two days of free-to-you access to communications professionals and communications skill development. More CommsCon 2026 programs →

For disability accommodations, call 479.856.7250 or email questions@faylib.org 2-3 weekdays before a program. Plan your visit by viewing our building map and details on accessibility services.

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