Speaker(s): Justine Townsend, Arts and Culture Specialist, Your Part-Time Controller and Molly Yoon, Arts and Culture Specialist, Your Part-Time Controller

Orchestras often face unique financial challenges that require careful oversight and analysis. In this session, participants will learn how to identify red flags in financial management, including financial statements, audits, and policies, that may indicate underlying risks. Bring your own financial statements to practice identifying risks and explore scenarios. Gain the skills to proactively address financial concerns, ensure compliance, and promote organizational sustainability. 

This session has been sponsored and developed by Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC).

Moderator: John Kieser, Co-Founder, JDJK Consulting
Speaker(s): Jennifer Barton, Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Strategy Officer, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Alexa Valentine, Director of Business Development, EasyConnect

To remain relevant and financially sustainable, orchestras must strengthen loyalty while reaching new, younger, and more diverse audiences. Today’s patrons expect seamless digital experiences—yet many orchestras rely on disconnected tools. This interactive, data-driven session explores how mobile-responsive websites and native apps can work together to drive audience growth, improve conversion and retention, and increase revenue. Through live audience polling, real-world case studies, and hands-on breakout discussions, participants will gain practical strategies, ROI measurement frameworks, and clear onboarding roadmaps they can apply within their own organizations. 

This session has been sponsored and developed by EasyConnect.

Speaker(s): Nicki Inman, Project Consultant, RSC Associates

Fundraising asks don’t fail because of the dollar amount—they falter when conversations lack purpose, curiosity, or a clear path forward.

In today’s fundraising landscape, donors are responding to conversations that feel intentional and authentic. This highly interactive session will equip you with a practical flow for those conversations, transforming the “ask” into a guided dialogue that builds trust. You’ll learn this relationship-centered framework, including how thoughtful preparation, step-by-step permission, and strategic follow-up lead to stronger donor engagement and better outcomes.

In this 75-minute session, participants will walk step-by-step through the full conversation arc, from sparking curiosity to securing the commitment, giving you tools you can use immediately in your next donor meeting or to coach your team with confidence and clarity.

This session has been sponsored and developed by RSC Associates.

Speaker(s): Rob Tarleton, Partner and Chief Innovative Officer, Double Eagle

In today’s threat landscape, cultural nonprofits face a level of cyber risk unlike anything seen before. Over the past three years alone, Double Eagle has led response efforts for more than 30 ransomware incidents across major symphonies, performing arts centers, museums, and theaters. The lessons learned are clear: cyber insurance will not save you from operational chaos, financial loss, or reputational damage.

In this eye-opening session, cybersecurity leader Rob Tarleton pulls back the curtain on what really happens during a cyber incident. Through real-world case studies drawn directly from the cultural sector, Rob will illustrate the true impact of ransomware on ticketing systems, CRM platforms, digital engagement, finance operations, and donor trust.

Attendees will walk away with:

• The hard truth about what cyber insurance does—and does not—cover

• Critical missteps organizations make before, during, and after an incident

• Proven prevention strategies every nonprofit must implement now

• The organizational, financial, and cultural implications of a ransomware event

• A practical roadmap for building resilience in resource-constrained environments

Whether you're an executive director, CFO, IT leader, or board member, this session will equip you with the clarity, urgency, and actionable steps needed to protect your mission, your patrons, and your institution’s future.

Because in the world of cyber threats, preparedness—not insurance—is your greatest defense.

This session has been sponsored and developed by Double Eagle.

Speaker(s): Bethany Nothstein, Sector Strategy and Community Manager, Spektrix

Are you turning first-time visitors into lasting advocates? Join us to explore how organizations are transforming every interaction with a truly customer-centric approach: from a website visit to the moment they walk through your doors, to the emails they open and the experiences that inspire lasting loyalty. Discover how smarter journeys not only delight audiences but also drive revenue, save your team time, and build stronger, lasting relationships—backed by examples from leading organizations across the sector.

This session has been sponsored and developed by Spektrix.

Speaker(s): Jen Taylor, Director, AI Strategy and Integration, Capacity Interactive

We are living through one of the most transformational shifts in how we create content and connect with visitors. Instead of treating AI as just another tech tool to master, this session invites us to approach it as a strategic move for our institutions.

Together, we’ll explore the ethical tensions and creative possibilities AI brings to our campaigns and visitor experiences. We will rethink what marketing strategy really means at this moment: having the courage to wonder out loud, even if we don't have all the answers.

You won’t leave with a tactical checklist. You’ll leave with a clearer compass: a renewed sense of what matters, what’s possible for your brand, and what questions are worth bringing back to your team.

This session has been sponsored and developed by Capacity Interactive.