Search marketing, which consists mostly of SEO (search engine optimization) and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, is essential to any business because it remains the most cost-effective marketing in most cases. The multitude of options and the growing complexity of each option make step one merely prioritizing by cost-effectiveness. This presentation will give you an executive understanding of the search marketing field, prevent pitfalls, and prioritize the top tactics. The second half will entail Q&A and will review audience members’ websites to find immediate improvements.
Rob Laporte and his firm DISC have specialized in search marketing since 1997, and Rob is the most published author in the top print/web magazine in the field, VisibilityMagazine.com.
A talk and workshop-based discussion with John Bechtold about the converging worlds of teaching and practice in the arts. Many of us in the arts work in some capacity as educators. Often, these two roles seem to compete as much as converge with each other. How does one reconcile vocation with avocation? John is the Department Head for Performing Arts at Amherst Regional Middle and High Schools and the Director of DASAC – a large, postmodern visual and performing arts program for teens at Deerfield Academy. His work in theater encompasses direction, devising of original works and stage/lighting design.
The workshop will describe two signature initiatives of Pro Springfield Media, a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the conversation about Springfield. This 501(c)3 was formed by TSM Design, a marketing and brand development firm. We believe artists/businesses and municipal leaders will find the workshop informative.
This workshop will be geared for people interested in working with youth, particularly by creating partnerships that provide youth opportunities in the arts for community benefit.
Outline:
1. We will first provide an overview of Youth Action Coalition (YAC) programs and mission. YAC has 5 arts-for-change programs in 3 towns in Western MA. All programs aim to empower youth through art making, social justice education and community engagement. Our 4 pillars are “I AM, I CREATE, I BELIEVE, WE CONNECT”. (15 minutes)
2. We will continue on to describe a few of the partnerships that we’ve created, such as Girls Eye View’s work with the Domestic Violence Task Force, Get Up Get Down’s creation of murals for local businesses, visiting artist programs and youth art exhibits with, at and for local businesses. (15 min)
3. Next, we will outline a framework for thinking through these collaborations by sharing our experience and discussing key considerations. (10 min)
4. Then, we would like to break out into small groups by community or region so that audience members have a chance to brainstorm and come up with potential projects and collaborations. Each group will have a chance to share their idea. (30 min)
5. Last, we will allow time for Q&A (15 min)
Imagining ways to work with new partners in your community engaged cultural projects to build new audiences, new alliances, and new economic development.
This workshop will present the LCC program, guidelines, and standard application. It will introduce potential applicants to new funding source, allowing for open dialogue between MCC staff, LCC members and applicants around the granting process. This workshop also highlights accessible grant options benefiting every municipality in MA.
Wendell Berry wrote “If you don’t know where you are, you don’t know who you are.” Your feelings, experiences and emotions, plus what you know about nature, culture and history, create your ‘sense of place.’ When art is “place-based” or seen through the lens of place, it enriches your life and your region. It helps people focus on what we love and our vision for the future. Explore some prompts and practices to profoundly link your life and your work to the power of place. Your place could be from your past or present. NO experience needed! You’ll leave recharged, with fresh writings and ideas for how to foster a ‘sense of place.
This workshop is intended for anyone — artists, businesspeople, civic leaders and staff, and the general public — who wants to become more comfortable, proficient and effective at public speaking. When your goal is to persuade, inform, entertain or inspire an audience, your focus, and your audience’s attention, should be on your message, not you. Audience participation in this session is encouraged.
The City of Pittsfield in Berkshire County has transformed itself from the “hole in the donut” to a bustling creative hub in less than a decade through a strong focus on creative placemaking and cultural revitalization, and we’re still in progress. The role of city gov’t & the establishment of an Office of Cultural Development was key. We’ll tell you how it all happened. Anticipated audience: Blend.
The face of America is no longer white. It is composed of an ethnic mix that drives the economy. Whether you’re a business, a solo artist, or a government entity, you must think in multicultural terms in order to grow. This workshop will discuss 1) the importance of marketing to multicultural audiences for personal and/or business growth and 2) will provide the digital tools needed to reach this burgeoning audience.