CONFESSIONS OF A PIONEER WOMAN Frontier Luncheon

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

How many times will you have the chance to have lunch with The Pioneer Woman? This is a very special treat for attendees of THE CREATIVE CONNECTION EVENT. You will be able to listen to Ree and hear first hand the stories she has to tell. Two hours of story time, time for questions you have always wanted to ask, and the “real” answers straight from The Pioneer Woman herself. And not only that, you will be served Ree’s favorite meal at tables that could be set as a part of her everyday country life.

Book-Signing Cocktail Hour & Keynote Dinner

5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Don’t miss THE CREATIVE CONNECTION’s opening party and dinner! We will begin with a Book-Signing Cocktail Party (with a special, signature CREATIVE CONNECTION cocktail!) from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Come and meet the twelve artist/entrepreneurs featured in the August 2010 issue of Jo Packham’s Where Women Create and have each one sign your copy of the magazine. You will also be able to shop for books by our teachers and vendors, who will be available to inscribe your personal copy.

We move into the Grand Ballroom at 7:00 for dinner and presentations from our three keynote speakers. Marcus E. Leaver, President of Sterling Books, will begin, then followed by Amy Butler and MaryJane Butters. These extraordinary individuals will share their stories and passion about their business and the creative process. Question and Answer to follow. Moderated by Nancy Soriano

Boxed Lunch with Women Entrepreneurs

11:30AM – 2:00 PM

Pick up your boxed lunch, take a seat, and hear from extraordinary women who started their businesses based on what they love. Jill Braff, CEO of Scrapblog, will begin by speaking about her own personal journey of creativity and business. You will then hear from five women in creative businesses who, for each of them, what started as an idea, a necessity, or a creative moment has turned into a business and in some cases a national brand. How do they manage it all, or do they? How did they get to where they are today? What are their words of wisdom, best practices, biggest mistakes, and proudest moments. Join us for open and candid conversations with:

*Jill Braff, CEO of Scrapblog

* Cathie Filian
* Christine Plantan of russell+hazel
* Heather Bailey
* Kathy Cano-Murillo, the Crafty Chica
* Vickie Howell

Read More about our panelists.

Tiffany Windsor’s Make-and-Take Party

7:30 PM till…the last person leaves

Join host Tiffany Windsor from Cool2Craft for a hands-on make-and-take Party in the comfort of your PJs! Sponsored by top creative industry manufacturers,this Party event gives you hands-on time with great products. You’ll learn new techniques and designer tips while making new creative friends in a crazy-fun environment. In addition to make-and-takes and giveaways, the Party will be broadcast LIVE on Facebook so that you can share your creativity with kindred souls worldwide! http://apps.facebook.com/cooltocraft

Pajamas encouraged, bunny slippers optional. The first 100 women to purchase a three-day weekend ticket are eligible, so act fast!

Editorial Panel Breakfast

8:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Start the day hearing from the top magazine and book editors in both print and online editorial. What is the future of print? Who is the e-reader? Will print survive the digital age? How do you get a book published? How do you become featured in a magazine? What should you know before publishing or launching a magazine in print or online? Our editorial panel will address these issues (and more) over breakfast with time for questions from you! We will first hear from Executive Editor, Jennifer Keltner, of Better Homes and Gardens Creative Collection who will speak about “Sharpening your creative spirit, re-ignight your passion for crafting”, a brief exploration in creativity. We will then hear from a panel of industry experts on the state of publishing today (and thereafter). Moderated by Nancy Soriano.

• Jennifer Keltner, Better Homes & Gardens Creative Collection group

Panelists:

• Christen Olivarez of Stampington & Company
• Deb Gore Ohrn of Better Homes & Gardens Creative Collection Group
• Jo Packham of  WHERE WOMEN CREATE
• MaryJane Butters of MaryJanesFarm
• Nicole McConville of Lark Crafts
• Tonia Davenport of North Light Craft Books

Read More about our panelists.

Cupcake Farewell

5:30PM – 6:30 PM

Come and join us for cupcakes, mingling, and good-byes as we close the inaugural CREATIVE CONNECTION!