Second annual Capital Region Creative Economy Symposium

SCHENECTADY—The Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy, along with Adirondack Studios, Mission Accomplished Transition Services, Proctors, Themed Entertainment Association and the Workforce Development Institute, present the Second Annual Capital Region Creative Economy Symposium, featuring keynote speaker Cynthia Sharpe—principal, cultural attractions & research at Thinkwell; and co-founder of Harriet B’s Daughters—at Proctors, June 21–22.

The symposium—which brings together global and regional experts; employers and employees from regional creative enterprises; and students and those seeking entry into creative careers—will focus on a theme of The Next Steps Towards a Diverse Workforce, exploring critical issues related to opportunity and inclusion in the Capital Region’s creative industries. Through presentations, panel discussions and Q&As, the daylong conference will engage attendees in a conversation about recognizing and overcoming obstacles, developing industry-specific educational curriculum, improving diversity hiring practices, and exploring the pathways to career opportunities that exist in our rural and urban communities within creative industries.

The Next Steps Towards a Diverse Workforcewill also feature talks and presentations with Kate Baker (SUNY Adirondack), Faryha Chowdhury and Tom Lloyd (Adirondack Studios), Dan Cullen and Ed Murphy (Workforce Development Institute), Carmen Duncan (Mission Accomplished Transition Services), Craig “DJ TGIF” Earle, Fri Forjindam (Mycotoo) and Maureen Sager (Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy).

The gathering at Proctors aims to connect our workforce with potential employers in creative industries; examine and deconstruct employment barriers facing underserved youth and young creatives; explore various vocational and entrepreneurial programs available at local institutions; prompt employee/employer sessions designed to illuminate interview/hiring practices; and celebrate regional maker heritage and showcase operating maker spaces.

Sharpe joined Thinkwell in 2004, and has spent more than two decades creating immersive educational experiences and themed attractions. Projects and clients at Thinkwell include: NatureQuest at Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Sesame Street Presents: The Body, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter, The Hunger Games: The Exhibition, The Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, The Center for Puppetry Arts, Google, The Smithsonian, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the American Museum of Natural History.

She is a frequent presenter at annual conferences, including: the American Alliance of Museums; the Association of Science and Technology Centers; and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. Sharpe is a past Member of the IAAPA Museum Committee, and Past Chairwoman of the Traveling Exhibition Network, a professional committee of AAM.

The Second Annual Capital Region Creative Economy Symposium is preceded by a 6 p.m. Thursday, June 21 reception, featuring hors d’oeuvres, entertainment by DJ Trumaster and conversation with speakers, at the Addy Theatre at Proctors. The event proper begins 8 a.m. Friday, June 22 at the Addy Theatre at Proctors; and concludes with an afterhours mixer at 5:30 p.m.

The Second Annual Capital Region Creative Economy Symposium at Proctors is sponsored by Adirondack Studios, Mission Accomplished Transition Services, Proctors, Themed Entertainment Association, Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy and Workforce Development Institute.

Registration for the Second Annual Capital Region Creative Economy Symposiumis $40; $20 for young professionals 35 & under (subsidized by Workforce Development Institute).

Contact the Box Office at Proctors, 432 State Street, Schenectady, for more information, or call 518.346.6204 or visit proctors.org.