A panel discussion featuring:

Andrea Porter, co-founder of Grassroots Business Association in Seattle, WA

Lauren Bacon, author of The Boss of You and co-founder of Grassroots Business Association, Vancouver BC chapter

Marlo Miyashiro, founding member and current organizer for EtsyRAIN.com, Seattle, WA

On Creating and Connecting Creative Communities:

· Have you ever thought of starting your own creative community group?
· Do you wonder about the benefits and pitfalls of organizing a creative community?
· Perhaps you already started a group (or are a part of one) and would like to help it grow?
· Do you feel your community group is isolated from the others in your area?
· Want to know how to connect with other groups and create lasting, supportive relationships?

We have numerous social and business networks, groups and associations serving much of the creative community. However, when we look more closely, we have to wonder – where are the actual connections between these groups? It’s reasonable to believe that developing these connections would allow each group to thrive, but how can we begin to bridge the gap between them?

During this session, we will have an open discussion with both attendees and our panelists about the curious nature of creating, developing, nurturing and connecting our local creative communities. We’d love to have you join us and share your thoughts with us!