Connecting the Dots
collaborating...fundraising...telling your story...
Mark your Calendars!
2011 CODA Leadership Conference
Portland, Maine
June 8-11, 2011 (Wed.-Sat.)
The 2011 Craft Organization Development Association (CODA) international leadership conference will be held in Portland, Maine, June 8-11, 2011 (Wed.-Sat.). The theme of this year’s conference “Connecting the Dots...collaborating...fundraising...telling your story…” is particularly significant as organizations struggle to market themselves, grow memberships, expand services, and attract customers and funders; being able to effectively “tell your organization’s story” is a critical step toward successfully reaching its goals. This identity embodies a deeper understanding of what organizations want to accomplish and who they serve and their ability to communicate that message effectively to their audiences. The conference host, the Maine Crafts Association, is a 25 year old non-profit serving Maine’s craft artists. The organization has been recognized for its work on developing the Center for Maine Craft in partnership with the Maine Turnpike Authority and an Associate’s Degree in Traditional and Contemporary Craft in partnership with Eastern Maine Community College.
Conference workshops and sessions include: Program Viability Assessment…Speed Networking sessions…Panels and discussions with State and National Government agencies…private foundations… fundraising experts… craft institutions that have successfully collaborated on projects…and much more.
Take advantage of opportunities to show off the talent from your state by participating in an exhibition involving work of artists from CODA member organizations and, always a favorite, the Three Minutes of Fame presentation. This is an entertaining way to introduce yourself to fellow CODA conference participants. Present a three-minute talk, six-image introduction to your organization’s most innovative programs, newest events, facility, successful promotional campaign, and etc. This participant presented PowerPoint presentation provides a special opportunity for conference attendees to benefit from one of the most important aspects of the CODA Conference - learning and sharing with your colleagues in the craft field.
While networking and learning you’ll be having fun and great food, dining on Maine Lobster and being entertained with Maine theatre and music! THERE’S MORE TO MAINE! From the woods and mountains to the ocean, Maine is home to a large number of accomplished craft artists and world renowned craft institutions. You don’t want to miss the post-conference tour on Saturday June 11th to the Center for Maine Craft and then on to the coast of Maine for more lobster and breath taking views. Stops at coastal Craft Institutions like the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship and Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts for afternoon tea…you even get to keep your handmade mug!
The conference will be at the Eastland Park Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Portland’s acclaimed arts and shopping district, near the Old Port waterfront. CODA conference attendees will receive a discounted rate of $109 per night for reservations made before May 6, 2011.
Registration fee for the three day conference is $350, for registrations received by May 6, 2011; which includes two lunches, two evening receptions and a lobster dinner! You may register for the conference on-line or contact the CODA office. A limited number of scholarships for registration fees are available, all conference details can be found on the CODA website: www.codacraft.org.
Each year, CODA holds an annual conference in a different location to give participants an opportunity to network with peers and hear from speakers learning about current trends and issues and to experience local craft/art projects and venues. CODA’s annual conference attracts the leading professionals in the craft field, providing opportunities for professional development and education, new ideas and resources, information and research, interactive panel discussions, building collaborations and new programs, advocacy and support for issues important to the crafts field. This is a rare opportunity to gain valuable insights into the newest ideas and projects created by some of the most forward thinking organizations devoted to craft. Dean Reeves, (Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre, Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada) a conference attendee, said it best, “It was important for me because it validated what I do as a professional, trying to promote art and craft and to find ways to bring an audience and the makers together in as many ways as possible. THIS CONFERENCE WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY CAREER IN ARTS ADMINISTRATION!!”
Thanks to our sponsors: Maine Arts Commission, Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, Maine Community Development Association, Maine Office of Tourism, American Craft Council and Saint Joseph's University.
For questions and more information on CODA conferences, membership, economic impact survey summary and other resources visit: www.codacraft.org, or contact CODA, P.O. Box 51, Onia, AR 72663, 870-746-5159, coda@codacraft.org.