Registration is now open for the 2026 Business of Art Conference

The Ames Community Arts Council and the Octagon Center for the Arts have opened registration for the Business of Art Conference scheduled on March 6-7 at Reiman Gardens in Ames.

The conference is designed to strengthen skills and resources in both formally trained and self-taught creatives. Conference topics include marketing tactics beyond social media, strategic business development, and how to build an audience. In addition to professional development sessions, the conference will include networking opportunities throughout both days. Professionals and students in all types of creative work, full- or part-time, in all career stages, are welcome.

Chad Elliott, a graduate of Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, and owner of Elliott Art Studio in Jefferson, Iowa, will be the event’s keynote speaker.

Registration for the two-day conference is $100 for professional artists and $50 for students. 

Full conference details and registration information are available at the Conference website.