If You’re Serious About Turning Your Idea Into Real IP — Read This.
After 25+ years in the animation industry as an exec, showrunner, and creator, I've noticed...
It’s rarely about having more talent—
It’s about understanding the system behind the results.
As a creator, you...
- Question where to begin.
- Don’t know what the temperature gauge is for your idea.
- Don’t understand what you need especially during these challenging, evolving times.
- Overwrite the wrong things or are not clear and concise.
- Don’t know how to sell what’s sticky
- Lose momentum after workshops.
In 2 days, you will leave with a clear understanding of what it takes to make a structured, pitch-ready animated story and a real industry path forward—without wasting months guessing.
By the end of this event, you will:
- Understand how IP actually moves from idea to greenlight
- Know what executives, agents, and buyers are looking for right now
- See how world-building connects to business, finance, and consumer products
- Have a clearer path for your own project
- Stop guessing what to do next
WHAT YOU GET
This isn’t a “listen and take notes” seminar.
This is a full 360-degree breakdown of how IP is built.
🔥 DAY ONE: WORLD-BUILDING
- “Putting the "U" in Animated" with Kimberly Spencer
→ Why your personal brand is more important than ever in animation in 2026 - “It’s On Me: The Mindset That Builds Careers (and Gets Shows Made)” with Rich Magallanes
→ The ownership mindset that separates dreamers from creators who actually get shows made. - “From Idea to Icon: Creating Characters That Actually Last” with Van Partible
→ How to create unforgettable characters that stand the test of time—and the industry. - "Breaking Story, Building Voice, and Writing for the Market" with Writers Mark Hoffmeir + Adam Beechen + Jordan Gershowitz
→ How to develop your unique voice while writing stories that actually sell. - “From Script to Sale: What Studios Actually Buy (and Why)” with Josh Fisher
→ A behind-the-scenes look at what makes a project marketable—and why most don’t make it. - "The Sitch with the Pitch" with Jordana Arkin
→ How to pitch your ideas with clarity, confidence, and authenticity that gets a yes. - “Design That Speaks: Creating Characters That Read Instantly” with Stephen Silver
→ The principles behind character design that communicate personality at first glance. - “Beyond the Character: Building a Visual Brand That Expands Your World” with Cesar Arvelo
→ How to create a cohesive visual identity that turns your show into a brand. - “The Sound of Story: How Music Shapes Emotion and Identity” with Composter, Kevin Manthei
→ How music defines tone, deepens storytelling, and brings worlds to life. - "Getting in the Room: Agents, Managers, and How Representation Really Works” with Agent, Aaron Berger
→ What representation actually does—and how to position yourself to get it. - Q&A with ALL the Faculty
💼 DAY TWO: FINANCE & MECHANICS
- “Show Up Like You Mean It: Visibility, Confidence, and Creative Momentum" Motivation with Kimberly Spencer
→ How to be seen, heard, and remembered in an industry that rewards bold visibility. - “Think Like a Boss: Building Confidence, Consistency, and a Brand That Gets Seen” with Maggie Colette
→ The mindset and strategy behind building a personal brand that stands out online. - “The State of Animation: What’s Changing, What’s Breaking, and What Comes Next” with Eric Calderon and Jackie Sheng
→ A real-time look at the industry shifts shaping the future of animation careers. - “Get Hired: What Studios Are Really Looking For Right Now” with Brooke Keesling
→ Insider insight into how hiring decisions are actually made—and how to stand out. - “Adapt or Die: Building and Leading in a Rapidly Changing Industry” with Josh Zaretsky + Farnaz Esnaashari
→ How to evolve, pivot, and lead in an industry that doesn’t stand still. - “The Indie Advantage: Creating Outside the System (and Making It Work)” with Indie producers Yula Loven + Zach Mulligan
→How to build, fund, and release projects without waiting for permission from studios. - “Follow the Money: Budgeting, Financing, and the Reality of Production” with LP, The Happy Producers
→ The financial side of animation no one talks about—but everyone needs to understand. - "From Screen to Shelf: Turning Your IP Into a Brand That Sells” with Manuel Torres
→ How to extend your ideas beyond the screen into products, licensing, and revenue streams. - “Now What? Turning Ideas Into Action (and Action Into a Career)”
→ The exact next steps to turn everything you learned into real momentum—and a real career. - Q&A with ALL the Faculty
Meet Your Faculty
Rich Magallanes Bio
Named one of the “50 Most Powerful Players in Kids Entertainment” by The Hollywood Reporter, Rich Magallanes is a TV animation executive, who has dedicated 25+ years to creating content for children. He’s served as lead Content Creator, Developer, Showrunner, and Executive Producer for high-profile networks such as Nickelodeon, Saban Brands, Funrise Inc, and Mattel, even overseeing the award-winning reboot of the billion-dollar-franchise show, Dora the Explorer. "Vámonos!
The youngest of five brothers, Rich grew from welfare and government food stamps to becoming Senior Vice President of Production and Animation at Nickelodeon, as well as Executive Producer of an international franchise. His childhood nurtured his creative roots to support more kids with content that ignites their imagination and teaches positive lessons so that they too can be inspired to achieve what others might believe to be impossible.
Rich’s extensive list of hit shows also includes Rainbow Butterfly Unicorn Kitty, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Fairly OddParents, Danny Phantom, ChalkZone, Teenage Robot, El Tigre, Invader ZIM, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to name a few. He also was named Imagen Foundation's Most Influential Latino in Entertainment.
Adam Beechen Bio
Emmy nominee and New York Times best-selling author Adam Beechen has produced and written animated series and children’s books for all ages, ranging from Nickelodeon’s Rugrats to Warner Brothers’ Teen Titans, and from Cartoon Network’s Transformers: Robots in Disguise to LEGO’s City Adventures.
He has written for such DC Comics as Justice League Unlimited, Robin, and Teen Titans, and revived the Batman Beyond franchise in comic book form.
Adam created the acclaimed graphic novel Hench, and currently teaches a course in writing for comic books. He lives in Los Angeles.
Jordana Arkin - Pitch Pro Bio
Jordana Arkin is an Emmy-nominated and Annie Award-winning TV writer with vast experience working in live-action, animation and video games. In live action, her highlights include “Will & Grace" “FULLER HOUSE,” “RAVEN'S HOME” and creator of Netflix’s “PROJECT MC².”
A proud CAL ARTS graduate, she’s had a prosperous career in animation as CO-Developer/CO-EP/Head Writer on Disney’s “STAR vs THE FORCES OF EVIL, writer/producer on Mike Judge’s “THE GOODE FAMILY” on ABC, and wrote for “HEY ARNOLD,” “WHAT’S NEW, SCOOBY DOO” and “THE MINDFUL ADVENTURES OF UNICORN ISLAND” on YouTube.
In the video game world, she wrote Activision’s “KUNG FU PANDA,” “HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON” and “ICE AGE 3 &4” and “GHOSTBUSTERS.” She’s been happily married for even longer than her long career, has an amazing son and three wonderful rescue pets: Two cats and a dog who thinks he’s a cat.
Van Partible - Show Creator/Runner Bio
Van Partible grew up in Salinas, California (the lettuce capital of the world) and always dreamed of turning his love of cartoons and comic books into a career. Upon graduation from Loyola Marymount University, Van’s dream came true when he sold his senior thesis project and turned it into the animated TV series, JOHNNY BRAVO, which ran for five seasons on Cartoon Network.
Since his start in the animation industry, Van has used his wealth of knowledge and experience to teach college students at both his alma mater and Cal State Fullerton in courses that range from Character Development to Animation Production.
Van’s unique perspective on life as a Filipino-American also served as inspiration for the 2002 award winning feature film, “The Debut.”
Van has gone on to develop and produce original material at major studios such as Film Roman, Walt Disney Television Animation, Fox Kids, NBC, and Cartoon Network Asia where he consulted on all their original content. More recently, he was a director on the animated series, “Pete The Cat” on Amazon Prime and “Wolfboy and The Everything Factory” on Apple TV+.
Van continues to develop both live action and animated properties with an eye towards creating another comedic underdog.
Cezar Arvelo - Branding & Show Graphics Bio
Cezar Arvelo is a Senior Graphic Designer and Creative Lead at Hasbro, where he develops global brand assets, packaging systems, and visual identities for iconic franchises including Transformers and Beyblade. With over 10 years of experience across entertainment, consumer products, and startup brands, Cezar bridges corporate design leadership with entrepreneurial vision.
Outside of Hasbro, he runs PARCO Creative, a boutique agency focused on brand identity and strategic storytelling for growing businesses. A frequent Adobe Live guest and panel speaker, Cezar is known for his “ALL IN” philosophy, encouraging creatives to pursue excellence, lead with intention, and build careers with purpose while balancing family and life.
LP - Finance Bio
Louis-Philippe Vermette is on a mission to democratize the business of animation, helping industry professionals take the reins and thrive, whether they’re artists, small business owners, or creative producers.
As the co-founder of The Happy Producers, he’s dedicated to making animation production more sustainable and profitable while promoting healthy work conditions across the industry. He was the Canadian co-producer of 10 Lives, which premiered at Sundance before winning over theater audiences across the world. He was also part of the production team behind The Last Whale Singers, a Germany-Canada-Czech Republic co-production to be released worldwide in 2026.
His current focus is helping animation professionals worldwide build and expand their businesses through his unique online program, Bidding & Winning Animation Projects, and by co-hosting the Canadian Animation Business Accelerator in collaboration with TAAFI (Toronto Animation Arts Festival International). Passionate about empowering the next generation of animation leaders, he’s shaping a future where creativity and business go hand in hand.
Eric Calderon Bio
Eric Calderon has been in the business of animation for over 30 years as an executive, writer, show-runner, and producer. He has developed and worked on globally renowned award-winning shows and projects, specifically in the US, Canada, South East Asia, and Japan and has served at the senior level for multiple animation production companies and networks.
He is also the founder and host of 'Surviving Animation,' an animation industry-focused YouTube channel launched in 2018 that seeks to share information about the business of cartoons to all of its 50,000+ subscribers. Its specific brand and over 100 free educational and inspirational videos has led Eric to teaching opportunities, public speaking events, key note presentation, and consultation work.
Mark Hoffmeier – Author Bio
Born in Iowa but raised in Honolulu, Mark Hoffmeier has spent the last 40 years in the entertainment industry in a variety of jobs, from publicity and marketing to writing, acting, and producing.
As a television and gaming writer, he’s worked on staff at many major Hollywood studios and gaming companies including Marvel, Universal, Disney, DreamWorks, Sony, Warner Brothers, THQ Games, Hanna-Barbera, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, LEGO, 2K Games, and others.
His writing has included live-action, animation, theme park attractions, books, and films. Mark has extensive international experience working on shows in France, the UK, Canada, Denmark, Hungary, and with Australian companies. He’s also taught writing and IP development at St. Joost School of Art and Design in The Netherlands and lectured at UCLA Extension, California Lutheran University, and online.
He recently published his first novel – The Sword of the Rising Sun – a spy thriller set in Honolulu just prior to the Battle of Midway. He’s performed around his hometown of Los Angeles as a comedian and improv artist at Flappers Comedy Club, The Ice House, The Comedy Chateau, The Comedy Store, and others.
Kimberly Spencer - Visibility & Personal Branding Bio
Kimberly Spencer is a high-performance business coach and personal brand strategist who has worked alongside Rich Magallanes as his coach for the past three years, helping shape the vision and momentum behind Animated U.
She is an international TEDx speaker, founder of Crown Yourself®, CEO of Communication Queens, and the #1 bestselling author of the 4x award-winning book Make Every Podcast Want You: How to Become So Radically Interesting You’ll Barely Keep from Interviewing Yourself, named one of the Top Books of 2024 to Change Your Life and Best How-To Indie Book of 2025.
Kimberly’s career is anything but conventional—starting as a five-year-old entrepreneur selling “glitter water” to her neighbors, to becoming an indie screenwriter, certified Pilates instructor, former Miss Congeniality, and leading a national e-commerce company to a successful exit. Most recently, she expanded her storytelling into children’s publishing with her debut book It’s Just a Fart.
Through her two award-nominated podcasts, Crown Yourself® and Communication Queens, Kimberly helps visionary leaders turn their voice into visibility, blending strategy, storytelling, and subconscious reprogramming to position themselves powerfully in their industries.
Her work has been featured on over 300+ podcasts, as well as Netflix, The CW, ESPN, NPR, Thrive Global, CNBC, and Forbes, with an upcoming appearance on Daymond John’s Next Level CEO.
At Animated U, Kimberly brings the energy, mindset, and momentum creators need to not just learn—but show up, stay visible, and follow through on the ideas that matter. She also deeply understands the ups and downs of animation, having been with her voice actor hubby, Spike Spencer, for 13 years.
In today’s world, it’s not just about having a great idea.
It’s about having the courage—and the strategy—to be seen as YOU.
Jacqueline Sheng Bio
TOPIC: What Creators Need to Know Now
Jacqueline Sheng has worked as an animation producer for over 10 years with studios like Warner Bros., Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Wizards of the Coast, and currently at a big, super-awesome, hush-hush gaming company.
She started her social media channel, Lets Talk Toons, as a way to stay connected with the animation and art community and to share her love for the craft in a more personal way.
Manuel Torres Port Bio
TOPIC: Consumer Product Goods
Manuel Torres Port is a distinguished global executive with nearly 30 years of leadership in the kids and family entertainment industry. Renowned for his ability to scale intellectual properties into multi-billion-dollar global franchises, he has generated over $1 billion in net royalties throughout his career. For the past several years, Manuel has operated as an independent consultant, providing expert advisory services to various global companies and brands navigating the evolving landscapes of entertainment and the creator economy. Previously, he served as the Head of Global Consumer Products at pocket.watch, overseeing the monetization and international expansion of digital-first sensations like Ryan’s World and Love, Diana.
Prior to his recent consulting work, Manuel held pivotal senior roles at the world's most iconic entertainment studios. As Chief Brand Officer at ZAG, he spearheaded the commercial growth of Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir. During his tenure as Executive Vice President Global Consumer Products at NBCUniversal, he managed a massive portfolio including Minions, Jurassic World, and Trolls, and played a critical role in integrating DreamWorks Animation’s consumer products. His foundational experience also includes major leadership stints at Nickelodeon, where he led the global relaunch of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Mattel, where he drove international brand development.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Manuel is a highly respected thought leader in the toy and licensing communities. He is the first Latino to serve on the Board of Directors for The US Toy Association, reflecting his significant leadership and influence in the industry. As a recognized expert on the intersection of media and commerce, he has been featured on prominent industry podcasts such as "We Fixed It. You’re Welcome.", where he shares insights on current themes impacting the industry, including the global rise of collectible phenomena and the future of consumer engagement.
Stephen Silver Bio
Born in London and currently residing in Los Angeles with his wife and two kids; Stephen Silver has been a professional working artist, character designer, and teacher in the industry for over 30 years. He developed intellectual properties for some of the largest media companies in the world; such as Disney, Warner Bros., Nickelodeon, Sony, MAD Magazine, Reel FX, Bento box, Hasbro, Universal, DreamWorks, and more. He currently owns and operates his own online art school. Silver Drawing Academy.
Stephen is responsible for the visual character development and design of some of animation’s most iconic shows; including Disney’s Kim Possible, Nickelodeon’s Danny Phantom, and Disney’s Clerks: The Animated Series, to name a few.
Kevin Manthei Bio
Kevin Manthei is a game and media composerand the founder of Kevin Manthei Music.
Over his career, iconic brands have trusted him with their most beloved IPs, including Marvel (Ultimate Spider-Man, Marvel's Spider-Man), Nickelodeon (Invader Zim), Warner Brothers (Batman: Gotham Knight, Justice League: The New Frontier, Looney Tunes: Rabbit Run), Cartoon Network (Ben 10, Generator Rex), Amazon (Angry Birds: Mystery Island), and Disney (Tron).
In games his musc has shaped experiences like Star Trek Online and Neverwinter. An award-winning composer, Kevin blends genres and creates music using his own custom sounds and instruments, crafting unique and dynamic scores on every project.
Josh Fisher Bio
Josh Fisher is an Emmy award winning executive and content creator with years of experience developing and producing successful and engaging content for young audiences.
He has been part of big global franchises and also worked closely with talented artists and creators to help guide them as they build their shows. He has produced hundreds of episodes of animation, shorts, online and mobile games, virtual worlds, and worked with and for global companies such as Netflix, Disney, Nickelodeon, YouTube, Cartoon Network, DreamWorks, and more. He lives in Burbank with his wife, two sons, two dogs, and anxiety.
Farnaz Esnaashari-Charmatz Bio
Farnaz Esnaashari-Charmatz is an award-winning creator, executive producer, and global franchise builder with over 20 years of experience in children’s entertainment. She is best known as the creator of Nickelodeon’s Shimmer and Shine and has contributed to iconic series such as Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!.
A published children’s book author and experienced studio leader, Farnaz has held leadership roles at BRON Digital and Platinum Films, where she helped build and run creative studios while developing IP from concept through global consumer products and distribution. She is currently the Co-Founder and Chief Creative &Content Officer of Phatty Acid Studios, where she is leading the development of a next-generation, AI-powered production and IP ecosystem, creating original franchises across animation, gaming, and interactive media designed for global scale and day-one monetization.
Yula Loven Bio
Join Yula Loven, an animation industry professional and creator of the Indie Hit "Evil Cupid," and Zach Mulligan, an animator and content creator known online as No The Robot, as they explore the future and endless possibilities of indie animation. The panelists will discuss their personal experiences developing projects outside the traditional studio system and how platforms like YouTube and social media are being used to create, promote, and distribute independent animated content.
Yula will also share insights from producing her animated series Evil Cupid, offering a behind the scenes look at the realities of developing an independent project. Together, the panelists will discuss strategies for finding your audience through content creation, collaborating with other artists, and navigating the evolving landscape of the animation industry.
As younger audiences gravitate toward YouTube and other online platforms, independent creators are reshaping how animated content is discovered and distributed. Through their firsthand experiences, Yula and Zach will discuss what modern audiences are looking for and how building an online presence can help creators grow their audience, connect with industry professionals, and open doors to new opportunities and project funding.
Zach Mulligan Bio
Join Yula Loven, an animation industry professional and creator of the Indie Hit "Evil Cupid," and Zach Mulligan, an animator and content creator known online as No The Robot, as they explore the future and endless possibilities of indie animation. The panelists will discuss their personal experiences developing projects outside the traditional studio system and how platforms like YouTube and social media are being used to create, promote, and distribute independent animated content.
Yula will also share insights from producing her animated series Evil Cupid, offering a behind the scenes look at the realities of developing an independent project. Together, the panelists will discuss strategies for finding your audience through content creation, collaborating with other artists, and navigating the evolving landscape of the animation industry.
As younger audiences gravitate toward YouTube and other online platforms, independent creators are reshaping how animated content is discovered and distributed. Through their firsthand experiences, Yula and Zach will discuss what modern audiences are looking for and how building an online presence can help creators grow their audience, connect with industry professionals, and open doors to new opportunities and project funding.
Maggie Collette Bio
Maggie Collette is the founder of Think Like a Boss, a global personal brand and business movement followed by over 2 million people on Instagram. Known for her bold, no-excuses approach to mindset and entrepreneurship, Maggie has built her platform by teaching creators how to think bigger, show up consistently, and turn their voice into influence.
At Animated U, Maggie brings a perspective many creators overlook:
In today’s industry, talent alone isn’t enough — visibility matters.
She’ll be speaking on the intersection of motivation, personal leadership, and building a brand on social media, helping creators understand how to not only develop great ideas… but also build an audience, create opportunities, and position themselves in a competitive industry.
Because the creators who move forward today aren’t just talented.
They’re seen.
Jordan Gershowitz Bio
Jordan Gershowitz is a two-time Emmy-nominated writer, showrunner and franchise architect at the forefront of kids animation and global IP development. He has led writer's rooms for Netflix, Nickelodeon, Warner Bros., Mattel Television, and Mediawan Kids & Family, building internationally scalable animated brands powered by durable, multi-season story engines that blend character-driven comedy, action-forward storytelling, and brand DNA designed to resonate with preschool and 6–11 audiences.
He is the Co-Developer and Head Writer of Hot Wheels: Let's Race and previously developed and head wrote The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj. His head writer credits also include Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go! and Sharkdog. He currently serves as Head Writer, Executive Producer, and Showrunner on KARTERS, an international co-production with Warner Bros. International.
WHY LISTEN TO ME?
I’ve spent 25+ years building and producing shows like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora!, and Rainbow Butterfly Unicorn Kitty...to name a few.
I’ve been the creator.
I’ve been the executive.
I’ve been the person saying "yes."
And I’ve been the person saying "no."
I know where projects stall.
And I know what moves them.
Our world-class experts who are taking the stage with me, are also teaching from real-world, time-tested, industry experience.
This isn't theory or fluff.
You’ll know exactly what story you’re writing.
You’ll know who it’s for.
You’ll know how to navigate the fast-changing industry.
You’ll know how it would be evaluated.
You’ll know what to do next.
You’ll stop second-guessing yourself and start gaining momentum on your ideas.
This Is Not Another “How to Pitch” Event.
This is where creators learn to think like showrunners.
This is where world-building meets real-world mechanics.
For two immersive days, we bring together producers, writers, creators, agents, executives, designers, composers, and industry operators to talk honestly about what it takes to turn an idea into an actual IP — in today’s rapidly shifting entertainment landscape.
Who this is for
- Writers building original IP
- Artists expanding into storytelling
- Producers leveling up
- Professionals pivoting in a changing industry
- Serious students ready to operate like adults
Not for:
- Hobbyists
- Idea collectors
- People looking to be “discovered”
If you want momentum in your career, you’re in the right space.
You’re not paying for seats and coffee.
You’re compressing decades of industry learning into two days.
Here’s what that’s actually worth.
Animated U Begins In...
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DAYS
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HOURS
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MINS
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SECS
INVESTMENT
STUDENT ADMISSION
$97 $77
Early Bird Available till 3/31
**MUST PRESENT STUDENT ID**
- 2-Day Live event access
- All live conversations / panels
- Live podcast recordings
- Q&A access (moderated)
WORKING PRO PASS
$297 $247
Early Bird Available till 3/31
- Access to Day 1 and Day 2 of the Animated U Symposium on April 25-26, 2026
- All creator panels and industry conversations
- Live podcast recordings with legendary creators
- Moderated audience Q&A sessions
- Sessions focused on storytelling, world-building, and the realities of the animation industry
- “Ask the Exec” working sessions with creators and decision-makers
- Priority Q&A submission during panels
- Ability to submit a project idea or logline ahead of the event to help guide discussion themes
VIP PASS
$997 $897
Early Bird till 3/31
Includes everything in Working Pass Pro, and...
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Private 1:1 story consultation with Rich Magallanes
Receive professional feedback on your script, concept, or story idea. -
VIP Post-Event Office Hours with Rich and guest speakers Join Rich & special guests for a special online roundtable de-brief post-event.
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Front-row reserved seating for all panels and podcast recordings
-
Direct networking access with VIP guests and speakers
My Guarantee
If by lunch on Day 1 you don’t feel more clarity about your creative direction than you’ve had in the last year…
We’ll refund your ticket.
Because I don’t believe in charging people for fog.
WHAT IT COSTS YOU, IF YOU DO NOT ATTEND
- Spending months--or worse--years--polishing the wrong thing
- Guessing what execs are looking for in this crazy-market
- Avoiding the business side
- Feeling stuck
- Watching others move while you watch Netflix
That costs more than a ticket.
When You Attend Animated U, You're NOT Just Getting a Ticket, You're also Getting Access
🎙
Live Podcast Access
You’re part of recorded industry conversations that will be distributed publicly — building your proximity to real players.
🎓
Animated U Early Access
First look at Rich’s new creative leadership ecosystem.
🧠
The Animated U Framework Download
Post-event implementation blueprint.
📈
Industry Contacts Directory (Event Attendees Only)
Build relationships that last beyond the weekend.
You can wait. You can overthink. You can protect your idea until it suffocates
Or you can step into the room. And remember…
Motion beats perfection.
April 25–26.
Let’s take your idea to IP.
SPONSORED BY
