Creativity isn’t just about having big ideas—it’s about giving those ideas the space, structure, and support they need to grow.

In this engaging and practical workshop, we’ll dive into what often holds great ideas back—not the lack of inspiration, but the systems we use and the ways we communicate. By rethinking how we work and how we present, we can unlock more creative potential and push our ideas further.

You’ll learn how to:

• Build systems and workflows that support, not stifle, your creative process
• Navigate brainstorming, internal reviews, and client presentations with more confidence and clarity
• Ask better questions to uncover deeper insights and align teams
• Present your work in a way that sells the idea—not just shows the output

Through relatable scenarios, real-world examples, and actionable tips you can apply immediately, this session will help you slow down, sharpen your process, and accelerate your creative impact.

Whether you’re a designer, strategist, writer, or creative lead, this workshop is your reminder that with the right mindset and tools, your ideas can go the distance. Let’s make sure they do.

Building off his sold-out workshop last year, Bill Kenney returns with another tactical, insider look at how his company, Focus Lab, approaches branding—from first client call to final deliverables. Bill has worked with everyone from small mom-and-pop shops to some of the most recognized tech names in the industry, including Marketo, Salesloft, and Frame.io.

He’s also the author of Conquer Your Rebrand, an Amazon best-seller—and every attendee will receive a signed copy. Show up early for small talk and first dibs on the book pile.

This workshop will cover:

• How to structure a successful round 1 of design
• How much is too much to show/explore
• How to build a strong narrative to pair with the design
• Where strategy leads and design takes over
• What questions to ask when meeting with the client
• How to correct course when things go sideways
• Iteration versus perfection
• All the other pieces that make up a branding process (as much as we can fit!)

Note: Bill is as transparent and authentic as they come. Be ready to engage, ask questions, and get the full download.

You build brands for a living—but when it comes to your own, you hope your portfolio does the talking. If the idea of “self-promotion” makes you uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Still, in today’s creative landscape, great work isn’t enough. Whether you’re aiming for a dream in-house role, growing your agency, or launching your own studio, how you position yourself can be the key to attracting the right opportunities.

In this workshop, we’ll go beyond the visuals to explore what makes a personal brand resonate. Through a mix of reflection, strategy, and practical guidance, you’ll learn:

• Why clear positioning matters and how it influences how others see—and seek—you out
• How to define your unique value so you’re not just another talented designer, but the right fit
• How to show up online and in person in ways that feel aligned, confident, and authentic

You’ll walk away with real-world tips, clarity on what sets you apart, and a new perspective on building a personal brand that works as hard as you do.

A lot of people talk about the creative, but if you’re not running a smart business, you won’t be around long enough to make your best work. This workshop pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a profitable, resilient production company that clients trust and creatives want to work for. From pricing and scaling to staying sharp in a shifting industry, we’ll talk about how to grow something that lasts, and still love the work while you do it.

What You’ll Learn
In this workshop, we’ll cover the real-world business tools every creative producer needs to stay profitable and win bigger jobs:

How to Talk Budget Early—Without Losing the Client
Cut through the awkwardness and learn how to lead discovery calls that get real numbers on the table fast.

The Blueprint for a Budget That Wins Trust and Pays You
Build smart, transparent budgets that protect your margin and make you look like a total pro.

Why Buying Gear Too Early Can Kill Your Business
Learn when to rent, when to buy, and what gear you should buy early on.

Who You Should Hire First (and Why It’s Not Always Who You Think)
Build a crew that levels up your work—and your reputation.

The Shift That Helps You Pitch Bigger and Land Better Clients
Move from scrappy projects to serious budgets with confidence and strategy.

Money Moves Every Producer Should Know (But No One Talks About)
Get practical, plain-English advice on taxes, write-offs, and staying financially healthy.

You’ve got the eye. The ambition. The hunger. You know what great work looks like, and you want to be the kind of creative who can deliver it—consistently. But between the promise you feel inside and the results you can actually pull off… there’s a gap.

This talk is about that space.

Filmmaker and creative director Mendo unpacks the often-overlooked middle between being green and being great—when you can see what needs to be done, but you’re still building the skills, systems, and trust to do it. Whether you’re pitching clients, leading teams, or trying to meet your own standard, that tension doesn’t have to paralyze you. It can push you forward.

You’ll leave with tools to:

• Break down creative paralysis and actually start
• Build trust with clients and yourself by finishing what you begin
• Use feedback without spiraling or shutting down
• Design a growth process that works even when inspiration doesn’t
• Show up like a pro—even when you don’t feel like one yet

If the gap feels real—it means you’re aiming at something that matters. Now it’s time to close it.