STORY 2020 • September 24-25

The World’s Premier Virtual Conference for Creators & Storytellers

Gain the tools and insights you need to succeed

STORY is a global gathering designed to inspire, challenge and equip artists, creators and storytellers who work in a variety of industries.

Our 2020 Gathering is not a traditional conference that is merely "going virtual." Driven by the renowned creativity of our community, this year's virtual experience is being completely reimagined from the ground up.

STORY 2020 is NOT a 48-hour Zoom call like so many other "virtual conferences" are in this season. It's a truly interactive experience where you'll not only be stretched by innovative talks, unique performances, and educational workshops, but where you will discover a supportive global community of forward-thinkers and visionaries who will champion you as you set out on creative endeavors.

If you're innovating in an organization or part of a team, come regroup and redefine your process as you set out to push past your organizational goals, together.

A Look back at STORY 2019

Join thousands of storytellers from organizations like:

2020 Theme

Announcing the coming of the sun

Last year at STORY, we explored liminal spacethe space between no longer, and not yet, and all of the magic found there. The season of liminal space is still with us. A global pandemic has uprooted every stitch in the fabric of "normal life." Businesses adapt or close. Routines are upended. Community gatherings cause as much fear as they once did joy. At the same time, we are witnessing the creative genius and immense generosity that burgeons under pressure and dire need. There is hope for a new normal.

The old story of life as we know it is gone-already the fodder for great memes. And the new story hasn't quite emerged yet either.

We find ourselves in another liminal space-between the old and the new, but at the edge of a threshold. We're standing in dawn, between night and day. Another signal there is hope on the horizon.

At STORY 2020, we'll explore the power of stories to help usher humanity into a new day. We'll journey through our own night, dusk and vision of daylight, all the while harvesting insights to weave into stories. Whether as a freelance artist or creator, or as a marketer, communicator or brand messenger, storytellers will help mold the new normal. We gather to imagine what that will look like-and how we can help lead people there with compassion, courage, and connection.

STORY consistently offers a 100X return on investment. There aren’t many conferences who give you access to tens of thousands of dollars of content, ideas and connections for just a few hundred bucks. Not to mention, I’ve never been as inspired and motivated creatively which made me more energized about my role than ever before.
Chad Cannon/STORY Attendee

This conference was EVERYTHING. As graphic designers, creative consultants, and videographers, we are digital storytellers. This has directly impacted our day-to-day work.

Amanda Mazzo/STORY Attendee

It was a slap to my conference cynicism.

Michael Margolis/CEO, Get Storied (STORY Attendee)

It is the BEST conference I have ever attended by a MILLION. I can’t imagine this not being a part of my life. It motivated me so much that 2 days later I wrote a book proposal that I’d been struggling with for four years.

Isa Adney/STORY Attendee

STORY is a catalyst and a huge encouragement for my husband and me. We always look forward to this time of year; from the first time we came in 2015, it’s been magical to see it evolve and grow. Thank you for showing us the seeds of hope and the enormous life creativity can bring not just to moments but to generations. This is just the beginning.

Marisa Mizunaka/STORY Attendee

The 2019 STORY Conference was worth every penny. My team left empowered and with new found purpose and direction. We now recognize when we’re in liminal space personally or professionally. It’s a really great thing to understand and explore as a creative.

Lauren Ready/STORY Attendee
Preparing for the light

What to Expect

Become a better storyteller by learning how to:

  • Identify and define the current space you’re in and create the launch pad for what’s next
  • Go from mediocrity to mastery by learning ways to move the needle in your craft
  • Better understand your level of narrative intelligence and be more engaged with yourself and the world around you
  • Tell stories that bring about empathy, and value connection prior to a focus on conversion
  • Define hindrances and name the fear that is holding you back from progress and innovation
  • Take your collaboration to another level, leading to better end products and more powerful stories
  • Realize the potential for the growth you carry and tell stories that paint the future of our world

And so much more...

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Inspiration and action

Presenters

STORY 2020 is a unique, virtual experience filled with both inspiration and instruction. Learn from creative voices who have worked with some of the largest brands in the world to transform modern culture.

Presenters are listed below and be prepared for surprise guests and unexpected experiences along the way.

*Due to the global pandemic, presenter lineup is subject to change without notice.

Day 1

Talks

Day one is driven by innovative talks from our virtual main stage, intermingled with breakout conversations as a small group, all in response to content from each general session.

Don Hahn Legendary Disney Filmmaker
Morgan Harper Nichols Poet & Artist
Erin Colasacco Senior Art Director at On Being
Cress Williams Critically Acclaimed Actor from CW’s Black Lightning, Living Single & More
Preston Dyches Leading Storyteller at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Adrienne Brown-Norman Designer, Illustrator, Art Director & More
Floyd Norman Legendary Disney Animator
Brooke Shaden Inspiring Self-Portrait Artist
Seth Worley Award-winning Writer and Director
Christina Blacken Speaker, Performer and founder of The New Quo
Brad Montague Creator of Kid President & Founder of Montague Workshop
Dr. Chené Swart Narrative Therapist, Coach, & Consultant
Alicja Colon Tactile Illustrator and Photographer
Shabazz Larkin Painter, Writer, Illustrator & Product Designer
Shannon Curley Writer & Creative Strategist
Eric Jones Award-Winning Magician
Dixon Chibanda Psychiatrist & Founder of the Friendship Bench Program in Zimbabwe
David Hutchens Bestselling Author, Business Writer and Learning Designer
Dr. Krish Kandiah Award-winning Author & Social Entrepreneur
Joe Towne Award-winning Writer, Director & Founder of the Performers Mindset
John Bucher Mythologist and Author
Marc Pimsler Entrepreneur, Consultant & Clinical Experiential Therapist
Susan Blackwell Broadway, Film & TV Actor, Writer, & Teacher
Ben Stewart Co-Founder of Louder Agency
Harris III Creative Entrepreneur and Curator of STORY
More to come... We’ve always got surprises up our sleeves!
Day 2

Workshops

On day two, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a variety of expert teachers and facilitators, interact with other participants, participate in panel conversations and if you choose, jump on camera and ask questions in real-time along the way. In addition to extended sessions with most of our day one presenters, we’re excited to offer breakout-style workshops from the following presenters.

Viktoria Harrison Co-Founder of charity: water, and Founder & CEO of The Branded Startup
Danielle Da Silva Founder & CEO of Photographers Without Borders, Co-Founder of Sumatran Wildlife Sanctuary, and Award-Winning Photographer/Filmmaker
Nora Rahimian Co-Founder #CultureFix, artist manager for Takun J, & UNAOC fellow
Emily Cohen Speaker, Strategic Business Consultant, Industry Activist and Author
Jim Krueger Former Creative Director at Marvel, NYT Best-Selling Author and Comic Book Legend
Vera Leung Creative Director at International Justice Mission
Rick Rekedal Kids & Family Entertainment Veteran
Gillian Ferrabee Founder of Kite Parade & Former Cirque du Soleil Veteran
Louis Richardson Chief Storyteller
Dan Goods Visual Strategist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Rachel Cross Globally-Accomplished Business Coach and Chief Marketing Sherpa
Ben Von Wong Renowned Photographer, Podcaster, & Visual Innovator
Jason Jaggard Executive Coach & CEO of Novus Global
Sabrina Lloyd Writer, Potter & Award-Winning Actress
Danielle Simmons Narrative Strategist and Professional Poet
Steve Chaparro Leading Design-Thinker & Founder of Culture Design Studio
Sally Z Award-Winning Speaker & Coach to Other Speakers
Jeremy Casper Filmmaker, VR Animator, Story Consultant & Instructor
Blake Wylie Tintype Photographer
Janet Wood Executive Coach to Fortune 500 Executives, Founders & Creative Entrepreneurs
Joel McKerrow Award-winning Writer, Educator, Poet & Creativity Specialist
David Paull Founder & CEO of Engagious & Dialsmith
Seth Abram Enneagram Teacher & Leader
Jinahie Poet, Performance Artist & Activist
Jim Woods Writer & Founder of StoryCrafting
Connect and Build Relationships

More than Awesome Presenters

At STORY, everybody is a somebody, and sometimes your most meaningful insights may come from the discussions you have with those participating with you. In fact, each year over half of our main stage speaker lineup comes from within the STORY community. Many of today's A-list speakers were in the audience last year. You never know who you're going to meet and this year will be no different.

In addition to the two days of interactive programming, you’ll continue to have the opportunity to foster connections and build relationships with other members of the STORY community.

Built into the STORY 2020 experience are opportunities for you to intentionally network on specific topics of your choosing, or with other individuals or groups who work in a specific medium, artform, or industry.

Throughout the conference, you’ll have access to a variety of other opportunities such as Q&As with top presenters, industry panel discussions, supporting materials, an online community group, and a whole lot more.

Don't worry. This isn't a 48 hour-long Zoom call. We believe this will be our best year yet.

What's Happening?

Schedule

Thursday, Sep 24

Day 1

Innovative talks from the virtual main stage

9:00am - 10:30am
9:00am - 10:30am

Session 01: Meet Aurora

11:00am - 12:30pm
11:00am - 12:30pm

Session 02: Seeing in the Dark

12:30pm - 1:30pm
12:30pm - 1:30pm

Lunch Break

1:30pm - 3:00pm
1:30pm - 3:00pm

Session 03: Magic Hour

3:30pm - 5:00pm
3:30pm - 5:00pm

Session 04: A New Day

8:00PM - 9:00 PM
8:00PM - 9:00 PM

A Special Evening of Storytelling

Friday, Sep 25

Day 2

Interactive, virtual workshop experiences

9:00AM -9:30AM
9:00AM -9:30AM

Day Two Kick-Off Season

9:30AM - 10:30AM
9:30AM - 10:30AM

Workshop/Breakout Selection #1

11:00AM - 12:00PM
11:00AM - 12:00PM

Workshop/Breakout Selection #2

1:30PM - 2:30PM
1:30PM - 2:30PM

Workshop/Breakout Selection #3

3:00PM - 4:00PM
3:00PM - 4:00PM

Workshop/Breakout Selection #4

4:30PM - 5:00PM
4:30PM - 5:00PM

Closing Session + Send Off

All times listed are central time

Register Now

Get Tickets

Individual Ticket

$399
$399 per person
  • Live access to the mainstage interactive livestream experience on September 24th
  • All virtual sessions and workshops of your choosing on September 25th
  • Access to all recordings for 7 days post-conference, including each general session, breakout, panel, Q&A's, and all workshops
  • Access to the private STORY community Facebook Group for maximum participation and value throughout the year
  • Intentionally designed opportunities to virtually meet, network or build key relationships with other storytellers and creative professionals
  • Access to all pre-conference bonus experiences in the week leading up to the conference (stay tuned for more details)
  • A digital conference workbook with creative exercises and discussion questions to participate in on your own or with your team
  • And more, including a huge shot of creative fuel and inspiration, connection and belonging to a community of like-minded peers, and a virtual conference experience that will leave you ready to do your best, most creative work

VIP Ticket

$597
$597 per person
  • You get everything included with the Individual Ticket, plus...
  • A virtual pre-conference workshop ticket led by Alicja Colon
    ($99 value)
  • A physical STORY 2020 Experience Kit shipped to your doorstep
    ($29 value)
  • Exclusive access to VIP-only Q&A sessions featuring select STORY speakers
  • Lifetime Access to all STORY 2020 content — upgrade your 7-day replay to lifetime digital access
    ($199 value)
  • STORY Legacy Bundle with digital access to STORY 2016-2019 conference talks
    ($149 value)
  • A brand-new, physical hardback copy of the brand new book "The Wonder Switch" by Harris III — ships 10/13
    ($26 value)
  • Direct access to the VIP concierge to assist you throughout STORY 2020
  • That's $500+ of added value for only $198 — plus you're investing in yourself by maximizing your STORY 2020 experience

Attending as a Group?

Save $20 per ticket automatically when you buy four or more Individual or VIP Tickets.

Tickets are non-refundable.

Have a group of 10 or more? Send us an email to inquire about additional group discounts by emailing [email protected].

Made possible by our

Sponsors

Want to partner with STORY?

STORY is imagined and produced by Istoria: part consultancy, part innovation lab. Istoria is a Collective of artists, dreamers, strategists, and storytellers. We overcome challenges and solve large problems by establishing new narratives, with the vision of being the most positive and disruptive force to transform the future...through the power of story.

Want to partner with us? Email [email protected] to begin a conversation

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, unfortunately STORY tickets are non-refundable.

Register Now

Get Tickets

Your ticket includes live access to the mainstage interactive livestream experience on September 24th, and all virtual sessions and workshops of your choosing on September 25th with plenty of surprises along the way. Plus, access to all conference recordings for a full 7 days.

Tickets are non-refundable.