IABC organizes events that helps creatives explore, practice, and apply real-world business skills
Further details for all events are posted to our Instagram and Discord!
2026 Earth Day Contest
This spring, IABC is collaborating with students from UC San Diego, UC Berkeley, and Visionary Arts Art Studio to bring together a cross campus creative initiative celebrating this year's Earth Day (April 22nd, 2026). Our mission is to empower artists by providing resources to develop business acumen and opportunities to display show-worthy pieces.
Through this contest, we hope to promote UIUC’s best artists to our Illini community. ALL MEDIUMS ARE WELCOME, from visual arts to dance to writing!!! The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners and honorable mentions, and recipients of various other prizes will have their works displayed at our Annual Exhibition taking place at our final exhibition April, 2026. Additionally, the prize winners and honorable mentions will be announced on the FAA and IABC newsletters and documented on IABC’s website.
The following information in this page will outline the prompt of this year’s contest and what collaboration would mean. We encourage artists to think beyond the norms and to explore the edges of their creativity. Artists, we are excited to witness what your imaginations will create! Good luck!
IABC speaker events and workshops aim to help creatives bridge theory with real world execution. Through speakers and various skill development workshops, members will learn career skills that help boost their careers.
Speaker Events
Industry leaders, founders, and creatives share how they built real creative careers. Speaker Events are designed to help members learn:
1) How creative professionals navigate modern industries in design, tech, startups, and consumer brands
2) Decision making frameworks that have propelled them to success
3) Career paths available to students
4) Lessons that young creatives can apply to their own careers.
Key details about speaker events such as their times and dates will be posted on our Instagram and Discord. Be sure to follow us there to stay updated on what the IABC has planned!
Fundraisers & Designs!
Workshops
Hands on sessions focused on helping members develop career skills. In collaboration with the FAA & GIES, the IABC plans on helping creatives with:
- Portfolio strategy and presentation
- Public speaking & Networking skills
- Marketing & Brand building
Key details about workshops such as their times and dates will be posted on our Instagram and Discord. Be sure to follow us there to stay updated on what the IABC has planned!
General Body Meetings (GBMs) & Socials
GBMs and Socials form the foundation of IABC’s internal community and culture.
These events create space for members to connect, collaborate, and engage with the organization beyond formal programming.
General Body Meetings (GBMs)
GBMs align members around IABC’s mission, initiatives, and opportunities.
At GBMs, members can expect:
Updates on IABC programs, events, and strategic direction
Introductions to upcoming opportunities and ways to get involved
Showcases of member work, ideas, or projects
Structured discussions around creative, professional, and organizational topics
GBMs are designed to be purposeful, interactive, and accessible to members from all backgrounds and disciplines.
Details for both Socials & GBMs are posted on our Discord and Instagram!
Socials
Socials strengthen relationships and foster collaboration across creative and professional interests.
IABC socials are intentionally low-pressure and community-focused, providing members with opportunities to:
Meet fellow creatives and builders in an informal setting
Form connections that extend beyond structured events
Build trust and camaraderie that supports collaboration within the organization
These events help cultivate a welcoming, inclusive environment where members feel comfortable sharing ideas and exploring new projects together.
Do you have an idea for an event? Join one of our teams!
The IABC is a new and growing organization, and the Events Team plays a central role in shaping its programming and direction. Team members help plan and execute speaker events and workshops while building the systems and processes that will define IABC’s future.
This role is ideal for students who want ownership, leadership responsibility, and hands-on experience building professional-facing events from the ground up.
Apply to help build IABC’s events infrastructure and set the standard for future programming.