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!
Creative Challenge
The Creative Challenge is a workshop centered around helping artists and creatives understand and explore how entrepreneurial thinking fits into today’s landscape.
Participants will learn various core business concepts and how to apply them through a challenge that teaches execution and storytelling in a real world context.
Priority registration will be given to College of Fine and Applied Arts (FAA) and College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAS) students, with the remaining spots open to all UIUC students. Interdisciplinary participation is encouraged.
Pre-Professional Cohort
The Creative Industry Readiness Cohort is a selective, pre-professional program designed to prepare creative students in the FAA, LAS, and College of Media for real world industry roles. While many creatives graduate with strong artistic ability, fewer are formally trained in professional communication, business thinking, and workplace expectations. This cohort exists to close that gap.
Participants complete a structured, multi-week program focused on core professional competencies including presenting creative work clearly, interviewing effectively, understanding business and market context, positioning portfolios and resumes for specific roles, and navigating professional expectations and ethics. The program emphasizes applied practice, feedback, and accountability rather than lectures or one-off events.
Students who complete the cohort demonstrate not only creative capability, but also the professional readiness, strategic thinking, and communication skills expected in industry environments. The cohort is selective and completion-based, signaling a higher standard of preparation for creative careers.
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!
Speaker Events & Workshops
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.