The Carbondale Chamber has a new format and theme for the 2017 Carbondale Business Conference: The Art of Business & the Business of Art, Celebrating the Carbondale Creative District.

The conference will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, at the Gathering Center in Carbondale. The event will be a celebration of music, art and cuisine blended with informational and educational opportunities. During a seated lunch, this year’s attendees will be serenaded by keynote speaker and acclaimed violinist Udeshi Hargett. Hargett will share the steps she took to launch her violin business to explosive growth. “Having your own business as an artist means pursuing your passion and doing what you love. I feel like I’m not only doing something I love, but have also found my purpose,” Hargett said.

Andrea Stewart, Carbondale Chamber executive director, said, “This year’s Business Conference is the perfect fit for our valley and Carbondale as we showcase the amazing talent and businesses that reflect the arts industry. Attendees will receive a handmade Carbondale Clay Center cup painted by seniors.”

After lunch, there will be a Statewide Economic Update presented by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and Mountain States Employment Council, followed by a Recreation & Creative Panel presentation on the impact and influence of art and recreation on the state, as well as Carbondale businesses and residents.

The expanded Business Expo will run throughout the conference and into the evening Business After Hours celebration that will kick off with a high school jazz band followed by an acoustic performance. The Sips, Savours & Sweets networking reception is back with appetizers, treats and beverage samplings, from a variety of local restaurants, caterers and retailers.

Tickets for the Carbondale Business Conference include lunch, a custom cup compliments of the Carbondale Clay Center and painted by seniors, and the Sips, Savours & Sweets reception. Tickets for the conference, expo and reception are $75 per person (early registration) and $125 (late registration) and $250 for an expo table.

All net proceeds from the Business Conference benefit the chamber’s continued service to the community and its more than 475 businesses.

To reserve an Expo Booth, sponsor the event, or purchase a table or tickets, stop by the chamber at Third Street Center, visit http://www.carbondale.com or call (970) 963-1890.