The Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO), a unit of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, is proud be a returning participant in the 2024 Select Oklahoma Conference on Economic Development August 26-27 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center.
Select Oklahoma brings together statewide business and industry leaders, policymakers and economic development professionals for a day and a half of networking, knowledge sharing and collaborative discussions to drive economic growth and innovation throughout the state. The highly anticipated conference will provide a mix of presentations and networking sessions focusing on a wide range of topics that are vital to Oklahoma’s economic and community development.
OF+MO has curated the following film and music panels as part of Select Oklahoma’s programming on Monday, August 26:
- Why Film Matters: A Community Perspective (1:30-2:30 p.m.) – With the excitement surrounding Oklahoma-made films like “Twisters,” “Reagan” and more, this panel focuses on the importance of the film and television industry in Oklahoma, particularly to communities as production can play a valuable role in furthering local workforce development, business opportunities and economic impact. Panelists include Jenna Roberson, PIO City of Yukon; Robert Coleman, Economic Development Director, City of Midwest City; John Neal, Okmulgee City Councilman Ward 3; Justin Fortney, Tourism Director, City of Guthrie; Talia Bella, Partner/Producer, Rebellium Films; and Moderator Yousef Kazemi, Outreach & Production Manager, OF+MO.
- The Sustainable Impact of Live Music on Communities (4-5 p.m.) – This panel focuses on the benefits to cities and towns of supporting the live music industry within communities and how these events – when sustainably produced – can spur economic activity and add value within these regions. Panelists include Rep. Jared Deck, Musician/House District 44 State Rep.; Matt Stansberry, Musician/Owner of Nominee Design; K.O., Musician/Rapper; Stefanie Brickman, VisitNorman & Norman Sports Director of Marketing & Communications; and Moderator Jenn Easley-Maynord, OF+MO.
“After our first successful participation at Select Oklahoma last year, we’re thrilled to be back showcasing to city leadership the pivotal role the film and music industries can have in their communities,” said OF+MO Director Jeanette Stanton. “Our guest panelists represent a wide range of both industry, government and community experience all playing a critical role in supporting these industries in their regions and are among those helping to move the needle forward in the growth and evolution of Oklahoma’s film and music scenes.”
Passes to attend Select Oklahoma are currently on sale and range from $400-$450 for members and non-members.
For more information, visit Select Oklahoma.
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About the Oklahoma Film + Music Office
Under the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the Oklahoma Film + Music Office (OF+MO) works to promote the state as a viable hub for film, television and music production as well as further develop opportunities for workforce, business and community growth within these sectors. For more information on the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, including the state’s film incentives and additional resources, visit okfilmmusic.org