The Indy Chamber and the Live in Indy initiative announced the lineup for its first-ever Story Summit.
The premiere storytelling event is scheduled for April 27, which also happens to be National Tell a Story Day, in the Clowes Auditorium at the Indianapolis Public Library’s Central branch. Story Summit is free to attend as part of the INDY: I’m Not Done Yet campaign — a regional storytelling initiative designed to “amplify the voices and experiences of the people who power Indianapolis,” according to a press release.
“These panelists represent just a handful of the powerful ways stories shape a city,” Joe Pellman, vice president of marketing and communications at Indy Chamber, said in a statement. “Whether it’s a headline, a culinary festival or an image – storytelling creates an opportunity for real connection and relatability. There’s power in how we shape that connection between Indy and the people who want to live and thrive here.”
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Story Summit will welcome Anthony Murdock II as the keynote speaker alongside a panel of local voices from across the city, including:
- Youssef Boudarine, founder of J’Adore Pastry and Epicurean Indy.
- Jenn Schimmelpfennig, founder of Pivot Brands.
- Jenna Watson, art director at Mirror Indy.
Founder of Murdock LLC, Murdock’s work focuses heavily on empowering entrepreneurs and changemakers to “harness the power of the personal story” to build brands, businesses, and communities, according to a press release. Together, panelists will explore the way storytelling across industries helps define the character of the Indianapolis region, connecting people more deeply to the place they call home.
The Indy Chamber worked with hundreds of local employers and civic partners over the last two years to elevate the city’s story through national media pitching, talent attraction, messaging development and content collaborations. During this process, research reveals a lower sense of civic pride among Indy residents compared to peers, underscoring the need for “storytelling that builds local advocates” that highlights the community’s uniqueness, according to a press release.
The Story Summit aims to be a celebration of the Indianapolis Region, bringing together creators, entrepreneurs, journalists and community leaders who shape how Indianapolis is seen and experienced. The event will also showcase a few selected video submissions from INDY: I’m Not Done Yet, a video storytelling campaign that invited residents to submit short personal videos reflecting their ambition, resilience and connection to the region.
The Story Summit is free and open to the public. Registration is also free, and residents may submit videos through March 31. Two participating video creators will receive a Rock the Ruins concert prize pack in partnership with Forty5.
For more information or to register, visit LifeInIndy.com/ImNotDoneYet.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
