Creative Oklahoma Launches the Imagine & Inspire Speaker Series
New initiative aims to ignite creative thinking across education, commerce, and culture in Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY (June 23, 2025)– Creative Oklahoma is pleased to announce the launch of its Imagine & Inspire Speaker Series, a new initiative spotlighting nationally and regionally recognized thought-leaders (many being Oklahomans) whose stories embody Oklahoma’s pioneering spirit. Each speaker brings a unique perspective that reflects the power of creative thinking.
The speaker series will be hosted in Oklahoma City, Stillwater, and Tulsa, with each session featuring a VIP sponsor reception from 5:30 to 6 p.m. and a public program from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Registration to attend now open.
Featured Speakers and Dates:
- Bart Conner – August 28, 2025 | OKC Innovation Hall, Oklahoma City, OK
- Arshay Cooper – November 13, 2025 | Devon Boathouse, Oklahoma City, OK
- Hal Smith – February 19, 2026 | OS-Stillwater-Wes Watkins Center, Stillwater, OK
- Michael Wallis – May 14, 2026 | OSU-Tulsa-Conference Center Auditorium, Tulsa, OK
“As we continue to reinvest in Oklahoma’s creative spirit, this speaker series offers a powerful platform for dialogue, collaboration, and inspiration,” said Justin Hazzard, incoming Board Chair of Creative Oklahoma.
“I’m really excited to kick off this series and help people get to know Creative Oklahoma again,” said Cathy Story, Executive Director of Creative Oklahoma. “We’ve got a great history to build on, and this is just the beginning of what’s next.”
The series showcases how creative thinking fuels innovation and progress across the state. Each session will include a keynote presentation followed by a dynamic panel discussion with Oklahoma-based creativity leaders. These conversations will share insights that challenge conventional thinking and inspire innovation across sectors.
This series aligns with Creative Oklahoma’s refreshed mission to champion creative thinking as a driver of economic, educational, and cultural advancement.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. To learn how you can support, contact Cathy Story at cathystory@creativeok.org. To reserve your seat or learn more, visit www.creativeok.org.
About Creative Oklahoma
Founded in 2006, Creative Oklahoma is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to championing creative thinking as a catalyst for innovation, and progress across the state. Looking ahead, the organization is preparing for the return of its signature event—the Creativity Ambassadors Gala—in 2026.