Spotlight: ED Amy Henderson reflects on programming the 2026 Creativity & Innovation Summit
It is “Summit Season” for the staff and board of Business & Arts NL, and we’re ramping up to welcome two hundred of you to an annual event that explores creativity as a trait we all share, regardless of what sector we work in, and an innate, elastic skill at the heart of innovation.
The Summit mines the expertise of lifelong creatives from different disciplines. Over the years, we’ve heard from speakers adept in architecture, technology, performing arts, film and TV, broadcasting, marketing, and more. Rather than selecting speakers based on market share or sector appeal, we seek speakers who are passionate and who are deeply thoughtful about why and how they do what they do. We know this will always translate beyond “shop talk” and resonate with anyone who cares about their work, or is curious about how to dig deeper.
Left to right: Lynn Panting, Director of Programs & Engagement, Amy Henderson, and the three speakers from the 2025 Summit: Kellie Walsh, Tom Power, and Todd Saunders.
The speakers for the 2026 Summit, Rob Bridgett, Emad Rizkalla, and Mary Walsh, have worked on small startups, grassroots initiatives, large corporate teams, and multinational collaborations. They have driven the production of books, video games, TV shows, feature films, training and simulation products, and companies spanning decades and the globe.
Each year’s theme evolves from the experience and perspectives of the speakers, and in response to the questions of the moment. This year, we’re riding a tidal wave of technological change that is metamorphosing our jobs, making us wonder what skills and strengths will be the ones that help us continue to build, grow, connect, and survive. We'll hear from three lifelong practitioners who have weathered the ups and downs of long and winding careers, while holding passion and creativity at the heart of what they do.
We’ll hear from them about creativity, what it means to them, and how it has shown up at work, home, and leisure. Whether you’re just joining the workforce, in a mid-career transition, or well-grounded in the authority of your expertise in your field, creativity is something we all have, can build in ourselves, and harness. Each year, the Summit asks: how can we learn from leaders across disciplines whose creativity is central to their success?
Finally, the Summit will offer something that can’t be found online. Living increasingly screen-based lives, we’re hungry for real connection and shared experiences. Come for the incredible speaker lineup, stay for the collective effervescence of learning and laughing with 200 other people and surprises and insights offered by interactive art experiences and pop-up performances. Break out of your siloed existence and find yourself in a refreshing room of like-minded strangers and make fresh connections across sectors. Better yet, bring your whole team; the (Un)Common Threads Creativity & Innovation Summit will offer a half-day dose of insight, perspective, and inspiration for everyone.