Creative Oklahoma presents the Imagine & Inspire Speaker Series, showcasing inspiring Oklahomans who share their stories to spark ideas in creative thinking and innovation. Each keynote speaker is followed by a panel of experts who deepen the conversation on how creativity drives growth in personal, professional, and community life. By elevating local voices, the series reinforces creativity as a key to unlocking solutions and shaping a stronger, more resilient Oklahoma.
Sponsors are exclusively invited to a private, 30-minute VIP reception held prior to each session.
Bart Conner
August 28, 2025
Olympic gold medialist and CEO of Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy and Perfect 10.
Arshay Cooper
November 13, 2025
Rower, speaker and renowned author of "A Most Beautiful Thing."
Hal Smith
February 19, 2026
Hal Smith, entrepreneur and founder of Hal Smith Restaurants, is featured in "What a Ride! The Life of Hal Smith."
Michael Wallis
May 14, 2026
Award-winner historian, journalist and author of "Route 66: The Mother Road."
Select as many individual sessions as you'd like to attend:
"Collaboration in Action: Igniting What Wasn't Yet Imagined"Olympic gold medalist and CEO Bart Conner embodies more than athletic excellence - he represents perserverance, storytelling, and cultural identity. His legacy, from global influence to grassroots impact, shows how one bold idea sparked unity, creativity, and pride.VENUE: Innovation Hall, 6 - 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.), 316 NE Ninth St., Oklahoma City, OK 73104PARK: "Convergence" parking garage $5. Once parked, use elevator in the yellow entrance for Innovation Hall.
"Beyond Rowing: How Belief and Opportunity Transforms Lives"Rower, speaker and renowned authort of "A Most Beautiful Thing," Arshay Cooper shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to joining the first all-Black highschool rowing team. His story highlights the transformative power of education, mentorship, and opportunity - encouraging youth to break barriers, embrace learning, and realize their full potential.VENUE: Devon Boat House, 6 - 7:30 P.M. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.), 608 Riversport Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73129
"Hospitality with Heart: The Hal Smith Way"In this inspiring session, Hal Smith of Hal Smith Restaurants, shares stories and lessons from his new book, "What a Ride!," reflecting on how heart, grit, and risk shaped his journey. From building beloved restaurant brands to creating lasting community impact, Hal reveals how authentic hospitality and bold leadership fuel both business success and meaningful connections. VENUE: OSU-Stillwater, Wes Watkins Center, 6 - 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.), 207 N. University Pl., Stillwater, OK 74075
"Creativity Through Literature: A Journey with Michael Wallis"Celebrate the spirit of the open road with Michael Wallis, award-winning historian, journalist and author of "Route 66: The Mother Road." Through powerful stories from America's most iconic highway, Wallis explores how history and storytelling shape our identity, resilience, and sense of direction. VENUE: OSU-Tulsa, Conference Center, 6 - 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.), 700 N. Greenwood Ave., Tulsa, OK 74106
Creative Oklahoma seeks sponsorship support to launch The Imagine & Inspire Speaker Series - an initiative to spark fresh ideas and perspectives across our community. By fostering engaging, thought-provoking conversations, our goal is to inspire creative thinking across industries, providing attendees with fresh insights into problem-solving, innovation, and collaboration. Your partnership makes this program possible and helps shape a more creative, forward-thinking future for Oklahoma.
For more information and to sponsor, please contact Cathy Story. 405-540-0358 or email [email protected]
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