State of the Industry 2026

Note: Active APA members, please email [email protected] to receive a discount code for a $10 registration ticket.

Ignore change, and life moves on without you. This was the lesson from the 1819 short story “Rip Van Winkle” by American author Washington Irving. A couple of hundred years later, this caution remains just as prescient for 2026. With that in mind, we’ve assembled a cross-section of ad agency and client-side veterans to have an open dialogue about how creatives are currently sourcing visual talent. The goal is to learn about the structural transformations taking place within creative departments and to discern what you can do to not only adapt but also thrive in this new business environment.

1. Cindy Dababneh, VP, Global Creative Services at Conair
2. Matt George, Executive Creative Director at Landor
3. Raphael Cabrera, Associate Creative Director at Dentsu Creative
4. Julie Maxham, Senior Integrated Producer at FCB Health
5. Maria Xerogianes, Senior Integrated Producer, Freelance
6. Rafa Cabrera, Art Director at Dentsu
7. Dani Jackson-Smith, Founder & Partner at The Cre8tors

Christy Schmid (Panel Moderator) is a Chicago-based producer and founder of Christy Schmid Productions. After starting her career on set as a photo assistant, PA, and production coordinator, she began producing in 2014 and has since led photography and motion projects of all sizes across the commercial and corporate worlds. Christy is also the photo editor at Ripple of Change magazine, where she helps craft visual storytelling with purpose and impact.

1. The State of the Industry
2. How Photographers Actually Get Hired (no fluff)
3. Relationships, Access, and Gatekeeping
4. Creative Direction, AI and Authorship
5. Advice Photographers Rarely Hear (but need)

• 6:30 PM: Doors open
• 7:00 PM: Event begins
• 8:15 PM: Q&A session
• 8:30 PM: Event ends

All photographers and industry professionals who are looking to gain a deeper understanding of the forces affecting and reshaping our industry.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Columbia College Art & Design Building, Hokin Lecture Hall, Chicago, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Get App