NAMTA Connect Schedule

Liquitex Bio-Based Heavy Acrylic Product Demo

When: Tuesday, December 3rd at 3:00 pm ET
Speakers: Jimmy Leslie

Create anything and compromise nothing.  Liquitex is proud to introduce Bio-Based Heavy Acrylics, our newest range that reflects our effort to be more environmentally conscious while still maintaining the ultimate product performance expected from the brand.  In this NAMTA Connect session, Resident Artist and Director of Education Jimmy Leslie, will join David Pyle to discuss some of the frequently asked questions surrounding this innovative product that came out of the R&D and testing process.

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What's next in Retail?  Tips to Thrive in 2025

When: Thursday, December 5th at 3:00 pm ET
Speakers: Georganne Bender

In the future, consumers will be more demanding than ever, showing zero tolerance for lackluster service and zero limits on where to shop for what you sell. Trends like hybrid shopping, social commerce, and AI are set to gain even more traction in the coming year. Ready to thrive in 2025? Join Georganne Bender and learn about emerging retail trends, how to gain an edge over your competition, fortify your foundation, and refine your future sales strategies!

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My Biggest Success (and Most Notable Screw-Up!) with Joan Kowalski

When: Tuesday, December 10th at 3:00 pm ET
Speakers: David Pyle with special guest, Joan Kowalski

Guess who’s coming to NAMTA Connect? This regular series features conversations with leaders within the industry - this month with Joan Kowalski, President of the Bob Ross Inc. We’ll open the door to discuss memorable and pivotal moments: what’s been learned over the years in the creative industry? What challenges are ahead regarding IP? What are Joan’s  most memorable experiences (names changed to protect the innocent!)? You’ll walk away with deeper insights about the creative products landscape. We can’t wait to see what she brings to this discussion!

About Joan Kowalski:
Joan Kowalski started working for Bob Ross Inc. in 1988, a few years after graduating college. She answered 1-800# phone calls and wrote letters and processed mail orders with Jane Ross as her supervisor. 

“I was pulled from that front office work about a year later,” Joan remembers, “to start doing a lot of writing, mostly for Bob. He liked my writing skills and I was so pleased.” She wrote his To the Artist letters in his books, newsletters, video jackets, brochures, magazine ads, and also helped with the teacher training program. 

This work slowly expanded to every area of the business. Direct and continual interaction with Bob Ross enabled Joan to understand clearly his vision, and the role the company would take in realizing his dreams for the future. 

In 2012, the two remaining company partners – Annette and Walter Kowalski – retired, making Joan the President of Bob Ross Inc. 

Bob Ross Inc. has changed the face of how-to programming on public television and turned the Joy of Painting into a mainstream phenomenon supported by a unique line of Bob Ross painting products, certified instructors and whimsical collectibles for painters and non-painters alike. BRI continues today uninterrupted and as strong an organization as ever, with just a dozen devoted employees. For more information, visit www.bobross.com or call 1-800-BOB-ROSS.

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The Art Materials Retailer Buyer's Guide: SNEAK PEEK

When: Thursday, December 12th at 3:00 pm ET
Speakers:  David Pyle with special guests, Ann Ebert, owner of Central Art Supply, Nina Boettcher, owner of Creative Escape, Amy Colburn, Art Materials Retailer Advertising Director, and Victoria Ritter, Art Materials Retailer Editorial Director

Round robin, quick-hitting product reviews have been among our most popular Namta Connect sessions. Join us for a wide ranging, rapid-fire hot product review session previewing The Art Materials Retailer 2025 Buyer’s Guide. We’ll be joined by retailers Ann Ebert of Central Art Supply and Nina Boettcher of Creative Escapes. They will give their hot takes on the 2025 products. AMR will be on hand to showcase how the Buyer’s Guide can serve retailers and manufacturers alike. Sign up today! 

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