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2026 AIM SPEAKER TEAM

Our 2026 Speaker Team: The Voices Behind the Vision

We’ve gathered an extraordinary group of artists, photographers, and creatives who are shaping the future of animal imagery.

At AIM, our speakers are more than educators—they are storytellers, innovators, and visionaries. Each has been carefully selected not only for their expertise, but for their ability to inspire, challenge, and expand the way you see your work.

Together, they represent a diverse range of styles and perspectives, united by a shared commitment to creating meaningful, impactful art.

This year’s lineup reflects the heart of the Creative Conference: bold ideas, thoughtful expression, and the courage to push beyond the expected.

Explore their work, discover their stories, and get ready to learn from artists who are passionate about helping you elevate your own.

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COREY McDONALD


"The Art of Wildlife"

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WILL KURTZ


"Sculpting Animals"

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BROOKE SHADEN


"AIMing Higher"

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SAM ZIMMERMAN


"Where Intuition Meets Intention"

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GRACE CHON


"Unlock Your Creative Voice in Animal Photography"

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MIKE WOHNOUTKA


"Animals with Attitude"

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CREATIVE ROUNDTABLE

Listen in. You might hear exactly what you’ve been wrestling with.

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CREATE BEYOND: AIM's Immersive Post-Conference Workshops

When the conference concludes, the real making begins.

Create Beyond is where inspiration turns into action. These small-group, hands-on intensives are designed for artists who don’t just want to be inspired — they want to practice, experiment, and stretch their creative boundaries.

This is not another lecture.
This is where you create.

Each Create Beyond session is intentionally limited in size, allowing for deeper connection, real-time feedback, and space to explore ideas without pressure. Whether you’re refining your artistic voice, experimenting with new approaches, or pushing past creative hesitation, these intensives are built to move you forward.

You’ll leave with:

  • Practical exercises you can continue at home
  • A clearer understanding of your creative process
  • Permission to explore beyond expectation

Elevate The Ordinary: Annie Marie

Go behind the scenes of creating elevated, artful portraits through intentional styling, purposeful lighting, and refined editing.

9:00am-12:00pm

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Sculpting a Pet with Feeling and Expression, Newspaper and Tape: Will Kurtz

A fun and playful workshop to awaken your inner artist.

9:00am-12:00pm

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The 30-Second Memory: Crafting Short-Form Videos to Boost Loyalty and Branding: Ryo Hamasaki

How one short video can delight your current clients and act as a window into your business for prospective ones.

9:00am-12:00pm

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The Art of Wildlife, In Depth: Corey McDonald

Work along with Corey while turning an ordinary photograph into a digitally painted, gorgeous work of art.

12:30pm-3:30pm

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Archetype to Authentic: Defining Your Brand: Mollie Windmiller

Define the personality and purpose of your brand to discover your brand archetype and position it authentically to your ideal audience.

12:30pm-3:30pm

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Capturing Connection in Real Environments: Kasey & Tyler Rajotte

Walk through a complete on-location pet photography process and learn to create genuine connection in every session.

3:30pm-6:30pm

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Previous AIM Speakers Include:

Terran Bayer
Erin Bonilla
Barbara Breitsameter
Beth Brinston
Margaret Bryant
Kimberly Buccheri
Terri Cage
Alex Cearns
Alisha Cline
Sarah Ernhart
Tim Flach
Susan Gertz
Charles Glatzer
Nate Grahek
Kayleer Greer
Laurie Gregory
Darrel Gulin
Kim Hartz
Amy Johnson
Adam Jones
Helen Jurchisin
Angela Lawson
Ann O'Neill Deal
Travis Patenaude
Sandra Pearce
Nate Peterson
Caitlin Quinn
Cat Race
Belinda Richards
Dana Rose
Ronan Ryle
Andrea Sanders
J. Nichole Smith
Kristy Steeves
Kim Stephenson
Bud Thorpe
Trish Tolbert
Gena Tussey
Monica VanderMaden
Mark Weber
Kerri Weiss
Bryan Welsh
Ellen Zangla

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