Event Description:

Join the Greater Des Moines Partnership for the first-ever Entrepreneur Field Days series hosted across Greater Des Moines (DSM). Drawing on Iowa’s rich agriculture heritage, field days have been taking place since the turn of the 20th century. Now, this event series will expand the lessons learned from farming into all forms of entrepreneurship, spotlighting the brilliant business minds in our communities — both rural and urban, big and small — and all visionary leaders building businesses in DSM.  

All are invited. The Entrepreneur Field Day series will create opportunities for peer-to-peer knowledge and skillsets to create resilient entrepreneurs and continue to build a strong small business and startup community in Central Iowa. Entrepreneurs learn best from entrepreneurs. All are invited to bring a spirit of curiosity, shared respect and a notepad or two to capture ideas and contacts. 

Building The Business of Music in DSM
Speakers: Tobi Parks, owner of xBk Live

Tobi Parks is an entertainment and intellectual property attorney and the majority owner and CEO of xBk, a 250-capacity live music venue in Dogtown.  She also serves as Board Vice President for the National Independent Venue Foundation, the 501(c)(3) arm of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and is a founding member and current CEO of D Tour, a national booking collective of independent concert promoters.  She has worked in the Business and Legal Affairs division of Sony Music for a number of years as an attorney and Director of Copyright for Sony’s Columbia Records, Epic Records, and RCA Records.

The first 25 people to register and arrive, will get a complimentary ticket to the evening show, featuring musical group Barbaro.

Learn & Discuss:

• How to make it and build a sustaining music business that supports artists
• Independent music venues and booking talented musicians and performers
• Becoming an expert in sound quality and production
• Marketing shows and the business of promotion