Creative Retreat Chicago

Creative Retreat Chicago

Thursday

,

May

28

,

2026

10:00am

-

6:30pm

*Formal programming concludes at 5:00 PM, followed by dinner, drinks, and networking.

Adobe Creative Retreat is a one-day experience focused on networking, industry discussion, and hands-on learning with Adobe’s latest features.

This exclusive, invite-only event will leave this experience with the following takeaways:

• Understand how AI is actually being used inside top creative organizations today
• Identify where AI adds value vs. where it degrades craft
• Apply professional-grade prompting and iteration techniques
• Critically evaluate AI-assisted work with an eye toward authenticity, intent, and quality
• Develop a personal AI integration strategy that expands (not replaces) their creative value
• Leave with community, support paths, and next steps

Agenda

10:00 AM

Attendee Arrival

Check-in + breakfast refreshments

10:30 AM

Welcome + Overview

10:45 AM

Rose, Bud, Thorn: Reality of AI in Creative Work Today

Small group discussions about the opportunities, barriers, and current state of the creative industry.

12:15 PM

Lunch

1:30 PM

Professional AI Workflows with Firefly

Live demos to learn about the latest Adobe features and tools.

2:30 PM

Creation + Extension with Core Tools

A hands-on activity to get you all into the product and get creative!

3:30 PM

Project Share Out

Groups will present the results of their hands-on group project in Firefly Boards.

4:30 PM

Customer Workflow Presentation

Learn how local creative professionals utilize Adobe AI features in their projects and workflows.

5:00 PM

Dinner + Networking

6:30 PM

Event Wrap

Venue

*Venue is ADA accessible.

Presenters

Community Relationship Manager, Adobe Express

Norman Borgonia

Jordan Dené Ellis is an enthusiastic community manager based in Philadelphia, PA. She's been an entrepreneur for over twelve years, building the geek fashion brand JORDANDENÉ, geeky lifestyle magazine The Sartorial Geek, and helping fellow small businesses with freelance.

Community Relationship Manager and Evangelist, Adobe Express

Maggie Johnson

Toren is a flourishing creative who founded the 1st Black-Owned & Operated ad agency, KESA, in his hometown of Rochester, NY. His mission is to develop creative talent in underserved communities, and he works with the Adobe Community team, with a focus on Adobe Express, to empower as many people as possible to create.

Sr. Community Relationship Manager

and Evangelist

Jess Goldsmith

Elise Swopes is a self taught photographer and graphic designer who has turned her passion into a successful career. She's known for her unique cityscapes and urban landscapes that she creates using mobile apps. Besides her art, Swopes is recognized for her active role in the NFT space and contributions to Web 3. As an entrepreneur, she co-founded Sunrise Art Club and Night on The Yard, supporting women of color and incarcerated artists. She also shares her knowledge through various educational initiatives and works with tech companies to inspire young photographers.