“It was a stimulating time with 40+ creators of all ages: five days of dialogue, big groups, little groups, passionate dinner conversation and case studies- all about where media is, should be, might be and could be…”      
— Betsy Carson, Face to Face Media

“ It's important it is to integrate media business thinking between Canada and The States. As someone who does business in both countries, it's essential for both sides of the border to expose themselves to new ways of thinking"
— Brent Friedman, Roadhouse Interactive, Lucasfilm, Artifact Technologies

“It exceeded all our expectations. We came away from the weekend invigorated, excited and filled with new ideas for Chicago Media Project. We look forward to building on the relationships we formed during the retreat, and developing future collaborations between CMP and our new friends.”
— Steve Cohen, Chicago Media Project / Impact Partners

“As independent filmmakers, we often get lost inside our little silos of independence. This event allowed me to connect with so many amazing and supportive people; I left inspired and feeling connected to a cohort of colleagues I could not have met any other way. It was beyond my previous "conference" experiences and certainly beyond my expectations”
— Jen Rustemeyer, Filmmaker

“My fellow participants came from a wide variety of backgrounds including filmmakers, activists, journalists, funders/investors. This unique collection of individuals combined with the dynamic and varied program, set in a facility dedicated to lifelong learning, created a perfect environment for all of us to thrive in.”
— Shirley Vercruysse - Executive Producer, National Film Board of Canada

“I returned to my workplace with a refreshed sense of the community of like minded media makers that I am surrounded by. And now I'm networking with them regionally, and internationally. That's a huge gift in this ever-changing business!”
— Greg Coyes, Metis Filmmaker, Writer, Teacher

“What I loved most about this experience was the safe space I felt our facilitators created for us. It was a space which allowed us to be open, vulnerable and ready to discuss and tackle the bigger picture issues that we normally don't get a chance to talk about. I now feel like I have the resources, community, and inspiration to go full steam ahead with my next project.”
— Kathleen Jayme, Filmmaker, Inspirit Foundation delegate

“While we work on many types of advocacy and engagement campaigns, the connection between storytelling, impact making and sustainable funding isn’t something we have focused on.
 I’m very hopeful that my time at Story Money Impact will lead to a new way of approaching our work that not only strengthens the Foundation, but also supports the work of the incredible storytellers I met.”
— Alvin Singh, Communications Director, David Suzuki Foundation

“What struck me most was the attendee contrast in both age and experience. At first glance one would expectthis to be a great learning opportunity for the young filmmakers to gather wisdom from their seasoned counterparts. In fact, the young media makers contributed greatly to the conversations in their experience in discussing the future of media through interactive media projects and building audience through engagement. What a fantastic exchange of knowledge!”   
— Nancy Mott, Vancouver Economic Commission

“Impact media is a genre of storytelling that is experiencing an increase in demand by audiences both in Canada and abroad. This conference was a great step in building a network of filmmakers, funders and programmers who are working in this category.  The depth of discourse, workshops, case studies, break-out sessions and presentations was unparalleled. I would without reservation recommend this gathering to other media makers, foundations, programmers and funders interested in the development, production, and distribution of media content.”
— Gave Lindo,  Executive Director, Reel World Film Festival

“The timely focus on media with impact, the seasoned organization from Tracey, Bill and Sue and the location all contributed to one of the most productive conferences I've ever attended. To top it all off, I got a great new gig as well!”
— Andrew Williamson, Off Island Media

“I have never experienced as masterful facilitation of a group process and community building as I have with Story Money Impact at Hollyhock. A must-attend event for all media makers!”
— David Lavellee, Filmmaker

“I found the conference informative and rewarding and it exceeded my expectations. I came away with a new view of this changing climate and actually got excited about the possibilities of alternative funding and approaches.”  
- Jill Sharpe, Filmmaker

“Game changer, career transforming. Media That Matters: Story Money Impact delivers so much more than any conference or workshop. I don't believe there is anything else out there like it. A journey into nature, facilitated by brilliant experienced leaders, surrounded by super creative media makers, and scrumptious meals. What more could I ask for?!”
— Chris Riley, Impact Producer & Strategist, San Francisco Bay Area