Keynote from Anthony Murdock II and panel featuring local storytellers highlights how narrative shapes the Indy region
Mar. 19, 2026 at 7am. INDIANAPOLIS. The Indy Chamber and its Life in Indy initiative today announced the keynote speaker and panelists for the first-ever Story Summit, taking place April 27 – National Tell a Story Day – at the Indianapolis Central Library’s Clowes Auditorium. The free event is part of the broader INDY: I’m Not Done Yet campaign, a regional storytelling initiative designed to amplify the voices and experiences of the people who power the Indianapolis region. The summit will feature a keynote from Anthony Murdock II, founder of Murdock LLC, whose work empowers entrepreneurs and changemakers to harness the power of their personal story to build brands, businesses, and communities.
The Stories That Shape INDY
The summit will feature a panel of local voices who tell Indy’s story in unique ways:
Youssef Boudarine, Founder, J’Adore Pastry and Epicurean Indy
Jenn Schimmelpfennig, Founder, Pivot Brands
Jenna Watson, Art Director, Mirror Indy
Together, the panel will explore how storytelling – across industries – helps define the character of the Indy region and connect people more deeply to the place they call home.
“These panelists represent just a handful of the powerful ways stories shape a city,” said Joe Pellman, Vice President of Marketing & Communications for the Indy Chamber. “Whether it’s a headline, a culinary festival or an image – storytelling creates an opportunity for real connection and relatability. There’s power in how we shape that connection between Indy and the people who want to live and thrive here.”
A Celebration of the Indy Region
The Story Summit will bring together creators, entrepreneurs, journalists, and community leaders who are shaping how the Indy region is seen and experienced. The event will also showcase selected video submissions from the INDY: I’m Not Done Yet video storytelling campaign, which invited residents to submit short personal videos reflecting their ambition, resilience, and connection to the region.
Over the last two years, the Indy Chamber has worked with hundreds of local employers and civic partners to elevate Indy’s story through national media pitching, talent attraction, messaging development, and content collaborations. Research during this process revealed a lower sense of civic pride amongst Indy residents compared to peer markets, outlining the need for storytelling that builds local advocates while highlighting the uniqueness of the community. The INDY: I’m Not Done Yet campaign is the latest iteration of this strategic imperative.
Two participating video creators will receive a Rock the Ruins concert prize pack in partnership with Forty5.
Registration for the Story Summit is free and open to the public. Residents can submit their videos for a chance to be featured by March 31st. Learn more and register at www.LifeInIndy.com/ImNotDoneYet
Press Kit & Interview Opportunities Available
For interviews or additional information, please contact Martina Jackson, Senior Director of PR & Communications, Indy Chamber at [email protected].
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About Life in Indy
Life in Indy is a community-driven storytelling platform created to attract talent and highlight authentic experiences across the Indianapolis region. Through articles, videos, and first-person narratives, Life in Indy celebrates the people, places, and stories that make Indy home.
About the Indy Chamber
The Indy Chamber champions a stronger regional economy by connecting people, supporting business, and shaping places that thrive. From bold advocacy to smart economic development and inclusive business growth, we bring together public and private leadership to keep the Indy region moving forward. With momentum, collaboration, and pride in our region, the Indy Chamber is building a future where the Indy region leads the Midwest and competes on a global stage.
