Arts Midwest Conference in Austin, Texas this September
Arts Midwest is busily preparing for the 26th annual Arts Midwest Conference, held this year in Austin, Texas, September 9–12. We are excited to be bringing the Conference back to Texas for the first time since 2000, and plan to take full advantage of everything Austin has to offer—the vibrant music and film scenes, strong theater culture, and much more. Conference registration opened on May 1, and we are already receiving an enthusiastic response.
Ray Benson, leader of the legendary Texas swing band Asleep at the Wheel, will deliver the keynote address, titled How to Travel Safely While Asleep at the Wheel. The talk will discuss Benson’s personal history in the music industry, and how he kept his band on the road and successful for more than four decades.
We are working with a committee of arts educators and consultants to offer more than 30 workshops and discussions to Conference attendees. There will also be opportunities for in-depth seminars on the first day of the Conference, covering social media and analytics, fundraising, presenting, and more. We are also thrilled that this year’s program will include more than 12 hours of dedicated time in the Marketplace, where presenters, artists, managers, and agents meet and explore booking options together.
Is the Conference right for me?
- Performing artists/ensembles, artist managers, agents, and producers who seek bookings for touring at the state, regional, and/or national level are encouraged to attend.
- Presenting organizations — those who book artists to perform at their venue(s) — will have multiple opportunities to discover performing artists from all disciplines. The conference offers networking and business opportunities for organizations of all sizes – including volunteer operations and major performing arts centers.
- Service organizations can connect with constituents, present information on programs and funding opportunities, and conduct organizational business. Some service organizations also attend so they can promote touring artists from their service area.
What’s the Marketplace?
The “Marketplace” — the Conference exhibit hall — is where presenters, artists, managers, and agents meet and explore booking options together. More than 4,000 artists and ensembles are represented by organizations exhibiting in the Marketplace each year. Marketplace hours are the prime-time business discussion opportunities; exhibitors are expected to be in their exhibit spaces, ready to meet and talk with presenters.
Can college students attend the Conference?
Yes. Undergraduate- and graduate-level students are welcome to attend. Take advantage of our special student discount registration rate (requires valid student ID and volunteer commitment). Benefits of attending include:
- Opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge about the field at professional development sessions
- Access to new and seasoned talent in the Marketplace exhibit hall and in live performances
Check out the Arts Midwest Conference page on our website for more information.
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