Conference Highlights

Sponsored Showcases
Thanks to our generous sponsors, WAA is again offering a few special showcases this year. These showcases are sponsored opportunities for artists by artist managers who help support the annual conference through generous financial contributions. Sponsored Showcases are tailored to conference special events, such as the luncheons. Make sure to look for additional details on this year’s performances under Hospitality Events.

New Colleague/Mentor Program
Sponsored by National Association of Performing Arts Managers and Agents (NAPAMA)
Are you looking for a more rewarding experience at the WAA conference? If so, we encourage you to sign up to be a mentor to a first-time conference attendee. If this sounds like it's right up your alley, contact Alyssa Isenstein Krueger at the WAA office by June 24.

During the summer, WAA will match up first-time attendees and mentors. As a mentor, you are expected to attend the Mentors' Orientation and New Colleagues' Orientation on Wednesday afternoon and be available to your new colleague throughout the conference.

We encourage first-time attendees to sign up for the New Colleagues' Orientation on Wednesday, September 7, 3:30pm-5:00pm. Here you'll have the opportunity to meet your mentor and learn how you can get the most out of your conference experience. Please indicate on your registration if you would like a mentor and whether or not you'll be attending the New Colleagues’ Orientation. We will also be providing a preview tour of the Resource Room for our first-time attendees.

Discovery Sessions
Discovery Sessions are opportunities for artists and artist managers to pitch their projects. The two topics for this year’s Discovery Sessions are: Artists with Fees of $5000 and Less; Artists and Artist Managers New to WAA.

In-Conference Professional Development
Don’t have time to come in early for the Professional Development Institute, but still want to take advantage of WAA’s advanced educational programs? Enroll in "Touring 101 Workshop - The ABCs of Touring,", 8:15am–11:00am, Friday, September 9.

Discovery!
As always, this year’s Resource Room will be filled with art to meet everyone’s needs. Make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to explore all that our Resource Room has to offer.

Connections and Opportunities

Dine-Arounds
Wednesday, September 7, 8:30pm
Various Restaurants
Price: Varies, you pay your way at the restaurant

WAA Dine-Arounds are a great way to pick up the local flavor and enjoy the company of colleagues. WAA will post sign-up sheets for the group dinners at the Member Bulletin Board in the conference registration area. Groups will meet right after the Welcoming Event, in the Hyatt lobby. Be sure to sign up early, as spaces tend to fill quickly. There will be plenty of Dine-Around opportunities for both our new and "old" colleagues. If you are interested in hosting a Dine-Around this year, please contact the WAA office before August 1, at 503-274-4729.

WAA Lounge
Wednesday, September 7
11:00am–4:30pm
Hyatt Regency Albuquerque
Sponsored by the Western Arts Alliance Board of Directors

WAA has set aside meeting space at the hotel to make it easier for our members to get a jump on their business before the conference moves into full gear. The lounge is open to anyone who would like to conduct meetings in a comfortable atmosphere. Refreshments will be provided.

Albuquerque Conference Volunteers
Can you give WAA a little of your time to volunteer at the conference? Volunteering is a great way to meet colleagues and help our small staff put on an even more efficient event. There are opportunities to help with checking credentials at the Resource Room, taking tickets at events, monitoring workshops, or just being available to help the staff in general. Please indicate on your registration form if you can help this year. If you need additional information, contact Kim Stoermer at WAA, 503-274-4729.

Find a Roommate
If you are looking for a roommate to share your hotel room, contact Heather Housen Heather Housen at WAA, 503-274-4729. WAA will keep a list to help connect you with potential roommates. Be sure to give your criteria, for example, only a female, non-smoker, early riser, or anything specific that we should know.