Circle Up! | Members register today
WAA 2025; video credit: misterpsychedelia
This year in Oakland, we're doing what the performing arts community does best: gather close, share resources, and build collective solutions to individual problems. From cost-sharing models to programming that works, we'll circle up and figure it out together.
Because here's what we know: No presenter succeeds alone. No artist tours solo. No agent builds a sustainable roster by themselves. We need each other to build seasons, partnerships, and networks that make sustainable presenting possible.
Photo: 605 Collective, WAA 2015; image courtesy of the artist
“I love the work,
I love the people,
I love my life.”
— Marcelo Avilés
The Marcelo Avilés Scholarship Fund
Earlier this year, we lost a dear friend and colleague in Marcelo Avilés. In his memory, WAA has established the Marcelo Avilés Scholarship Fund to support talented young arts professionals in attending the WAA Annual Conference. Learn more about Marcelo and the Scholarship fund here.
Apply for a Scholarship
Applications are now open until Friday, May 15. A jury of WAA stakeholders will select successful candidates based on a combination of financial need and sectoral impact.
Eligibility
Individuals no older than 40 as of September 8, 2026, and based in North America.
Emerging performing arts professionals are those professionals who are actively working in the touring and performing arts presenting ecosystem, specifically those who intersect with performing arts centers in some capacity. Including, but not limited to artists/performers, programmer/presenters, marketers, agent/managers, producers and technical staff.
Members and nonmembers are eligible to apply, applicants with a history of WAA membership or connection to the performing arts booking and touring field will be prioritized.
See it.
Talk about it.
Book it!
You asked for more focus and intentionality, so we’re introducing Conference Circles!
Conference Circles are thematic communities organized around a theme and link showcases, professional development, and networking opportunities throughout the conference. Learn about our inaugural circles and how you can get involved.
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![Jésus Muños Flamenco, WAA 2025; credit: Farah Sosa]()
Arts & Entertainment Circle
Jésus Muños Flamenco, WAA 2025; credit: Farah Sosa
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![123 Andrés; credit: Keith Kesler]()
Youth & Family Circle
123 Andrés; credit: Keith Kesler
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![Pamyua, WAA 2019; credit: Corporate Close Ups]()
Beyond the Circle
Pamyua, WAA 2019; credit: Corporate Close Ups
We're stronger when we circle up.
600+ performing arts professionals. Four days. One circle. Let's get to work. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest conference updates and opportunities to participate.
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