Keeping Up with Inflation
Officially, inflation has increased 10 percent nationally since the last dues increase in 2023. But the cost of hotel space has tripled since the 2023 conference in Seattle while the cost to produce our signature juried showcase has quadrupled. We are all filling the pinch of increased costs, and WAA is no different.
The board is proposing to regain some of WAA’s purchasing power with an average dues increase of 10% across all membership types. Some would see as little as a 4% increase to a maximum of an 11% increase. Individuals and Tiers 1 and 2 members would be charged an additional $20-$25 per year while associates, consultants and Tiers 3-5 members would be charged an additional $50-$95 per year. The adjustment would go into effect on October 1, 2026.
FAQ
Why is WAA proposing these changes?
To restore our purchasing power and maintain our current service levels.
In the three years since our last dues increase, we have seen significant increases in our operating and convening costs. The cumulative rate of inflation since our last dues increase is -9.6%, which means we’ve lost 10% purchasing power. What costs $1.10 today cost $1.00 back in 2023. Labor and materials cost continue to rise and we need the resources to maintain our current service levels.
When will the changes be implemented?
If approved, the changes will take effect on October 1, 2026, for new memberships and membership renewals.
When were dues last increased?
Three years ago (2023) and five years before that (2018).
What if the increase is not approved?
Per our bylaws, WAA cannot increase dues unless the membership votes to approve the proposal. In this instance, WAA will need to establish other ways to increase revenue to sustain the services that we currently offer or begin to cut services.
How will this proposal be approved?
Voting opens on August 3, 2026 and closes at 11:59pm PT on September 4, 2026. The primary contact/designated voter for your organization will receive an email with a link to vote on this dues proposal, and on the 2026 board elections.
Have questions or need to change your designated voter? Please reach out to staff@westarts.org
When will the vote be announced?
The outcome of the vote will be announced at the Annual Membership Meeting on Friday, September 11, on the last day of the 2026 Annual Conference in Oakland.
What do I get for my dues?
WAA is a membership association: we exist to serve and support our members. Your membership with WAA means you are part of a collective effort to advance the field. WAA members serve as directors and officers, having been elected by their fellow members. WAA members serve on the committees that plan, execute, and evaluate WAA’s programs and services including the design of the annual conference. WAA members receive special pricing for the annual conference, access to member profile data, marketing privileges, content and resources.
Why WAA?
It all begins at Western Arts Alliance and WAA’s first-in-season annual conference. The contacts, leads, relationships, and ideas collected at WAA drive programming, projects, tours, and commissions around the West and across the country. Our members count on our annual conference, periodic workshops, webinars throughout the year, communications about important developments in performing arts presenting, and services to advance their day-to-day work and professional goals.