The Next Great Performance Begins Here

We are a gathering for seasoned and aspiring arts professionals dedicated to shaping the future of live performance. As the first and friendliest conference of the booking season, you can build an entire season in one place, face-to-face with the artists and agents who get it. 

If you appreciate a curated experience and collaborating with your peers, WAA is for you. WAA brings together curators, visionaries, and community connectors who share leads, strategies, and the common belief that connection is craft, and artistry matters as much as business.

Photo: 605 Collective, WAA 2015; image courtesy of the artist

“WAA is one of the few places where I can really talk to a group of likeminded people about the type of work I want to do and have other people just sort of get it. It’s a close-knit community, a nice community, and a welcoming one. I always look forward to WAA as the kick-off to my booking season.”

— Aisha Ahmad-Post, Newman Center for the Performing Arts

  • "Through WAA, I’ve been able to build meaningful connections, learn the booking process, and form relationships that have guided me forward. The mentors I’ve met through this community have generously shared their wisdom and helped me navigate the early stages of this business."

    — Angelica Brunetti, Artist Representative

  • "WAA consistently provides opportunities for networking, professional development, collaboration with colleagues and new connections. The conferences take me to cities I want to explore and I continue to learn."

    — Lenore D Naxon, WAA Presenting 101 Instructor

  • "Lifelong friendships have been gained through the interactions with the great group of presenters who attend the annual conference and throughout the year."

    — Bruce Labadie, San Jose Jazz

  • "Through WAA, I discovered a broader community of emerging leaders who shared my questions, frustrations, and hopes for a more equitable field."

    – Josh Ellis, Creative West

  • "Through my years as a presenter and now agent, I am forever grateful for the long-standing friendships in the field that began at WAA. My people, my circle."

    – Karen Fischer, Pacifika Artist Network

  • "I have been a speaker, sponsor, and participated in the 1-on-1 consulting opportunities and had a steady stream of people to speak with. WAA is where work gets done and relationships are forged."

    – Tom Clareson, Performing Arts Readiness

  • "WAA was critical to my career.  It is where I met mentors, role-models, colleagues, and major leaders in our field. "

    — Michael Alexander, Caltech

Who Is WAA For?

If you're someone who creates, represents, produces, and presents exceptional live performance and cares about the quality of connection, WAA is for you.

This isn't just another booking conference, it's where your next great performance begins. Join 600+ presenters, agents, and artists building the future of live performance together. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest conference updates and opportunities to participate.

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