Sept 8 - 11 | Oakland, CA

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. 

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

Building a performing arts season is harder than ever.

You already know: the old booking model doesn't work anymore. You need to balance artistic mission with financial reality. Book the experimental dance company and the tribute show that fills seats. Find classical virtuosos and family entertainment. 

And you're supposed to do all this while sifting through endless email pitches, flying to multiple conferences, and hoping you connect with the right partners before your competitors do. 

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: 

Connection is craft

and Artistry matters

as much as Business.

  • Design your season in real time through showcases, speed dating, and one-on-one meetings.

  • Build lasting relationships with agents who understand regional touring and budget realities.

  • Discover the full spectrum of performance from Grammy-winning jazz artists to well-crafted family shows.

  • Learn from your peers about what's working in venues just like yours.

  • Leave with leads, not just business cards.

Join 600+ presenters, agents, and artists where we’ll:

See worldclass performances, discover what’s next in the field, and connect with new colleagues.

You'll walk away with:

  • Your season half-booked with confirmed holds and contracts in hand

  • Trusted agent relationships you'll return to year after year

  • Fresh programming ideas from venues dealing with the same challenges you face

  • Cost-saving collaborations through regional routing and block booking

  • A community that gets it—because live performance isn't just business, it's a calling

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.

Ready to step into the circle?

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