AboutAgenda The HubSponsor AdvertiseShowcaseFivepointOWorkshopsHotel/ShuttleExhibitors TipsPresenters Tips
44th Arts Northwest Conference Professional Development
Workshop
Hot Topics: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
A fast-paced exploration of relevant topics in 2024. Each table will have a different subject and a leader that will kick off the discussion. You will either briefly share your insight or listen and learn! Hot topics may include subjects such as streaming rights, negotiations, ticket refunds, and stakeholder communication.
Location: The Lab 1 and Lab 2
Workshop
Welcome meeting: 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
Mentor/mentee meet up: 5:15 PM
Come one, come all! Welcome Orientation and Mentor Meet-up
Join us for the opening day orientation meeting – everyone is welcome! Discover the latest updates about our conference and make the most of this initial opportunity to ensure a productive and enjoyable experience. If you're meeting your mentor for the first time, come early at 3:30 PM to get acquainted before the meeting begins.
Location: The Lab 1 and Lab 2
Workshop
EPK 2.0: Creating Materials That Open Doors
Moderator: Jason Lyle Black (Agent-Marcato Artists)
Panelist: Sarah McCarthy (Agent - Dandilion Artist), December Carson (Director, Marketing and Patron Services - The Patrica Reser Center for the Arts) and Tasha Hamilton (Director of Operations - BodyVox)
This panel goes beyond the EPK to explore the secrets of truly effective marketing materials with a fresh look at what kinds of pieces help sell tickets, get bookings and tell your particular story. Agents, presenters, and successful touring artists discuss what common mistakes make their jobs harder and share perspectives on creating materials that serve double duty: compelling enough to secure the gig and practical enough for venues to use in their promotion. Panelists will be available on Wednesday for one-on-one meetings with conference attendees who are interested in personalized feedback about their marketing materials.
Location: The Lab 1
Workshop
The Business of Show Business
by Debbie Wilson
Welcome to The Business of Show Business! As performers, we pour our passion into our craft—honing our talent, perfecting our stage presence, and captivating audiences. But talent alone isn’t enough to build a sustainable career. Show business is exactly that: a business. And to thrive, you need more than just artistic skill—you need a plan.
This hands-on workshop is designed specifically for performers who want to take control of their careers. Whether you’re a musician, actor, comedian, or variety artist, understanding how to structure and run your business is just as crucial as nailing your next performance.
Together, we’ll break down the essential components of a simple yet effective business plan—one that helps you define your goals, clarify your brand, and create a roadmap to success. You’ll leave with fresh insights, practical strategies, and a business plan template tailored to help you turn your artistic passion into a thriving career. Let’s take the next step toward making show business work for you
Location: The Lab 2
Workshop
Funding Your Creative Future: A Six-State Guide to Arts Grants and Support
by Karen Hannan (Washington State Arts Commission - Executive Director), Tiffany “Tiff” Harker (Oregon Arts Commission - Arts Education & Grants Coordinator), Peter Hay (Utah Division of Arts & Museums - Arts Manager), Emily Wolfram (Montana Performing Arts Consortium)
Join representatives from state arts agencies across the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West regions for an essential professional development session on funding opportunities for artists and presenters. This panel will feature experts from Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Utah who will share insights into state-specific funding programs, application strategies, and regional collaboration opportunities. Participants will learn about diverse funding streams, including individual artist grants, organization support, public art opportunities, and innovative programs that support both traditional and contemporary arts practices. This session is designed for artists, arts administrators, cultural workers, and anyone interested in understanding the landscape of public arts funding across our region.
Location: The Pavilion
Workshop
Napama Presents: Collaborative Deal Making
by Tara Bailey (NAPAMA Board Member - Agent: Bailiwick Booking Agency), Carey Rayburn (NAPAMA Board Member - Artist: Good Co.), Jacob Deaton (NAPAMA Board Member - Agent: GPG Touring)
Join us to talk about all things collaborative deal-making, including different deal structures, how to negotiate risk, and ideas on how to do better business for agents, artists, and presenters alike.
Location: The Lab 1
Workshop
Succession Planning in the Arts
by Marian Liebowitz (Manager- Marian Liebowitz Artist Management), Aaron Liebowitz (Manager- Marian Liebowitz Artist Management)
Succession planning is an essential strategic process that ensures operational continuity during planned and unplanned leadership transitions. Succession planning can be a joyful long-term process of inducting new professionals into the arts who are then mentored and developed by seasoned leaders. These potential successors could be family members, students, mid-career professionals, or members of your volunteer staff who are ready for a larger commitment to your organization. Learn the key elements for a succession plan, how to build your team of potential successors, and how to set up your organization for ongoing success. We hope to inspire young and mid-career professionals to seek an opportunity as a successor, and to empower veterans in our industry to start grooming the next generation of leaders. This session is a guided round-table format led by Dr. Marian Liebowitz and her nephew, Aaron. Marian brought Aaron into the business over 4 years ago while he was still in college. Today, Aaron is the Media and Operations Manager for the agency and is on his way to becoming an agency partner. Marian and Aaron have a long-term multi-tiered succession plan that hopefully won't be needed for a very long time! We hope that professionals and volunteers, young and old, will attend. Attendees will be invited to identify gaps in their succession plans as well as to share their success stories.
Location: The Lab 2
Workshop
How to Write Your Tech Rider
by Becky Hatley( Production and Event Lead at the Gesa Power House Theatre ), Michelle Fujii ( Artist and Co-Director of Unit Souzou)
Get insights and a step-by-step tutorial on creating a tech rider. This workshop is geared at helping anyone who communicates with presenters/booking agents about the technical needs of a performance (this includes artists or those representing artists). We'll provide you with the tools and guidance you need to write a clear and comprehensive tech rider. The session will cover what elements to include, how to create a stage plot, and other helpful tips that make it easier for presenters to prepare for your show.
Location: The Pavilion