Information for Attendees

What Happens at the Conference

The Artist Showcase & Conference combines multiple elements that support both immediate booking needs and long-term field health:

Artist Showcases: Curated live performances featuring artists from a wide range of genres, providing presenters with an opportunity to experience work firsthand
Networking & Relationship-Building: Structured and informal opportunities for presenters, artists, and agents to connect and learn from one another
Informal Conversations & Peer Exchange: Time and space for presenters, artists, and agents to talk through touring logistics, collaboration ideas, and shared challenges.
Planning & Coordination: Dedicated time for presenters to begin block-booking conversations and explore coordinated tours

Showcase performances are free and open to the public, helping connect local audiences with artists while introducing presenters to work in a live setting.

Showcase Information

Who the Conference Is For

The MPAC Artist Showcase & Conference is designed to serve multiple roles within the performing arts ecosystem. The schedule is intentionally compact and information-dense, recognizing that many presenters are volunteers who must balance conference participation with other work and community responsibilities.

For Presenters

The conference supports nonprofit and community-based presenting organizations by providing access to artists, agents, and peer presenters in a setting that encourages collaboration and shared planning. It is especially valuable for organizations navigating rural contexts, limited capacity, or volunteer leadership.

For Artists & Agents

The conference offers an opportunity to build relationships with Montana presenters, explore cost-effective touring routes, and gain insight into the realities of presenting work across the state. Artists and agents are encouraged to view the conference as a long-term relationship-building opportunity rather than a single booking moment.

For Arts Service Organizations

Service and advocacy organizations attend the conference to connect with arts leaders from around the state; share resources; and stay informed about the needs and trends shaping Montana’s arts sector. The conference offers a valuable snapshot of the ecosystem and opportunities to build partnerships that extend beyond the event.

For Vendors and Professional Support Providers

The conference welcomes vendors and consultants who support the performing arts field—such as marketing professionals, production support, technical services, and other specialized providers. Participation offers insight into the practical realities facing presenters and artists, as well as opportunities to build relationships grounded in shared understanding.

For Affiliate Organizations

Affiliate organizations—including libraries, schools, festivals, breweries, museums, and other entities that occasionally present live performance—are welcome at the conference. For these organizations, the conference offers a way to connect with artists for special events or one-time programs and take advantage of opportunities to access great performers and affordable artist rates through block-booking.

Showcase Information

2026 Conference Details

Juried Showcase

Application fee: $50.00 general, $30.00 MT-based artists

Applications open: February 1, 2026

Early-bird deadline: March 15, 2026 (Save $10.00!)

Final deadline: April 24, 2026

Selection notification: Late May

Registration

Registration opens: April 1, 2026

Early-bird registration deadline: August 15, 2026

Registration closes: September 21, 2026

Conference

Event Dates: October 16-18, 2026

Click here for the schedule.

Location: Helena Civic Center, 340 Neill Ave, Helena, MT 59601

Registration is open to current MPAC members. Click here for membership information.