MPAC Connect & Learn Lab
The MPAC Connect & Learn Lab is a year-round professional development series designed to support Montana’s arts and nonprofit leaders through both skill-building workshops and peer connection. This series brings together experienced professionals from the arts field to explore timely topics like fundraising, board leadership, arts advocacy, presenting and touring in Montana, marketing, collaboration, and more. The Connect & Learn Lab will also include virtual convenings where members can bring their top-of-mind questions to the community for support and insight from peers.
Sessions are interactive, practical, and designed to be immediately useful, while also creating space for open exchange, shared learning, and community-building across MPAC’s network.
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Looking for MPAC's recorded webinars? Click here!
Presenter Panel: presenter priorities for the MPAC conference and where artists fit in
Presenter Panelists: Mike Rodrique (Mission Valley Live), Corby Skinner (Alberta Bair Theater), Jim Olson ( Belt Performing Arts Center)
Facilitator: Ron DeStefano, EPIC Arts Management
Thursday, August 6, 1:00-2:00 pm (MT), Virtual Panel Discussion
Get a head start on the 2026 conference season by hearing directly from the people who book the shows. Facilitated by Ron DeStefano of EPIC Arts Management, this virtual panel features experienced Montana presenters who will share their unique priorities and goals for the upcoming October Showcase & Conference in Helena. This session is designed to help artists and agents understand the presenter's perspective on everything from what materials to bring to your booth, to Resource Room etiquette, to our unique Turn-The-Tables and Jam Session events. Participants will gain actionable insights into how their work fits the diverse needs of Montana’s venues and learn how to build the long-term relationships that drive successful block-booking across the state.
Join us to learn the insider tips needed to hit the ground running and make the most of your time at the MPAC Conference in Helena this October.
Grant Workshop: Demystifying Philanthropy with Unfunded List
with Dave Moss, Founder, and Board Chair Margaret Chapman from The Unfunded List
Thursday, August 20, 1:00–2:00 pm (MT), Virtual Workshop
Join Dave Moss, Founder of Unfunded List, and Board Chair Margaret Chapman for a session dedicated to helping arts organizations navigate the complexities of grantmaking. This workshop is specifically designed for grantseeking nonprofit arts organizations—from large professional venues to small, volunteer-run rural presenters—as well as artist groups operating as 501(c)(3)s, such as theater and dance companies.
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Since 2015, Unfunded List has worked to unlock the value of "unfunded" proposals by providing independent, expert reviews that help organizations improve their storytelling and fundraising success. Participants in their programs often discover new opportunities, with 90% of reviewed groups raising significantly more funds within five years.
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In this interactive session, Dave and Margaret will:
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Provide an overview of the philanthropic landscape and the Unfunded List evaluation process.
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Share actionable insights and takeaways specifically garnered for grantseekers in the arts.
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Discuss how to use candid, expert feedback to turn past proposals into successful future applications.
Anyone seeking funding for the arts is encouraged to attend. Both seasoned fundraisers and smaller nonprofits looking for better support and education are welcome.
Artist & Agent Conference Orientation
with Emily Wolfram, Executive Director, MPAC
Wednesday, September 2, 11:00am, Virtual Workshop
Join us for an orientation session designed to help you hit the ground running at the 2026 Artist Showcase & Conference in Helena! This workshop provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the conference's unique structure, highlighting how MPAC’s small, relaxed environment fosters a culture of meaningful connection with professionals and Montana communities. Attendees will gain insights into the Montana performing arts ecosystem, learning how to navigate the specific needs of rural and volunteer-led presenters while building the long-term relationships necessary for successful touring across the state.
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We’ll also walk through all the practical tools, from using the digital dashboard and presenter directory to understanding the color-coded schedule so you know exactly where to focus your energy. You’ll get "pro tips" on Resource Room etiquette, strategies for those high-energy "Five for Five" pitches, and why you definitely don’t want to miss "Turn the Tables" or the Saturday night Jam Session. By the end of this workshop, you’ll be all set to make your time in Helena as productive and fun as possible!
Presenter Conference Orientation
with Emily Wolfram, Executive Director, MPAC
Tuesday, September 15, 2:00pm, Virtual Workshop
Join us for an orientation session designed to help you feel right at home from the moment you arrive. We’ll give you a full walkthrough of our unique structure, where MPAC’s collegial atmosphere and networking sessions make it easy to collaborate and connect with your fellow presenters. You’ll get a clear sense of what to expect at the conference and learn how to navigate our information-dense schedule while still finding the time to build those crucial long-term relationships that make touring across the state possible.
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We’ll also show you the ropes for all our practical tools, from the digital dashboard to the Artist Directory, so you can zero in on the perfect talent for your community. You'll get plenty of "pro tips" on presenter-focused events, including how to prep for "Turn The Tables" (don't forget those community treats and brochures!) and what to look for while scouting performers at the Juried Showcases. Plus, we’ll explain why Saturday night's Jam Session and Sunday morning’s Block-booking meeting make a big impact on your season planning.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll be ready to team up with other Montana venues and find your place in our network of arts leaders, working together to bring great performance programs to their respective communities.
Volunteer Recruitment and Retention
with Shelby Rogala, Assistant Director, Montana Nonprofit Association
Wednesday, September 30, 2:00pm, Virtual Workshop
Start or strengthen your volunteer recruitment and management plans in this two-part webinar series. Participants will explore volunteer motivations and capacities, refine logistics to support retention, and consider ways to improve existing recruitment practices.
While there’s no perfect solution to attracting and keeping volunteers, this series will help you better understand why people choose to get involved and how to develop opportunities that align with their interests and availability. Through an interactive format, you’ll also reframe recruitment efforts in the context of changing demographics and needs in Montana—helping you connect more effectively with volunteers ready to support your work.
After this course, participants will be able to:
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Identify the primary motivations of volunteers
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Identify opportunities that meet a variety of volunteer capacities
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Develop volunteer job descriptions and training plans
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Prioritize strategies for recruiting, retaining, and growing volunteer pools