Key Conference Events
The following events form the backbone of the MPAC Annual Showcase & Conference. Together, they create opportunities for artists to share their work, presenters to plan future seasons, and all attendees to build relationships that support touring and arts access across Montana.
Turn-The-Tables (Friday)
Turn-The-Tables is a structured networking session held in the Resource Room. During this event, presenters host tables featuring information about their venues, organizations, and communities, while artists and agents circulate through the room.
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This format allows artists and agents to take the lead in initiating conversations—literally turning the tables on the traditional exhibit hall model. Presenters attend with the expectation of meeting artists and agents, making this one of the most productive and approachable networking events of the conference.
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As a fun tradition, presenters participate in a friendly “best booth” contest. Displays are judged anonymously, and the winner is announced Saturday night.
Five-for-Five Speed Pitch (Friday)
Five-for-Five is a fast-paced pitch session that gives artists and agents an additional opportunity to share their work with presenters. Each participant has five minutes and a microphone to briefly introduce their performance offerings, touring programs, or community engagement work.
This session is especially valuable for:
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Artists who are not showcasing but can briefly introduce themselves and their work in a low-tech setting
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High-scoring showcase applicants who were not selected for a full showcase slot
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Artists and agents with new work, outreach programs, or flexible touring options
Five-for-Five presentations are concise by design and help spark follow-up conversations in the Resource Room and beyond.
Showcase Performances (Saturday)
The juried showcase performances are the centerpiece of the MPAC conference. Showcases give artists the opportunity to present their work live for a concentrated group of Montana presenters, and give presenters the chance to experience a wide range of performances they may consider booking for future seasons.
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Showcases are designed to support touring and block booking. By seeing multiple artists in a shared context, presenters can identify programming fits and begin conversations that continue throughout the conference and beyond.
Resource Room Sessions (Saturday)
The Resource Room is accessible by conference badge only and serves as the primary space for professional exchange throughout the weekend. Artists and agents host booths with materials related to booking, touring, and outreach.
Dedicated Resource Room hours are scheduled directly following each showcase performance. These sessions are designed to:
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Continue conversations started during Turn-The-Tables
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Build interest ahead of upcoming showcases
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Follow up on presenter interest after a performance
A detailed Resource Room map with labeled booths is provided to attendees.
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Professional etiquette is essential in the Resource Room. Attendees are encouraged to be mindful of timing and conversations already in progress. A separate Resource Room Etiquette & Guidelines document is available.
Artist Jam Session (Saturday Night)
The Artist Jam Session is an informal, artist-led gathering held Saturday night after dinner. Participation is voluntary and open to all conference registrants. No special registration is required.
MPAC provides a basic sound setup with amplification. Spontaneous collaboration is a hallmark of the Jam and makes it a well-attended and highly anticipated event.
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The Jam often plays an important role in building momentum and enthusiasm around artists. Performances and collaborations from the Jam frequently influence conversations during the presenter block-booking meeting the following morning.
General Jam guidelines:
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Perform one act at a time
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Keep performances relatively short
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Choose material that invites collaboration
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Don't make it into YOUR showcase 2.0!
Artist Meetings
Artist Orientation Meeting (Friday)
Held at the start of the conference, this meeting brings together artists and agents for an overview of the weekend and tips for a successful conference experience.
Artist Closing Meeting (Saturday)
Scheduled on Saturday to accommodate early Sunday departures, this meeting provides space for artists and agents to reflect on the conference, share feedback, and elect an Artist Representative to serve a one-year term on the MPAC Board of Directors.
Presenter Community & Block-Booking Meetings (Sunday)
Block booking is a core outcome of the MPAC conference. During presenter-only block-booking meetings, presenters discuss shared interest in artists and explore coordinated touring possibilities for upcoming seasons.
Presenter interest is recorded and shared with members following the conference, helping transform conversations and performances into concrete touring plans that save time and reduce costs for both presenters and artists.
Conference Dining & Informal Networking
Conference dining events offer additional opportunities for connection. Seating is arranged to encourage conversation among artists, agents, and presenters. Catered meals are optional and may be purchased separately during registration.
Attendees are also encouraged to attend other showcases and visit booths throughout the weekend, while remaining mindful of appropriate times to engage.