International performing arts conferences: IAM’s guide to the latest unmissable events

IAM shares its recommendations for the latest international conferences, congresses and fairs for performing arts professionals

Midwest Arts XPO

When: 18-21 September, Indianapolis, US

The Midwest Arts XPO is a new arts conference created by Heartland Performing Arts, Inc., a coalition of Midwest arts presenters, agents, managers and artists, in response to the discontinuation of the annual conference presented by Arts Midwest. Outside of the exhibit hall, visitors can enjoy artist showcases and professional development sessions in a range of areas from marketing and fundraising to ticketing and touring. 

midwestartsxpo.org/conference/

SXSW Sydney

When: 15-22 October, Sydney, Australia 

A world of unexpected discoveries awaits at SXSW Sydney in this week-long event where the tech and innovation, games, music and screen industries converge with culture. 

sxswsydney.com/

ChinaSPAF 2023

When: 19-23 October, Shanghai, China

The CSIAF Performing Arts Fair (ChinaSPAF) is the leading annual marketplace for new works from China, connecting artists and arts professionals worldwide. The last edition of ChinaSPAF welcomed around 1,000 delegates, 400 organisations from 47 countries and regions, including directors from international arts festivals and venue presenters from all over mainland China,
Hong Kong and Taiwan. Delegates enjoyed 26 live showcases, 10 professional development sessions and a Special Programme: Theatre for Young Audiences, providing networking opportunities to facilitate international cooperation and showcasing the latest traditional and contemporary works by China’s most creative artists and ensembles.

www.artsbird.com/jyh/web/jyh/index.jhtml?lang=en

WOMEX

When: 25-29 October, Galicia, Spain

With over 2,600 professionals (including 260 performing artists) from 90 countries, WOMEX – Worldwide Music Expo – is the most international and culturally diverse music meeting in the world. The conference features a trade fair of over 700 exhibitors, talks, films and showcase concerts from around the globe.

For more information and to book, visit
www.womex.com/take_part/register

CAPACOA Conference 2023

When: 4-8 November, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Make new connections at this year’s CAPACOA Conference as you join over 250 delegates from the presenting and touring sector, including agents, managers and artists.

For more information, visit capacoa.ca/en/conference/capacoa-conference-2023/

New York 2024 ISPA Congress

When: 9-11 January 2024, New York City, US

This popular event unites like-minded industry professionals for three days of seminars, workshops, discussions and the unmissable Pitch New Works and Coffee Klatch. 

www.ispa.org/

APAP|NYC 2024 Conference 

When: 12-16 January 2024, New York City, US

Join fellow performing arts professionals from the world of presenting, booking and touring and make new contacts as you attend the many events, from professional development sessions and networking opportunities to artist discovery sessions, EXPO, showcases and more.

apap365.org/conference/