We have created a guide to Pacific Contact to help you plan and to get the most out of the conference experience.
About Pacific Contact
Showcases
Pacific Contact is the BC Touring Council’s annual showcase festival and conference for the performing arts. It includes artist showcases, a Contact Room (trade show with artists and agent/managers booths), workshops, meetings, networking and hospitality. Juried showcases include Music, Dance, Theatre and Variety acts are showcased for delegates who book for adult and family audiences.
For information, visit these links:
https://bctouring.org/pacific-contact/overview-of-pacific-contact
https://bctouring.org/pacific-contact/faq-general
Setting Goals: Setting goals for your conference experience will help you focus on why you’re attending. Your goal could be something as simple as attending all of the events or meeting a certain number of presenters from a specific region to learn about what they present, how and when they book.
Prepare your schedule: We highly encourage you to review the schedule before you arrive to become familiar with all events. The schedule runs from morning until evening, so informing yourself will help you prioritize the way you spend your time, and when to plan some downtime. Pay particular attention to the times in the Contact Room. The Contact Room is the place to discuss bookings and learn more about the touring artists.
A schedule at a glance is on the website.
What is the Contact Room? The Contact Room is designed as a place where artists and presenters can connect and explore booking opportunities. The Contact Room at Pacific Contact 2024 will feature up to 50 booths in the beautiful and historic Laurel Packinghouse. Over the 3-day conference there are 3 Contact Room sessions.
Connect with colleagues: The list of delegates will be available the last week of March. A link will be sent to delegates in our email communications about the conference. It will also be available in the printed format that you will receive as part of your registration package at the conference. Each delegate listing features a link to a website (where applicable). Do your research ahead of time, so you know a little about who is attending in advance. You are there to network and develop relationships that will lead to mutually rewarding career-long opportunities. Participate as much as possible as this is key to getting the most out of the experience. You will make stronger connections with people if they remember meeting you or simply seeing your face!
Some of your best connections will come from attending meals or at the hospitality events in the evenings. Use this time to get to know people informally.
Banquet Meals at PC
Attend the Presenters Meeting: Presenters connect, network and discuss the most pressing issues facing them today including funding, touring, audiences, community engagement, venues, production, ticket sales, equity, diversity and inclusion. BCTC staff will be there to provide support and updates on Community Presenters Assistance and Into the Act Funding.
Attend the Festivals Meeting: Festival organizers are welcome to meet, and discuss current trends/challenges and strategize for the future.
Attend the Block Booking Meeting: This meeting provides an opportunity to meet with other presenters from around the province to talk about booking interests, help facilitate the booking process, to pitch other shows, and/or discuss issues. More information about Block Booking.
Attend Other Events: Go to workshops and meetings to take advantage of the professional development offered. Meeting your peers is a great way to share valuable information, discuss important issues and ask questions.
Sign up for a One-to-One Meetings:
These are a series of meetings where you can connect with artists, agents/managers, presenters and funders.
Hospitality/Special Events: Network and socialize at the Welcome Reception, Opening Event, Awards Presentation & Closing Party.
Conference Tips
Pacific Contact Printed Program Guide: You will receive a printed program with your registration package. The program features a detailed schedule, showcase artists’ bios/photos and contact information, a Contact Room layout and list (alphabetical and by number), and more. Be sure to keep your copy, so you can refer to it following the conference.
General Tips
The Contact Room
- Keep notes on business cards, a notebook, or use delegate lists to keep track of the people you meet. This will help you remember people you met as you do your follow up.
- Share something personal about you and always tell people where you’re from to help them remember you.
- Drink plenty of water and minimize your consumption of coffee and alcohol. You are working even when attending social events.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will spend a lot of time standing.
- Don’t be shy about asking questions, our staff are there to help you.
Following up: Post Conference
Complete the conference survey: Conference survey links will be sent via email following the conference and available on the conference app. Please provide honest feedback with details. Your input is how we continue to improve the conference.
Questions & Contacting Us
If you have questions about Pacific Contact, please contact us by email at admin@bctouring.org