BC’s annual showcase conference for the performing arts
Pacific Contact 2024 will be held from April 10 to 14 and will take place for the first time in Kelowna, BC at the Rotary Centre for the Arts, Kelowna Community Theatre, Metro Hub and The Laurel Packinghouse. The hotel will be the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort, all the venues are in close walking distance to the hotel.
Pacific Contact attracts 250 delegates each year, approximately 100 of these are presenter delegates from BC, across Canada and the US. Some of these presenters book their entire seasons from Pacific Contact showcases. Other delegates include festivals, schools, facility managers, artists, agents, managers, funding partners and industry representatives.
What is Pacific Contact?
This 4-day conference attracts hundreds of performing arts professionals who gather to plan performances, network, learn, and develop lasting relationships that extend into communities around the province. Each year, the event is attended by presenting organizations from BC, across Canada and the US as well as artists, agents, government funders, arts advocacy and service organizations.
Pacific Contact features juried showcase performances by approximately 42 different artist groups, a trade-show style exhibit hall (Contact Room), networking events, panels, meetings and workshops.
The showcase and conference events are designed to be a collegial and practical means of networking and block-booking. Events are organized to provide ample time and opportunity to meet and foster conversation between presenters, artists, and agents.
Pacific Contact is an opportunity to get inspired, experience live performance, discover new artists, make connections, network with colleagues, discuss the latest and most important issues facing the sector, and most of all, have some fun!
Juried Showcases
Showcase performances are approximately 15 minutes. Pacific Contact 2024 will present music, theatre and dance showcases on the Rotary Art Centre and Kelowna Community Theatre stages, as well as a family showcase with school students in attendance and a cabaret style showcase featuring music and variety acts.
Short 5’s
These Short 5-minute showcasing opportunities are chosen by the selection panel and are a much-loved Pacific Contact tradition. At Pacific Contact 2024 they will be held on stage at the Rotary Centre for the Arts and artists will get a 5-minute tech run-through with limited tech support.
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 50 booths in the beautiful and historic Laurel Packinghouse. All showcasing artists are required to have a booth in the Contact Room.
One-to-Ones
BCTC new format one-to-ones will be a type of speed dating where artists and agents get to meet presenters in a quick-fire round of short 7-minute meetings.
Panels, Meetings, Workshops, Meals
The conference will feature a range of professional development opportunities as well as social events including meals and refreshment breaks. These opportunities enhance networking and creating connections.
Gala Awards Dinner
The final evening dinner is a highlight of Pacific Contact featuring awards and dancing. This year the Gala Dinner will be held in the historic and beautiful Laurel Packinghouse.