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Pacific Contact – First Timer Guide

Attending Pacific Contact requires preparation and an investment of time, energy and money. We have created the guide below to help you plan and maximize the benefits of your conference experience.

Getting the Most Out of Pacific Contact

Pacific Contact is BC Live’s annual showcase conference for the performing arts. This 4-day conference attracts hundreds of performing arts professionals who gather to plan performances and develop lasting relationships that extend into communities around the province.

Featuring approximately 40 live multi-disciplinary performances, Pacific Contact is an opportunity to get inspired and discover new artists while experiencing an exhibit hall (Contact Room), networking events, panels, meetings and workshops. Showcases include music, dance, theatre, and variety acts, showcasing for delegates who book shows for all ages.

Setting goals for your conference experience will ensure you get the most out of your time and investment. Think about what you want to accomplish—whether it’s attending every event, or connecting with a set number of presenters from a specific region. Use this opportunity to dive deeper: discover what they showcase, uncover their strategies for booking performances, and find out when key opportunities happen. With clear goals in mind, you’ll come away with valuable knowledge and meaningful new relationships.

We highly recommend reviewing the schedule before you arrive to become familiar with the events – see Pacific Contact 2025 – Schedule.

The schedule runs from morning to evening, so staying informed will help you prioritize your activities and plan for some downtime. A quiet space will be available for all delegates to use.

You will receive a printed program as part of 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 booth number), a list of delegates, and more.

The list of delegates will be available in PDF format before the conference. Starting in September, a link will be sent to all delegates to access this list. Additionally, an updated list will be included in the registration package provided at the conference and will also be available online after 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. 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 crucial to maximizing 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 hospitality and special events. Use this time to get to know people informally.

The Network meetings provide an opportunity to meet with colleagues from BC and across Canada to share ideas, discuss common challenges, offer support, ask questions, and explore ways to collaborate. These meetings include:

  • Artists/Artistic Companies
  • Agents/Managers
  • Venue Managers

Delegates should also take advantage of the professional development offered. The workshops and sessions at Pacific Contact cover relevant and timely topics, offering valuable ideas, inspiration, and resources for professionals in the sector. Attendees will leave with valuable tools to enhance their work.

Get ready for an unforgettable conference experience packed with opportunities to connect, relax, and celebrate alongside your fellow delegates!

Kick things off at our lively “Getting to Know You” Reception, explore new flavours and friendships at the Dine Arounds, and keep the energy high with late-night hospitality gatherings. Cap it all off at our spectacular Closing Dinner, Awards & Party, featuring live music and a DJ that will keep you dancing all night long.

These events aren’t just about networking—they’re your chance to unwind, make lasting memories, and truly enjoy every moment of the conference!

These session opportunities are explicitly designed for delegates who wish to engage in one-to-one discussions about booking and touring. The sign-up for the meetings will be available in September.

One-on-one meetings offer a valuable opportunity to connect with artists, agents, managers, presenters, and programmers, allowing you to build and nurture meaningful relationships. We will be using meetingconnector.com to schedule these meetings at Pacific Contact. Artists and agents will request meetings with presenters for brief 7-minute discussions.

  • These seven-minute meetings will take place in the Contact Room at the booth of the artist or agent.
  • We will signal when it’s time to transition to your next meeting.
  • A map of the Contact Room can be found in the printed guide and will also be available at registration.
  • Your personalized schedule will be emailed to you from meetingconnector.com. These meetings are suitable for presenters, artists, artist representatives, and funders.

All delegates and showcase artists are invited to our exclusive late-night hospitality gatherings on Thursday and Friday nights. Join us for unforgettable evenings filled with great company, lively conversation, and plenty of surprises! Don’t miss out on the fun—see you there!

Contact Room Details

DetailsThe Contact Room at Pacific Contact serves as avibrant hub where artists, agents, and artistic companies exhibit and engage in discussions aboutbookings and touring opportunities with presenters.

See our Contact Room page for complete details on times, setup, security, access and other details.

Following Up: Post-Conference

Follow Up with Contacts

This is by far the most important thing you can do after attending any event. Send a message to all the contacts you made within a week of the event while it’s still fresh in your mind (and theirs). Be brief and relevant.

Manage Expectations

Sometimes delegates want instant results, but that’s not always the case, especially the first time you attend. You might have just met a number of new presenters, but they might not have you in mind for this year. They may be thinking two or even three years down the road. Think and strategize for the long term, and you will notice results from your conversations.

Pacific Contact Questions?

See Pacific Contact – FAQs for general questions and answers.

If you have other questions, please contact us at admin@bclive.ca.