Pacific Contact creates deep connections through professional development opportunities and networking events.
Subject to change
Thursday October 2
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Hosted by Marek Tyler of ASKO
Led by nêhiyaw artist, facilitator, and ASKO creator Marek Tyler, Beyond Acknowledgement is an interactive workshop that explores the deeper responsibilities behind land acknowledgments. Participants will examine how these statements can shift from symbolic gestures to systemic actions aligned with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Through guided dialogue, personal storytelling, and insights from ASKO—a performance rooted in Indigenous futurism and relationality—Marek invites presenters, producers, and arts workers to reflect on their roles in building respectful relationships with Indigenous lands, communities, and knowledge systems. This workshop offers tools for authentic engagement and lasting transformation in the arts sector.
Sponsored by The Capitol Theatre
Hosted by Briana Doyle
Whether you’re an artist, agent, or presenter, strong marketing collaboration is key to a successful tour.
This interactive workshop offers practical, scalable strategies for tour promotion—covering what marketing assets are essential, how to build early buzz, and what actually helps move the needle on ticket sales. We’ll also explore how artists, agents, and presenters can align efforts to make marketing easier, more efficient, and more effective for everyone involved.
Topics will include:
- What makes a promo kit effective (and what often gets overlooked)
- How to streamline marketing materials across a roster or season
- How to get better results from your Meta ads
- How artists, agents, and presenters can coordinate marketing to maximize reach
- Tips for presenters: what to request from artists
- Budget-friendly marketing strategies
Hosted by Danielle Lefebvre, Danielle Lefebvre Artist & Concert Agency
Being an agent is more than a job: it means spotting opportunities, building strong networks, and supporting talent with energy and conviction. But how can we thrive in this demanding role while staying true to ethics, creativity, and trust? To dive into this question, we invite you to join an interactive and friendly workshop where we’ll explore together the best practices of the agent profession. Whether you’re already working in the field or simply curious to learn more, this is the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and leave with fresh and inspiring insights.
Co-Hosted by Aaron Schubert, Agent/BC Live Board Member & Danielle Lefebvre, President, AASPAA Canada
Agents and managers are invited to connect with colleagues from across Canada, network, discuss topics of interest, and share best practices.
Sponsored by AIM Booking Agency
Co-hosted by Daune Campbell & Petrice Brett, Axis Theatre
This meeting offers artists and artistic companies a chance to share ideas, discuss common challenges, offer support, ask questions, and explore potential collaborations.
Sponsored by Sandy Powlik, Music Wellness Coaching
Hosted by Theresia Reid, Chilliwack Cultural Centre/BC Live Board Member
This meeting for venue managers from BC and beyond is an opportunity to connect and engage in meaningful discussions about, trends, successes, challenges, and other key topics related to venue management and programming. Representatives from Actsafe Safety Association and Spektrix will provide updates and answer any questions you may have.
Sponsored by Actsafe Safety Association
Hosted by Kym Gouchie, Indigenous Cultural Liaison/BC Live Board Member
BC Live is partnering with Canadian Artists for Reconciliation and Education (C.A.R.E.) to host a Circle Talk~Stories of Resilience.
C.A.R.E. was created to educate its members and the general public on all matters of the truth regarding Indigenous and Settler history while nurturing acts of reconciliation.
This Circle Talk features Marek Tyler of ASKO, who will share their powerful personal story. ASKO will also perform during the session, enriching the experience and creating a deeper connection for all.
Sponsored by Mary Winspear Centre
Friday October 3
We’ve invited presenters and festival organizers who bring Granville Island to life to share their stories and successes using the dynamic Pecha Kucha format—a fast-paced, visually-driven style that’s all about showing more and saying less. Prepare for an energetic, captivating, and fun session where you’ll discover the local events that make Granville Island such a vibrant cultural hub.
Sponsored by the Chilliwack Cultural Centre
Saturday October 4
One-to-One meetings give you a dedicated opportunity to connect with artists, agents/managers, presenters, and programmers to build relationships and explore collaborations. Scheduling will be handled through meetingconnector.com – artists and agents will request meetings with presenters, and each session will run for 7 minutes.
Please add meetingconnector.com (or *@meetingconnector.com) to your trusted email domains so you receive meeting notifications.
Details
- Meetings take place in the Contact Room at the artist/agent’s booth
- Sessions are 7 minutes long; a signal will indicate when it’s time to move to your next meeting
- A map of the Contact Room is included in the printed guide and available at registration
Your personalized schedule will be emailed to you from meetingconnector.com.
Sunday October 5
Hosted by Petrice Brett
Join Petrice Brett, BC Live’s Block Booking Coordinator, for an in-person meeting to explore your interests for the upcoming performing arts seasons. Presenters will have the chance to pitch artists, discuss potential tours through the Arts Touring Connector, and review current touring opportunities available.
Sponsored by Creekside Theatre