Pacific Contact 2026 – Detailed Schedule

10 Lois Lane – by donation

Space is limited; register early to reserve your spot at https://unitsocial.ca/calendar/#!event/register/2026/9/30/murmur-arts-cabaret.

As a warm-up to Pacific Contact, Murmur Arts Collective is hosting an evening cabaret presenting short acts from emerging and established artists in Nanaimo. The night will feature roughly an hour of diverse performances – clowning, dance, spoken word, and music – followed by time to mingle and connect over drinks before the conference gets underway.

The event will be held at Unit, a new artist-run venue that captures the underground creative energy alive in Nanaimo right now. It’s a chance for delegates to discover the local arts scene, meet the artists behind it, and arrive at Pacific Contact already feeling connected.

After 8:00 pm, seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Spotlight on Marketing – Parts 1 & 2 – VICC

Spotlight on Marketing offers an in-depth, hands-on learning experience designed for presenters, artists, marketers and communications professionals in the performing arts.

Structured as a flexible “choose your own adventure,” the Spotlight on Marketing features two concurrent 90-minute sessions. This allows participants to choose the topics most relevant to their work.

Part 1 (9:15 am to 10:45 am)
Part 2 (11:00 am to 12:30 pm)

There will be a 15-minute refreshment break at 10:45 am.

Led by four expert facilitators, each session dives into a distinct aspect of contemporary arts marketing:

Part 1 – Workshop A – Departure Room A & B, VICC

Social Media for the Arts: What’s Working and What’s Not in 2026, Hosted by Rebecca Coleman

Social Media can be so overwhelming! Which platforms should you be posting on? How often? And when? Should you be making a video? And do you really need to make a video lip-syncing and dancing to Charli XCX in order to get more than 200 views??? Also, who even is Charli XCX? In this workshop, Rebecca Coleman breaks down the fundamentals for presenters: how to choose the platforms where your audience is, what to post, how often to post, and some hacks to save both your time and your sanity. Using real-life examples culled from local BC companies, Rebecca will break down what’s working and what’s not working for Arts Organizations in 2026.

Part 1 – Workshop B, Duke Point Room, VICC

Conveying Authority and Trust in AI-centered Discovery
Hosted by Frédéric Julien, CAPACOA

Event discovery is changing. Whether artsgoers are searching for events to attend through traditional search engines or through chatbots, their queries are interpreted, executed, analyzed and/or summarized by one or more AI models. Soon, with the advent of agentic AI, artsgoers might even stop searching, let their agent decide which event to attend and then book tickets on their behalf. Schema structured data can help. Event structured data works with both traditional search engines and AI chatbots. Artsdata can also help. In this session, you will gain awareness and understanding of different strategies to publish information that can be found and trusted, no matter which service is used to access it.

Part 2 – Workshop A – Departure Room A&B, VICC

Critical Thinking: Why This Show Sold Out (And That One Didn’t)
Hosted by Briana Doyle, Troubadours & Vagabonds

Why do some shows sell out while others struggle – even with strong marketing? In this interactive session, artists and presenters will share real-world examples and uncover what actually drives attendance. Together, we’ll explore what’s within our control, what we can influence, and what we can’t predict – and how better alignment across roles can lead to stronger results. Expect practical insights, fresh perspectives, and a few “aha” moments along the way.

Part 2 – Workshop B, Duke Point Room, VICC

Critical Thinking for AI-powered Marketing
Hosted by: Inga Petri, Strategic Moves

This practical workshop helps arts leaders and marketers move past the hype and focus on what AI can realistically do for their marketing and communications. We will explore practical ways AI can stretch limited marketing resources, save time, and support everyday tasks such as creating marketing materials, analyzing customer data, and learning from audience surveys. We will also explore how AI tools can connect with the digital systems you already use, and where automation may help free up staff time. Just as importantly, we will take a critical look at the risks. Participants will consider the ethical and practical implications of using AI across your organization. We will also discuss AI governance considerations to help keep your organization’s data, voice, and values safe.

Co-hosted by Brent Belsher, AASPAA Canada Board Member and Director of Belsher Arts Management; Danielle Lefebvre, President of AASPAA Canada and Owner/Agent at Agence AD & Michel Bénac, Executive Director, AASPAA Canada

Agents and managers are invited to connect with colleagues across Canada for an informal, engaging networking session to exchange ideas, discuss shared interests, share best practices, and talk openly about the realities, challenges, and opportunities of working as an agent or manager in Canada.

Participants will also learn more about AASPAA Canada’s new study on the working conditions and realities of agents in Canada, an important initiative to develop a clearer picture of the sector and help shape its future.

Hosted by Myriam Verzat, Creative Facilitator, Conflict Transformation Consultant, Leadership Coach & Artist at Reconnect, myriamverzat.com

This exceptional opportunity, guided by Myriam Verzat’s creative facilitation expertise, invites you to connect with fellow artists and artistic companies from BC and across Canada. Join colleagues to exchange ideas, expand your network, learn from colleagues’ experiences, and share valuable resources in a collaborative, supportive environment.

Sponsored by Dufflebag Theatre

Hosted by Kathy Robinson, The Port Theatre

This meeting offers a valuable space to connect with peers involved in ticket sales and audience services for live events and performances. Share your successes and challenges, explore emerging trends, and discuss innovative approaches to operations and management. Collaborate with fellow professionals to enhance audience experiences and discover new ways of working in this dynamic field.

Hosted by Jenny Lee Craig, BC Live’s Festival Coordinator

Festivals face unique challenges in hosting events indoors and outdoors, often over multiple days involving vendors, camping, and logistical complexities. Join fellow festival organizers to discuss key issues. Exchange insights and strategies to navigate the diverse realities of the festival environment.

Hosted by Vicky Jones, The Bailey Theatre/Trail and District Arts Council

This meeting offers marketing and development professionals an invaluable chance to connect after the Spotlight on Marketing. As the landscape rapidly evolves with emerging platforms, changing audience behaviours, and new challenges, this meeting provides a space to share insights, exchange strategies, and explore innovative approaches.

Hosted by Theresia Reid, Chilliwack Cultural Centre

Venue managers from BC and beyond are invited to discuss evolving trends, share successes, and address challenges in venue management and programming. Recognizing the complexity of their roles – including overseeing venue operations and curating artistic activity – participants will exchange practical strategies and insights

Sponsored by Actsafe Safety Association

The Slow Socials offer an atmosphere that encourages gentle curiosity, meaningful dialogue, and personal connection through guided, interactive activities.

Slow Social 1: Sticky Notes on Doors by The Fox Queen
Ballroom A/B, VICC
Hosted by tsatassaya White, Tamara McCarthy and Dave Mott

Sticky Notes on Doors is an immersive glimpse into The Fox Queen’s Messages on Doors community engagement workshop, commission and event. Participants explore practices and experiences from our full Messages on Doors project. Designed as an accessible entry point, we invite all to gather in a shared space for knowledge-sharing and reflection. Providing insight into the artistic and cultural foundations of the work, the session dives into the project’s two big Ideas:

1. We are responsible for taking action against the historical and present-day dark messages of hate towards Indigenous peoples.
2. In these times of Reconciliation, we need to connect more.

By encouraging conversation, curiosity, and personal connection through guided interactions, Sticky Notes on Doors offers an opportunity to experience the Spirit of Messages on Doors in a condensed format.

Slow Social 2: Tricoter by Foolish Operations Society
Ballroom C, VICC
Hosted by Julie Lebel & Michelle Rosales, Foolish Operations

Tricoter (Tree-Ko-Tay), or Knitting in English, is a wonderful mélange of colourful yarn, dance and live violin that captivates the imagination. The dance winds and unwinds through and around the public, who are arranged in the round. Yarn is integrated into the choreography, weaving an architecture that links the public and the place to the dancer. In this performance, we are reminded of the connection between yarn and knitting in our families.

After the performance, gather, slow down and connect with your peers in this crafty slow social session involving colourful yarn. Learn to make pompoms, how to knit with only your hands or your arms, untangle yarn, or teach someone your fancy techniques!

(includes a no-host bar)

Welcome by City of Nanaimo Mayor, Leonard Krog

Join us for the Get to Know You Networking Reception – an inviting and relaxed space where artists, presenters, and industry professionals come together to connect.

Enjoy a generous selection of light refreshments and delicious appetizers, thoughtfully prepared to satisfy your dinner appetite.

(6:30 pm doors, 7:00 pm Snuneymuxw Welcome, 7:30 pm Showcase)

Hosted by Aunalee Boyd-Good and Sophia Seward-Good, Ay Lelum – The Good House of Design
House music by Ay Lelum

• Myc Sharratt & The Alibis
• Tymisha Harris – A Cabaret of Legends
• Kobo Town
• Chloé Dumoulin – Musical Moments
• Trio Hochelaga – Hidden Notes
• Rum Ragged

Sponsored by Chilliwack Cultural Centre

Our late-night lounge is your place to connect, debrief and unwind after an inspiring day discovering the brightest talent from BC and beyond.

Sponsored by Agence Station Bleue

Peer Panels offer a dynamic, discussion-driven format designed to spark practical insight and candid exchange among performing arts professionals. This 90-minute session is structured as three consecutive 30-minute panels, each led by a different facilitator and focused on a timely topic shaping the sector.

Panel 1: Re-imagining Customer Relationships
Facilitated by Frédéric Julien, CAPACOA

Explores the Re-imagining Customer Relationships project – a national, collaborative, open-access research initiative examining new approaches to audience loyalty and engagement. Participants will hear early findings from the Supporting Initiators field study, receive updates on Trialling Membership Offers, and join a facilitated discussion with firsthand testimonials from participating organizations.

Participants include: Renaud Legoux, HEC Montréal & Ellie Parker, Kay Meek Arts Centre

Sponsored by Kay Meek Arts Centre

Panel 2: Supporting New Work
Facilitated by David Warburton, The Port Theatre

Focuses on how venues and presenters can better support artists and companies in developing high-quality, tour-ready new work, emphasizing collaboration, investment, and long-term artistic relationships.

Participants include: Debi Wong, re:Naissance Immersive; Howard Jang, ArtSpring & Mary-Louise Albert, BC Movement Arts Society

Panel 3: AI and Climate Change
Facilitated by Inga Petri, Strategic Moves

Tackles the intersection of AI and climate change, inviting participants to consider both the opportunities and challenges these forces present for the performing arts.

Designed to be interactive and peer-led, these panels create space for shared learning, practical takeaways, and meaningful dialogue across the sector.

Participants include: Jay Dodge, Boca Del Lupo, Ian Garrett, Centre for Sustainable Practice in the Arts & Sammy Chien-MacCaull, Chimerik 似不像 / interplay_

Hosted by Nayana Fielkov

• Théâtre Motus and Nubila Teatro – Cosmo
• The Kif-Kif Sisters – Returns Department
• Wild Mint Arts – nimihitowin!

Enjoy a catered lunch with colleagues – an excellent opportunity to meet new connections or catch up with familiar ones in a relaxed setting.

Hosted by Nayana Fielkov

• Little Onion Puppet Co. – Otosan
• La Nef – Undersea
• ORIGINZ

Sponsored by the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils

The 5-minute Pitch & Performs provide a fast-paced, captivating glimpse of performances and tour-ready shows. Artists and artist representatives will pitch or perform for 5 minutes, offering a fun and dynamic introduction designed to spark your interest and leave you eager to see more.

Hosted by Laura Piccinin

• Green Thumb Theatre – She Shoots, She Scores! by Michele Riml
• Sophie Lukacs
• Candy Roberts – Oopsie and Queenage Wasteland
• Pulsive Party – Lip Service
• Corpo Imago – Drift & Imago
• Scrap Arts Music
• Kellie Haines Ventriloquist – A Birdy Told Me So
• Jhoely Triana Flamenco – Las Mujeronas

Sponsored by the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre

Join a small group of delegates for dinner at one of Nanaimo’s beloved restaurants. It’s a relaxed and delicious way to deepen your connections and explore Nanaimo’s culinary scene.

Sign-ups are done prior to the conference, and a list is available at registration. Each restaurant will have a host with a list of those who signed up for each restaurant. We have arranged for separate cheques with each restaurant for your convenience.

(7:30 pm doors, 8:00 pm Showcase)

Hosted by Nadine Tremblay

• Ballet Kelowna – Cikilaxʷm: Controlled Burn
• Quatuor esca – Résonances
• Joylyn Secunda – The Routine
• Ballet Vancouver – Beginnings
• CC Duo – Lyrique
• The North Sound

Sponsored by Surrey Civic Theatres

Don’t miss this perfect chance to enjoy late-night refreshments and snacks while connecting with colleagues.
Sponsored by Ballet Jörgen

Returning to Pacific Contact is the Knowledge Café, presented by BC Live with CAPACOA. Led by artists and experts, this event format gives conference participants the opportunity to engage in workshops and small roundtable discussions. These sessions provide a space for sharing experiences and insights on a variety of topics.

The event includes two rounds of workshops and discussions, with the same topics repeated in the second round to allow more participants to join. Each session will accommodate between 7 and 10 participants.

Sessions:

• Accessibility: Whose job is it? Lantzville Room
  Everyone wants to be accessible, but who is responsible for what? What should a presenter take on vs. the artist? – Anika Vervecken
• AI Tools, Ballroom A/B
  Explore practical AI uses for arts organizations, and consider the safeguards needed to protect organizational data, information, and trust – Inga Petri, Strategic Moves
• Climate Change Adaptation Program, Ballroom A/B
  Explore how climate change is reshaping performances and what practical tools, resources and collective learning can strengthen the future of outdoor performance – Erin Kennedy and Ian Garrett, CAPACOA Climate Change Adaptation program
• Crowd Management, Ballroom A/B
  Explore crowd management challenges at live events and how to ensure safety for performers, crew and audiences while preventing risks – Caleigh Hoot, ActSafe Safety Association
• Demystifying International Delegations and Opportunities, Newcastle Island Lobby
  Lesandra Dodson, Fredericton Playhouse
• Embodiment 101: “I Am; therefore, I Think”, Duke Point Room
  What is embodiment, how do we practice it, how does it relate to creativity? Through foundational awareness work, discover how the body tells a story and why joy is essential. No experience necessary – Tahina Awan
• Experience Hoop Dance, Departure Room B
  Vee will bring participants into an active powwow and hoop dance experience. Bring a water bottle, socks/indoor shoes, and get ready to dance. She will consider all abilities and welcomes all to participate. Protocol and discussion around cultural appropriation will be shared as well – Virginia Sparvier-Wells (Cree, Cowessess First Nation), Wild Mint Arts
• Incubating New Work, Newcastle Island Lobby
  Debi Wong, Re:Naissance Immersive
• Re-Imagining Customer Relationships, Ballroom A/B
  Engaging Social Initiators and Rethinking Membership Models – Renaud Legoux, HEC Montréal & Frédéric Julien, CAPACOA
• Redefining the Box: Crafting Out-of-the-Ordinary Experiences, Ballroom A/B
  Transform traditional performance by crafting immersive, out-of-the-ordinary experiences that engage audiences – Holly Bright, Crimson Coast Dance
• The Art of Play, Departure Room A
  Using principles of clown and somatics, we will spend 45 minutes together in expression, discovery and delight – no experience necessary – Nayana Fielkov, Ragmop Theatre
• Word Sound & Power, Millstone River Room
  Explore the elements of Hip Hop Movement, Freestyle Rap & Songwriting for the Soul – Ndidi Cascade, ORIGINZ

The 5-minute Pitch & Performs provide a fast-paced, captivating glimpse of performances and tour-ready shows. Artists and artist representatives will pitch or perform for 5 minutes, offering a fun and dynamic introduction designed to spark your interest and leave you eager to see more.

Hosted by Laura Piccinin

• Empanadas ilegales
• Brandon Thornhill with Sound the Alarm Music/Theatre – Ebony Roots
• Gay4Nature Collective – Bach’s Coffee Cantata/Green
• Le Patin Libre – Melt
• Olivia Khoury
• re:Naissance Immersive – Inferno: A Hip Hop Opera & Orpheus in Underworld
• Small Town Artillery

Sponsored by Sid Williams Theatre

(1:00 pm door, 1:30 pm Showcase)

Hosted by Joëlle Rabu

• Inverso Productions – Borrowed Time
• Laila Biali – Joni Mitchell & The Canadian Songbook Reimagined
• La famille LeBlanc – Amourette
• Garret T. Willie
• Transcendent Talas
• Flávia Nascimento and Tio Chorinho
• AV & the Inner City

Sponsored by The Port Theatre

(7:00 PM Reception; 8:00 PM Buffet; 9:00 PM Awards)

Hosted by Tahina Awan

Don’t miss out on this memorable celebration to reflect and to look ahead to the future of BC Live and Pacific Contact.

The 50th Anniversary Dinner & Awards Party promises an unforgettable night filled with celebration, inspiration, and connection. Join us as we reflect on our past and honour outstanding achievements in our sector.

Sponsored by Capitol Theatre & SmartGrant

Don’t miss your final chance to connect! Our late-night lounge is the perfect place to unwind, catch up with colleagues, and spark conversations with those you haven’t yet met. Join us for a relaxed evening to share reflections and build new connections before we depart.

Hosted by Petrice Brett, Block Booking Coordinator

Join BC Live’s Block Booking Coordinator for an in-person meeting to explore your interests for the upcoming performing arts seasons. Presenters can pitch artists, discuss potential tours through the Arts Touring Connector, and review available opportunities to collaborate and book more artists in their communities.