The OAPN Performing Arts Booking & Showcase Conference 2026 takes place October 18–20, 2026, at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts in Hamilton, Ohio.

Who Attends

150+ attendees, including 40–50 presenting organizations, come from Ohio and the surrounding region. Presenters represent theaters, universities, community series, and arts centers and are actively planning upcoming seasons. Many rely on OAPN showcases to discover new work and book artists. The conference also draws touring artists, agents, managers, vendors, and arts service organizations from across the country.

OAPN is an accessible conference for connection. Its intimate size and multiple opportunities give artists and agents direct access to presenters throughout the conference.

Juried Showcase Performances

24 artists are selected to perform 15-minute live showcases over three days. Artists are chosen by a panel of industry professionals representing multiple performing arts disciplines. Showcase performances give artists direct exposure to presenters actively booking for upcoming seasons.

5-Minute Promotional Pitch

Can't Showcase Your Show Live?! Six highly ranked applicants not selected for juried showcases will receive the first chance/offer to present a 5-minute video promotional pitch. Two pitches occur each showcase day. Artists or agents may present a video recording up to 5 minutes long. A 24' screen and projection capability will be available.

Sponsored Lunch Showcase

OAPN offers two sponsored lunch showcase opportunities for solo acts, magicians, or comedians not selected for a juried showcase. Interested artists may email info@oapn.org for details. For more information, visit our website

Emerging Artist Sponsorship

One emerging artist may receive a full conference sponsorship, covering all costs to attend and showcase (excluding travel and hotel). Eligibility: Ohio-based, self- or un-represented (no agency). Interested applicants may select the sponsorship option in the application.

One-on-One Speed Networking

All artists and agents can participate in structured, one-on-one speed networking sessions on the first two days. These meetings provide focused, direct conversations with programming decision-makers.

Planned Networking & Meals

Beyond structured sessions, the conference offers dine-arounds, group meals, and parties to foster informal connections and allow attendees to continue conversations in a relaxed setting.

Exhibit Hall & Professional Development

Artists, agents, and vendors may purchase booths in the exhibit hall, giving presenters the opportunity to walk through, view offerings, and conduct business directly.

Professional development sessions cover a wide range of topics designed to meet the needs of all attendees, including touring, marketing, audience engagement, and career development.

Closing Night Karaoke Party

The conference concludes with OAPN’s signature Closing Night Karaoke Party. All attendees are welcome to perform or cheer others on while enjoying food and drinks. This informal setting allows for continued networking and leaves a lasting impression after the showcases and meetings.

24 selected artists will present a 15-minute live performance in the main theatre at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts. A 5-minute changeover period will occur between artists to allow for set adjustments and preparation for the next performance. During this time, the conference emcee may conduct a short onstage conversation with the artist who has just performed or a 5-minute pitch presentation.

Showcase performances and soundchecks are scheduled throughout the three conference days (October 18, 19, and 20).

Interested in more than one showcase opportunity this October?

Go for it—the Ohio Arts Professionals Network, Montana Performing Arts Consortium, Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils, and Arts Northwest all have conferences happening within days of each other, and the four of us are communicating and working together.

If you’re invited to showcase at more than one, we’ll do our best to coordinate schedules so artists can take advantage of multiple opportunities whenever possible.

What OAPN Provides to Showcasing Artists

Notification Applicants will be notified of showcase selection decisions by late April 2026.

Sound A full FOH and monitor sound system will be provided.

Lighting A general stage wash is provided. Lighting is preset for efficiency and cannot be customized for individual performances. Any special requests should be noted in the application and will be accommodated when possible.

Backline A shared main-stage backline package will be available to support efficient changeovers; artist-provided drum kits are not allowed. Details of available equipment will be distributed to selected artists in advance. Artists may be asked to adapt to shared equipment in order to keep showcases on schedule.

Piano A tuned 7' concert grand Steinway piano will be available for use during showcase performances.

Video A 24' screen and projection capability will be available for video or visual content.

Technical Rehearsal / Soundcheck Each showcasing artist will receive a scheduled on-site soundcheck/technical rehearsal and will coordinate directly with the conference production manager. Assigned load-in and rehearsal times will be provided in advance.

Dressing Rooms Two dressing rooms are available and will be assigned on a rotating basis for artists immediately prior to their scheduled technical rehearsal and showcase performance. Dressing rooms are not available for all-day use.

A dance studio may be requested for performers who require space for physical warm-ups or preparation.

Additional Production Information

The OAPN production team will work with artists to meet technical needs within the constraints of a showcase environment. Because multiple performances occur in a limited timeframe, production capacity is more limited than a full touring engagement and adjustments may be required to maintain the schedule.

All stage, sound, and lighting equipment is operated by OAPN technical staff unless prior approval is granted.

I Want To Showcase submissions are not eligible for refunds

OAPN welcomes applications from touring performing artists across all genres and disciplines, including music (all styles), dance, theatre, comedy, magic, family programming, multidisciplinary work, and other live performance formats suitable for community and presenting venues. Agents must submit a separate application for each artist or act.

All applications are reviewed through a competitive, peer-reviewed process led by OAPN’s Showcase Committee, composed of presenters and industry professionals who are not applicants in the current cycle.

Submissions are evaluated on:

• artistic quality,
• touring readiness,
• professionalism,
• performing experience,
• clarity of marketing materials,
• fit for presenters serving Ohio and the surrounding region,
• fee range and market viability,
• and technical compatibility within a showcase and touring environment.

Applications must include video work samples [preferably live video] and supporting promotional materials and should accurately represent the specific program configuration intended for touring. Selected artists are required to present the performance described in their application; any changes must be approved in advance by the Showcase Committee.

Watch our "Tuesday Talks" on How To Submit A Strong Showcase Application

24 artists are selected to perform live juried showcases. Highly ranked applicants who are not selected may be invited to participate in a 5-minute pitch opportunity or serve as alternates if a showcase position becomes available.

Artists and their representatives are welcome to attend the conference regardless of showcase status.

Complete applications, including the application fee ($65), must be submitted by the posted deadline. Applicants will be notified of their status in late April. Selected artists or their representatives must hold a current OAPN membership at the time of the conference.

Artists who showcased in 2024 are not eligible to showcase in 2026.

Juried Showcase Artists Costs:

• Membership: If selected for a showcase, either the artist or their agent must be a current OAPN member. (Agency membership covers all artists on their roster.)
• A non-refundable I Want To Showcase application fee of $65 must be paid at the time of submission or by the application deadline
• If selected for a juried showcase, artists are required to pay a non-refundable $400 Tech/Production fee (includes backline, basic house sound/lights, production team, and crew)
• Required Conference Registration: $395 Early Bird / $425 Regular / $325 Additional Guest Fee (includes all activities plus meals/drinks at the lunches, opening and closing night receptions)
• Required Exhibit Hall Booth Fee: high top $225, 6' booth $250, or shared booth $350 (includes 8'x6' space w/ 6' table or high top, 2 chairs, black pipe & drape)
• Hotel: $159/night + tax (includes breakfast and complimentary parking)

Important for Selected Juried Showcase Artists

One registration per group: If you are selected for a juried showcase, not every band or dance group member needs a conference registration. One agent or one self-represented artist can register and represent the entire group.

Access wristband: Each group member will receive a special wristband granting access to select conference events, including:

• First-Timers Orientation

• One-on-One Speed Networking

• Professional Development Sessions

• Opening & Closing Night Receptions

• After-Hours Events

• Awards Ceremony

(Group lunches and dinner dine-arounds are not included, but may be purchased separately.)

Artists are responsible for all conference-related costs, including travel, accommodations, meals, and registration for any representatives.

Program Information: Selected artists must provide written materials for inclusion in the conference program. OAPN may pull biography and educational information from your submission for the printed program.

Tech Rider: Juried showcase artists must provide a tech rider specific to their showcase performance. This is separate from a tech rider for a full evening performance.

Notification Timeline: All applicants will be informed of their status by late April 2026.