More than 700 performing arts professionals from across the West, including presenters, agents, managers, and artists, are headed to Los Angeles to gain critical knowledge, meet with vendors and consultants, and expand their network.

Organization: Western Arts Alliance

Conference: 2019 WAA Annual Conference

Venue: JW Marriott

City: Los Angeles

WAA 2019 begins on Monday morning with an opening plenary featuring Lisa Bates, director of the Center for Urban Studies at Portland State University. Bates, along with other academics and artists, will discuss how the arts can play a larger role in advancing creative strategies toward a pluralistic community and country. Also on the agenda:

Amped up. A pitch session called “Amplified” will make its debut at the meeting. The format gives up to nine agents or artists—who applied to participate ahead of the meeting—five minutes to share their project or concept with industry professionals and receive on-the-spot advice and feedback.

Performances abound. Hundreds of artists will present close to 200 performances throughout the conference, covering everything from theater to dance to music.

Global growth. This year’s Performing Arts Discovery delegation represents 11 organizations from Pacific Rim countries with established interests in American performance. In its fifth year, the PAD program reduces barriers for American artists overseas by introducing them to these delegates in hopes that the delegates will bring the artists to their respective countries.

For other meeting details, head to Facebook and Twitter (#waa19).

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