Manitoba Showcase 2023
4-Day Showcase & Conference
Manitoba Showcase is an annual visual & performing arts conference that features some of the best Canadian artists, from a wide range of genres, for Manitoban presenters and galleries, connecting them with future opportunities and collaboration. The preeminent event of its kind in Manitoba, Showcase engages over 150 artists, presenters, agents, managers, and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop and rekindle relationships.
Don’t wait. Reserve your spot today!
Creative Manitoba is partnering in a series of workshops to help artists and art organizations learn, network and collaborate.
Friday, October 27
Exploring New Ways to Engage Your Audience with Trudy Schroeder | 1:00-2:15PM
We all become used to offering programs and experiences in certain settings with a similar feel to the events. There is something nice about the predictability of setting things up in the usual way and having a good experience of a performance or a visual arts show that proceeds in a familiar way. But, as our communities change, our demographics change, our income levels change, our venues age, our number of audience members with mobility issues change and the types of programs change as well. We can make changes that are large or small that can delight and engage our audience members in ways that increase the likelihood that they will rave about the event to their friends and family members and become part of your sales and marketing teams. In this workshop we will explore 12 strategies to freshen up or transform your events and engage your community members in your vibrant and inspiring organization.
Beyond Transaction: How Memberships/Subscription Models Help Build Sustainable Relationships and Revenue Streams with Igna Petri | 1:00-2:15PM
In this workshop we will explore how various ticket selling models work and how to determine what will work best in your specific context.
This is a practical exploration that will outline various revenue generation models – one-off promotion of events, season tickets or subscriptions, various membership models for both the performing and visual arts – through current case studies and examples from rural arts presenting organizations and theatres. We will encourage active participation to consider the pro and cons of each model and help each participant arrive at a clear understanding of the choice points and implications of each model in their own specific community and organizational context. By working together in small groups as part of this session participants will evaluate the potential impacts on audience and community relationships as well as the financial sustainability of your organization of each choice.
Identifying New Revenue Streams to Strengthen and Build Your Organization with Trudy Schroeder | 2:30-4:00PM
Imagine what it would be like if your organization could move into a new season with no concerns about the financial ability to cover your expenses for the season. Wouldn’t that be amazing? It is far more usual for community groups to study the budget proposal for the coming season and wonder how the revenue will be found to keep the programs going. It would be nice to promise you a workshop that would end all of your financial worries, but that would be wildly optimistic. However, if you are looking for ways to increase the financial stability of your community organization and you are ready to look at your organization and your community with a new lens, your participation in this workshop could be a game changer. Learn how to spot opportunities for developing new revenue streams for your organization, that can help to support the artistic and educational programs you are developing for your community. Achieving financial stability is not easy, but it can be fun and creative. The process of becoming an entrepreneurial arts organization can lead to growth, financial security, investments for the future, and new programs that engage your community in new ways.
How to Develop Arts Marketing Plans that Attract Tourists to Your Local Events with Inga Petri | 2:30-4:00PM
Local audiences and tourists have different motivations to explore your local performing arts events or visual arts exhibits and galleries. These motivations coupled with the media visitors use to plan their trips and shortlist their preferred arts and cultural experiences underlie your marketing plans to attract tourists to your local events.
In this workshop delivered by Inga Petri jointly with Travel Manitoba, we will explore the types of travellers that come to rural Manitoba, the role of cultural activities in their stays and how to get on their radar 1) while they plan their trip and 2) while they are in the area.
We will share examples of arts organizations that benefit from strong tourism draw for their programming and how they have achieved that success.
Finally, we will also look at how arts organizations can balance the need to market their events to local audiences and to visitors at the same time.
Saturday, October 28
Community Engagement: Adding Value and Making Your Arts Organization Essential to Your Community with Trudy Schroeder | 10:00-11:30AM
The potential to engage your community in new ways goes far beyond your existing audience members. Thinking about your organization and its community in a big picture way can yield big benefits for your organization and for your community as a whole. Cultural organizations are so focused on their existing programs, audience members, financial difficulties, or venue challenges, that they forget to critically assess the ways in which they can help to be transformative forces in their communities. Discover a tool kit of ideas to make your arts organization essential to your community. Think big. Your community will thank you. Learn to assess the needs and opportunities in your community that can help your organization become a more valued and appreciated part of your thriving region.
Rethinking the Audience Experience: A Hands-On Workshop to Explore how to Deliver Value-Added Events with Inga Petri | 10:00-11:30AM
We know enjoyment drives repeat purchase for performing arts. We know memorable events often are more enjoyable, too. The traditional event model often focuses on logistics and the performer, but to truly engage and delight attendees, it’s crucial to go beyond these basics. Join us as we reimagine the audience experience and discover how to create value-added events that leave a lasting impact.
In this interactive workshop, we will work through how to gain deeper insights into your target audience, including their needs, preferences, and expectations. And together, we will explore creative methods to enhance the overall event experience through thoughtful design, engagement activities, and personalized touchpoints.
We will explore the full audience experience from how you bring your events to market, to the venue and show experience to post-show follow-up to encourage buying the next show, too. We’ll also discuss budget implications, if any, to implement new approaches to creating truly memorable events.