Sept 8 - 11 | Oakland, CA

Circle Up!

This year in Oakland, we're doing what the performing arts community does best: gather close, share resources, and build collective solutions to individual problems. From cost-sharing models to programming that works, we'll circle up and figure it out together. 

Because here's what we know: No presenter succeeds alone. No artist tours solo. No agent builds a sustainable roster by themselves. We need each other to build seasons, partnerships, and networks that make sustainable presenting possible.

Photo: 605 Collective, WAA 2015; image courtesy of the artist

“WAA is one of the few places where I can really talk to a group of likeminded people about the type of work I want to do and have other people just sort of get it. It’s a close-knit community, a nice community, and a welcoming one. I always look forward to WAA as the kick-off to my booking season.”

— Aisha Ahmad-Post, Newman Center for the Performing Arts

  • "Through WAA, I’ve been able to build meaningful connections, learn the booking process, and form relationships that have guided me forward. The mentors I’ve met through this community have generously shared their wisdom and helped me navigate the early stages of this business."

    — Angelica Brunetti, Artist Representative

  • "WAA has consistently provided me with opportunities for networking, professional development, collaboration with colleagues and new connections. The conferences take me to cities I want to explore and I continue to learn."

    — Lenore D Naxon, WAA Presenting 101 Instructor

  • "Just the honor of meeting with, renewing and sharing information with the great group of presenters who attend the annual conference. Lifelong friendships have been gained through the interactions at the conference and through conversations during the year."

    — Bruce Labadie, San Jose Jazz

  • "Through WAA, I discovered a broader community of emerging leaders who shared my questions, frustrations, and hopes for a more equitable field. I hadn’t realized how many of us existed, let alone that we were starting to organize. That “I’m not alone in this” moment is why I joined the board: to help activate that energy, make room for more voices like ours, and keep the circle open for whoever comes next."

    – Josh Ellis, Creative West

  • "Through my years as a presenter and now agent, WAA has nurtured embracing the many stories that make up the performing arts –on the stage and in the community. I am forever grateful for the long-standing friendships in the field that began at WAA. My people, my circle."

    – Karen Fischer, Pacifika Artist Network

  • "WAA has always been the conference where, as part of a service organization, I am able to connect with artists and arts organizations that need assistance on emergency preparedness, archiving, and grant development. I have been a speaker, sponsor, and participated in the 1-on-1 consulting opportunities and had a steady stream of people to speak with. WAA is a conference where work gets done and relationships are forged."

    – Tom Clareson, Performing Arts Readiness

  • "WAA was critical to my career.  It is where I met mentors, role-models, colleagues, and major leaders in our field.  We don’t have any other type of professional association that supports our career development and unified advocacy efforts the way a guild might or a union might.  In addition to wanting my institution to be a supporter of WAA, I feel that I, too, must personally support the organization as a way of acknowledging the important roles that it has played in my professional life."

    — MIchael Alexander, Caltech

WAA 2025; video credit: misterpsychedelia

See it.
Talk about it.
Book it! 

You asked for more focus and intentionality, so we’re introducing Conference Circles!

Conference Circles are thematic communities organized around a theme and link showcases, professional development, and networking opportunities throughout the conference. Learn about our inaugural circles and how you can get involved. 

We're stronger when we circle up. 

600+ performing arts professionals. Four days. One circle. Let's get to work. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest conference updates and opportunities to participate.

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