THE NEXT GREAT PERFORMANCE
WHY WAA?
Every year, hundreds of performing arts professionals gather to discover the next great performance. WAA’s annual conference combines the best of continuing education, marketplace, and festival programming into a dynamic four-day event. Presenters at every stage in their careers learn what it takes to effectively program live performances that resonate with today’s audiences, and artists get booked to perform on stages throughout the West and beyond.
See It First At WAA
As the first conference in the North American booking season, you’ll be the first to see the latest performances available to tour and learn about the new artists and shows represented by nearly 200 agencies. WAA agents represent a diverse range of genres from classical music to contemporary dance to theatre and more. You’ll also participate in fun networking receptions, informative workshops, and exciting forums—all designed to inspire and strengthen the performing arts field.
Lean Into Community
What sets WAA apart is that we’re more than a trade show, we’re a community. Business gets done at WAA, but not at the cost of relationships. People take center stage at WAA, which is why you’ll find our attendees connecting, sharing, and laughing, and leaning in… a lot! Read for yourself why our colleagues choose to come to WAA.
Rooted In The West, WAA Welcomes The World
You’ll feel our West Coast vibes the minute you step up to the registration table. Historically a regional conference, WAA attracts professionals from around the world. But what unites the presenters, artists, agents, arts consultants, and vendors that come to WAA is the shared love of the performing arts and the common belief that the performing arts are essential to the daily lives of those we serve. We’re also an open and affirming community, we value inclusion and promote diversity of thought, expression and culture that is inherent in our world.
MY WAA EXPERIENCE: COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVES
Why WAA? Hear from long-time attendees about the benefits of attending, tips on getting the most out of your WAA conference experience, and what makes WAA unique.
MEET THE PRODUCERS
CONFERENCE PRODUCERS
Carmen E. Himes is the President and CEO of misterpsychedelia. Her leadership not only builds brands but also nurtures communities, ensuring they flourish and leave a lasting impact. Carmen has partnered with prestigious organizations including the Philharmonics 100th Anniversary, Levit Pavilion, Los Angeles Urban League, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, the Social Justice Learning Institute, and the Center for the Arts Eagle Rock, among many others. Her extensive expertise in conferences, galas, street festivals, concerts, 5Ks, parades, and global art collectives showcases her ability to elevate any event to its highest potential.
Matthew Himes is the Creative Director of misterpsychedelia. He has served as the Director of Programming & Production at Levitt Los Angeles, showcasing his leadership in curating and executing compelling musical experiences. Matthew has also played pivotal roles for the Eagle Rock Center for the Arts, Perch and Mrs. Fish, and The Greek Theatre. With an unwavering passion for elevating the arts and creating unforgettable experiences, Matthew's influence extends to the festival circuit, where he has excelled as the Festival Director and Booker for the Comeback Festival, Night on Broadway, Tar Fest, and Festival & Video Director for Fieston En La Plaza.
misterpsychedelia is a 360 boutique creative agency with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, helping tell curated stories to the world at large. We specialize in talent curation, event & tour management, video marketing, and production technology, offering our expertise in analytical business development through compelling storytelling to creatives, for-profit & non-profits businesses, and brands in the equity, arts, music, and culture sectors.
Carmen and Matthew will produce the WAA Conference and you can contact them at conference@westarts.org.
SHOWCASE PRODUCER
Isabel Reyes, also known as Bellatini, is a culture curator with over 25 years of experience in the Film and TV industry, collaborating with Netflix, Telemundo, MTV and other major networks. Known for her expertise in casting and producing, she has played a pivotal role in projects such as Netflix’s “La Firma” and Roku’s “Serenata De Las Estrellas.” Her career is rooted in a passion for community building and inspiring artists to realize their full potential.
As a creative force beyond the screen, Isabel has contributed to large-scale events like Nextfest at the Los Angeles County Fair, showcasing her versatility in event production. She also spearheaded the DJ pilot program at Belvedere Park in East LA, training youth in the art of DJing and equipping them with employment opportunities—a program now expanding to over 36 parks across Los Angeles.
Isabel’s contributions to the arts and community have earned her recognition, including a Congressional Commendation by Representative Jimmy Gomez. She also uses DJing as a powerful tool to foster connection and joy, producing and hosting events that bring people together through music and culture.
As LABellatini, she is a sought-after DJ known for her eclectic mixes that span genres. Whether producing behind the scenes or performing on stage, Bellatini embodies artistry, innovation, and a deep commitment to uplifting her community. Her role as the 2025 Western Arts Alliance Showcase Producer continues her mission to create spaces where art and community thrive.
Isabel will produce the WAA Juried Showcase and you can contact her at showcase@westarts.org.
PAST WAA CONFERENCES
We bring our annual conference to a different city each year, making the most of the West’s vibrant performing arts infrastructure. We strive to produce an annual conference inspired by the city’s unique arts, culture, community, and infrastructure, and each year convene a Host Committee of local performing arts professionals to provide insight on and connections that help inform the scope and direction of the event.
SAVE THE DATES FOR FUTURE WAA CONFERENCES
WAA 2025 | Los Angeles, CA
September 2 - 5, 2025
WAA 2026 | Oakland, CA
September 8 - 11, 2026
WAA 2027 | Los Angeles, CA
September 7 - 10, 2027