FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FUNDAMENTALS

When is the 2025 WAA Annual Conference?

The WAA Annual Conference is Monday, September 2 through Friday, September 5.

Where is the conference being held?

The 2025 Conference Headquarters is located at the JW Marriott at LA Live — 900 West Olympic Los Angeles, CA 90015.

How do I register?

Members can register through the member portal beginning May 1. Nonmembers wishing to register will need to follow the forthcoming nonmember registration guidelines.

How much is registration?

Registration pricing is forthcoming.

SHOWCASE

What is the Juried Showcase?

WAA’s Juried Showcase is the only official showcase at the WAA Conference. For over 20 years, the Juried Showcase has become known as watchlist for new and innovative talent in the performing arts. The Showcase dates are Tuesday, September 2, Wednesday, September 3, and Thursday, September 4 located at iconic venues throughout Los Angeles.What is the Independent Showcase?

How do I showcase at WAA?

To be an official selection, you must apply by the deadline. Your application will be reviewed by a panel of peers in a competitive selection process. Applications for the Juried Showcase will open February 5 and close at 5pm PT on March 14.

What are Independent Showcases?

Independent showcases are showcase opportunities produced independently from WAA. Independent producers may purchase a showcase listing to appear in the WAA Conference app and other materials during the following days and times:

· Tuesday, September 2 | 10:00am - Midnight

· Wednesday, September 3 | 6pm - Midnight

· Thursday, September 4 | 6pm - Midnight

· Friday, September 5 | 10:00am - Midnight

How can I take part in the Independent Showcase?

Please contact independent showcase producers individually for availability and rates. We will provide contact information for any open calls. Details forthcoming.

EXHIBITING & MEETING SPACE

What is the “The Commons?”  

The Commons is more than a tradeshow, it’s a community. The Commons is a collection of exhibition and meeting spaces where colleagues gather to network and conduct business. Not too big, and not too small, we limit the footprint to one large ballroom with just under 200 spaces and an airy atrium with a café and a VIP lounge for next level meetings.

What types of spaces are available?

You can choose a roomy booth (10 x 8, 8 x 8, or 5 x 8) to exhibit arresting visual displays that introduce your roster or service to new clientele or an intimate tabletop café or bistro space to reconnect with steady clients. Café and Bistro spaces do no have pipe and drape and measure 6.5' x 6.5'. There are also a limited number of small meeting tables available for Tier 1 members to reserve. This year we will also offer The Lounge, a new meeting experience for artists and agents to do business differently.

What’s allowed in exhibit spaces? Where can I see the floor plan?

You can learn more about WAA’s display restrictions and guidelines here. The floor plan for The Commons will be published when all registration information is available, in mid-March.

Can I request my preferred exhibit space?

Members in the 15+ exhibitor loyalty group (those who have been exhibiting consistently at WAA for 15 years or more) may request their preferred exhibit spaces. All other exhibitors will placed in the hall by lottery. Learn about our exhibitor loyalty policy here.

Note that there are a limited number of premium exhibit spaces, available to anyone, at an upgrade cost of $150.

How do I reserve an exhibit or meeting space?

Only WAA Members can purchase a meeting space beginning May 1. If you have previously purchased an exhibit or meeting space or if you are a sponsor, you have the option to purchase a space during the following presale times:

· March 18-25: Sponsor placement.

· April 1-8: Loyalty placement I (15+ years).

· April 15-22: Loyalty placement II (<14 years).

· May 1: New placement begins.

I am an agent. Do I have to reserve an exhibit space to participate in the conference?

No. Exhibiting is not required to attend WAA.

How many exhibit spaces can I have?   

A single organization can purchase up to three exhibit spaces.

How much does it cost to exhibit?  

Exhibit spaces may be purchased in conjunction with a full conference registration. Exhibit space pricing is based on your membership tier. Pricing for The Commons will be published when all registration information is available, in mid-March.

When will I be informed of my exhibit space location?  

If you purchase an exhibit or meeting space during presale events (March 18-April 22), you will be informed of your space location no later than April 30. Any remaining exhibit spaces will be released for sale beginning May 1. Those registering after May 1 onward will be informed of their space location within a week of registering.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Conference Producers at conference@westarts.org.