Menu Close

Artist Professional Development Day

Manitoba Showcase Conference

Your Guide to Navigating the Touring Industry:

A one-day Professional Development Session presented by Manitoba Arts Network at Manitoba Showcase

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Venue: Steinbach Arts Council

Home > 2023 Manitoba Showcase > Artist Professional Development Day

Your Guide to Navigating the Touring Industry: A one-day Professional Development Session presented by Manitoba Arts Network at Manitoba Showcase

Attend the NEW Artist Professional Development Day:

Whether you are a new artist or a seasoned touring artist, this session is for you. If you are looking to market yourself in Canada or the United States, you will learn about all aspects of showcasing, learn about digital marketing, how to work with agents and discover effective methods to broaden your influence within communities.. Throughout the event, you’ll have the chance to engage experts from MB Music, MAN, Manitoba Indigenous Touring Network, Prairie Debut, and ThePitch.ca.

Beyond the structured presentations, you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in informal roundtable discussions. For those interested, there’s the option to present a pitch or deliver a mini-performance, receiving constructive feedback from the panelists. This segment involves showcasing one song along with your pitch while the presenters are in attendance.

Unlocking Opportunities: Elevating Your Career through Effective Artist Showcasing

Facilitated by Rhonda Head (Manitoba Arts Network), Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais (Indigenous Music Development Program, Manitoba Music) Cheryl Ewing (Showcase Manager) & Po Yeh (Prairie Debut).

Are you ready to take your career as an artist to the next level? Whether you’re a budding talent or a seasoned performer, our workshop on is tailored just for you.

In the dynamic landscape of the entertainment industry, the art of showcasing is a powerful tool that can propel your career to new heights. Join us in this engaging workshop as we delve into the strategies and insights essential for leveraging artist showcasing as a stepping stone to success.

Highlights of the workshop:

  • Strategic Showcasing Techniques: Discover the art of strategic showcasing and how it can effectively amplify your presence in both local and international arenas. Learn how to curate your performances to resonate with your target audience and leave a lasting impact.
  • Forging Relationships with Agents: Agents can be instrumental in advancing your career. Gain insights into the dynamics of artist-agent relationships, learn how to effectively communicate your vision, and understand the steps to establish fruitful partnerships.
  • Community Engagement and Impact: Beyond the stage, artists hold the power to make a positive impact within communities. Discover how to extend your influence beyond your performances and create meaningful connections with your audience.
  • Expert Perspectives: Our workshop brings together industry experts from renowned organizations such as MB Music, MAN, Manitoba Indigenous Touring Network, Prairie Debut, and ThePitch.ca. Learn directly from those who have successfully navigated the path you aspire to tread.

Lunch & Roundtable Discussions

Roundtable Discussions: Engage in lively discussions with fellow participants and experts. Share experiences, gain valuable insights, and network with like-minded individuals.

Each session will last 20 minutes. You can leave and join another table if you find that the information presented is not of value to where you are in your career. Lunch will be provided.

You will have an opportunity to participate in three different sessions including:

1. Pitfalls of Touring and Showcase Applications – Cheryl Ewing, Showcase Manager 
2. Digital Marketing & Digital Presence – Inga Petri, Strategic Moves
3. Working with Agents – Petrice Brett, Booking & Marketing Coordinator, Axis Theatre
4. Expanding Your Impact within Your Community – Po Yeh, Prairie Debut 
5. The Indigenous perspective: if you want to collaborate with Indigenous artists what do you need to be aware of and how to access the Manitoba Indigenous touring network – Rhonda Head
6. Artist Management – Josh Marantz, Artist Management
7. What MB Music Offers – Shaneen Robinson-Desjarlais, Indigenous Music Development Program, MB Music

thepitch.ca

How to Boost an Artist’s Online Discoverability – What’s New and What Works

Led by Inga Petri, representing ThePitch.ca a new online application designed to help artists increase their digital presence.

Boosting an artist’s online discoverability is crucial in today’s digital age. This workshop is designed to explore how to move from merely being present online to creating and maintaining a powerful, integrated digital footprint that can help artists grow their online presence and reach a wider audience.

Participants will explore effective techniques to optimize their search engine rankings, understand your Google presence, leverage social media platforms, online directories, and utilize emerging digital tools. They will learn how to create a cohesive online presence, storytelling and content marketing, and ultimately expand their fanbase. We will also touch on new digital tools to promote your live shows to venues, festivals and other arts presenters.

This hour-long tour de force we’ll move from getting the basics right to knowing how to evaluate your digital impact and optimize your time and effort to achieve your specific goals.

Bromantics performing at the 2022 Showcase Conference

Practicing Pitches/Song Sharing Circles

Pitch and Feedback Opportunity: For those seeking personalized guidance, you’ll have the chance to present a 5 minute pitch or a mini-performance. Receive constructive feedback from our panelists, helping you refine your approach and presentation skills.


You must sign up for an opportunity to practice your pitch, or song sharing circle with an audience of peers and presenters. You will be given constructive feedback to help you increase your effectiveness. Spots are on a first come, first served basis and is limited to 6 spots

Meet the Facilitators: