2026 Arizona Presenters Alliance Conference Sponsored by Scottsdale Arts
August 11-13, 2026
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock
Conference Theme:
What Comes Next, Together: Collaboration, Courage, and Collective Action
At a time when the performing arts field continues to evolve, this year’s conference focuses on how we move forward, not alone, but in partnership. From supporting artists beyond the stage to exploring new models of collaboration and shared sustainability, the 2026 conference will bring together presenters, artists, and leaders from across the state to exchange ideas, build connections, and imagine what’s possible when we work collectively.
Schedule
(Subject to change)
Tuesday August 11, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Board Meeting
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Pre Conference Check-in
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Pre-Conference Intensive
From Pitch to Program: How Work Really Gets Booked
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM New Attendee Orientation
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Dine Arounds (Self-pay, sign-up coming soon.)
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Welcome Reception (Self-pay, @ Hilton Shadow Rock Tap & Table)
Wednesday August 12, 2026
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Conference Check -In
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM Welcome
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM Session #1 Keynote Safwat Saleem
Curating the Future: Risk, Relevance and Strategic Courage
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM Break
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM Session #2
Town Hall Pitch Session/Artist Showcase (Apply Here.)
12:30 PM - 1:45 PM Lunch (Included w/conference)
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM Session #3
Tempe Playlist & Tucson Loves Music: Building a Local Music Ecosystem Through Partnership (Sponsored by Tempe Center for the Arts.)
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM Break
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM Session #4
The Power of Collaboration
4:45 PM - 5:45 PM Networking Activity
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Dinner Break (Self-pay)
8:30 PM - 10:00 PM Social Activity (Self-pay, @ Shadow Rock Tap & Table)
Thursday August 13, 2026
5:45 AM - 8:30 AM Group Hike
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM APA Business Meeting & State of the State Government Arts
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Session #5
Financial Sustainability Town Hall
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Break/Hotel Check-out
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM Lunch (Included w/conference)
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Sessions #6
Training for a Changed Field: Preparing Artist for What Comes Next
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Sessions #7
Let's Have Some Fun & Win Prizes!
3:30 PM - 3:45 PM Closing Remarks
Thank you to our 2026 Conference Sponsors!
