2026 Arizona Presenters Alliance Conference Sponsored by Scottsdale Arts

August 11-13, 2026
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock

THANK YOU to everyone who attended and to all the sponsors of our 2026 conference.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

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

Tuesday August 11, 2026

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Board Meeting - @ Ironwood Room

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Pre Conference Check-in

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Pre-Conference Workshop - @ Oak Creek Canyon Room

From Pitch to Program: How Work Really Gets Booked

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM New Attendee Orientation - @ Oak Creek Canyon Room

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Dine Arounds (Self-pay) Sign up here! Limited spots available.

7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Welcome Reception w/performance by QVLN

(Self-pay, @ Hilton Shadow Rock)

Wednesday August 12, 2026

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Conference Check -In

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM Welcome

9:15 AM - 10:30 AM Session #1 Keynote Safwat Saleem

Curating the Future: Risk, Relevance and Strategic Courage

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM Break

10:45 AM - 12:15 PM Session #2

Town Hall Pitch Session/Artist Showcase

12:30 PM - 1:45 PM Lunch (Included w/conference @ Shadow Rock)

2:00 PM - 3:15 PM Session #3 Panel Discussion

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 Speaker Renae Williams Niles

The Power of Collaboration

4:45 PM - 5:45 PM Networking Activity

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Dinner Break

8:30 PM - 10:00 PM Reception w/ DJ On Brand (Self-pay, @ Shadow Rock)

Thursday August 13, 2026

5:45 AM - 8:30 AM Group Hike w/ Kevin Fedarko

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM The Power of Public Lands and Wild Spaces w/ Kevin Fedarko

State of the State Government Arts &APA Business Meeting

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Session #5 Speaker Herb Stratford

Financial Sustainability Town Hall

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Break/Hotel Check-out

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM Lunch (Included w/conference @ Shadow Rock)

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Session #6 Panel Discussion

Training for a Changed Field: Preparing Artist for What Comes Next

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Session #7

Let's Have Some Fun & Win Prizes!

3:30 PM - 3:45 PM Closing Remarks

Conference Location:

Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock

The APA conference is returning to the newly renovated and stunning hotel. Click the button below to reserve your room and receive the exclusive discounted conference rate.