I’m excited to be returning to B.C. this fall for the 2026 edition of Pacific Contact to lead another professional development session for artists, agents, and presenters from across the performing arts sector.

This year’s session, Why This Show Sold Out (And That One Didn’t), explores an enduring question: why do some shows connect immediately with audiences while others struggle?

It’s time for an honest conversation about what actually motivates people to attend live events. Together, we’ll look beyond promotion alone and explore the factors that shape audience desire and decision-making: clarity of offer, audience fit, emotional connection, trust, priorities, and barriers to participation.

We’ll also unpack the roles artists, agents, and presenters all play in helping audiences move from awareness to action — and why successful events are often the result of alignment across many small decisions rather than any single marketing tactic.

Like last year’s workshop, this session will be highly interactive and completely powerpoint-free. No slides. No panels. Just conversation, shared experience, and practical exchange between people doing this work every day.

One of my favourite parts of last year’s session was the energy in the room. Participants were incredibly generous with their stories, questions, frustrations, and ideas. It was a good reminder that much of the most valuable learning in our sector happens face to face, in real conversation with peers.

I’m looking forward to continuing the conversation at Pacific Contact 2026. Maybe I’ll see you there.