Arts Midwest

Make the most of your first Midwest Arts Conference experience by joining the New Colleague Connection! Here’s what you can expect from participating.

Prior to the Conference

• Sign up when you register for the Conference, or send an e-mail to katherine@artsmidwest.org if you’ve already registered.
• We’ll match you with a mentor so you can start your conversation and ask questions before you get to the Conference.
• We’ll give you some helpful tips and resources to plan and prepare for the Conference (view the 2009 primer below; 2010 version coming soon).
• Download the New Colleague Primer and get a jump start on preparing for the Conference! [76 KB PDF]

What happens at the Conference

• Don’t miss the orientation session on the first day of the Conference, where you’ll meet your mentor and other new colleagues.
• Take advantage of workshops and social events specifically for new colleagues.
• Tour the Marketplace exhibit hall with experienced mentors when it first opens.
• Ask questions and make new connections.

Onsite events

• “101” Workshops: Get a jump start or refresh your memory about the basics at one of these introductory workshops, which take place on the first day of the Conference.
  • Artist Managers and Agents 101
  • Presenting 101
  • Self-Represented Artists 101

• New Colleague Connection Orientation
  Program co-chairs and other leaders provide insights on Marketplace exhibit hall etiquette, networking, and professional development at this session, which takes place on the first day of the Conference. New colleagues will meet with experienced mentors and other new colleagues in small groups with ample time for discussion and questions. All new colleagues and students (whether you’re new to the field or are just attending this Conference for the first time) are welcomed.

• New Attendee Mingler
  We all remember what it’s like to be a “newbie”…it can be a little overwhelming! All Conference attendees are welcomed at this informal event, which is an opportunity for those who are brand new (or even relatively new) to this Conference to meet more folks in the same boat and get some pointers from those who have been through this kind of event a time or two. It’s a great time to make connections and scope things out before heading over to the Opening-Night Party.

• New Colleague Connection Marketplace Tour
  A special tour of the Marketplace takes place when the hall first opens, led by program co-chairs and mentors, offering new colleagues the opportunity to learn more about how to navigate the exhbit hall.

• Saturday Brunch
  Tables are reserved at this event on the last day of the Conference for new colleagues and mentors to reconnect and regroup, where you can ask questions and compare notes from the previous several days.

Questions?

Contact Katherine Haugen at katherine@artsmidwest.org or 612.238.8028.