Networking & Social Events

In addition to being fun and entertaining, our social events are also prime networking opportunities. Don’t miss a chance to make new or renew existing connections and spend time with friends and colleagues!

Opening-Night Party: Wednesday, September 17

Sponsored by Tommy Flemming, the Voice of Ireland, represented by Windwood Theatricals

Join us as we kick off the Conference in style at the Midland Theatre, one of Kansas City’s most treasured buildings. Featuring Czechoslovakian chandeliers and ornate marble balustrades in the lobby and beautiful stained glass in the main theater, the Midland was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

Mingle with old friends and new in the delightful ambiance at this landmark establishment. Add a drink from the cash bar and enjoy the sounds of Tommy Flemming. Whether you’re continuing a conversation from a pre-Conference seminar or meeting up with old friends, the Opening-Night party is prime networking time.

All-Conference Luncheon: Thursday, September 18

Sponsored by Alisdair Fraser & Natalie Haas, represented by Mike Green & Associates

Join us at the Conference’s largest gathering, featuring a performance by Alisdair Fraser & Natalie Haas.

Alasdair Fraser, Scotland’s premier fiddle ambassador, and Natalie Haas, sizzling cellist, display dazzling teamwork; driving, dancing rhythms; and a shared passion for improvising on the melody and groove of Scottish tunes. The fiddle and cello duck and dive around each other, swapping melodic and harmonic lines and trading rhythmic riffs.

Plenary Session & Luncheon: Friday, September 19

Keynote speaker: Alan Brown, principal, WolfBrown

Sponsored by the Missouri Arts Council

Don’t miss this year’s Plenary Session, featuring a keynote address by Alan Brown. In a speech entitled “Rising to the Challenge: The Future of Arts Marketing,” Alan will discuss the future of arts marketing and insights gleaned from recent new research on audiences.

Brunch: Saturday, September 20

Sponsored by The Yu Wei Dance Collection, represented by SMG Artists

Relax and continue networking at this all-Conference gathering, featuring a 15-minute performance by Yu Wei.

Yu Wei’s Chinese Dance Collection combines dance with cinematic vignettes depicting the stories of the dances and Yu Wei’s life as one of China’s premier dancers. The dances incorporate breathtaking costumes and their meaning is steeped in Chinese culture and history.

Closing-Night Reception: Saturday, September 20

Sponsored by Ball in the House, represented by the Betsy DuBois Agency

Put on your party clothes and join your friends and colleagues in celebrating the end of another productive Conference. Make that one last connection before you head out to dinner or a last night on the town as you grab a snack and a drink and enjoy the sounds of Ball in the House.