Private Showcases

FAI is one of the few music industry conferences that offers everyone in attendance the opportunity to present independent showcases and allows all artists to play self-presented sets for all attending industry representatives.

Private Showcases are not open to the public. You must register for the conference to perform or attend a Private Showcase.

Where, When & What?

Private Showcases take place on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors of the hotel, primarily in guest rooms and suites. Each individual room is contracted out to a Private Showcase Presenter who in turn books and schedules performances of registered conference attendees. Anyone can apply to become a Private Showcase Presenter (examples: labels, organizations, agents, artists etc.) Applications open August 1, 2018.

Applications to host a Private Showcase are now full. If you’d like to be on the waitlist, please fill out this form. If you’re an artist interested in performing in a Private Showcase, you can still contact hosts to perform in their rooms here.

Presenters must pay a US$135 (per room) Private Showcase Hosting fee. This fee is separate from the cost of the room, chair rental, bed removal, hospitality, and conference registration. All fees are non-refundable. 

Private Showcases are late night events and take place Wednesday through Saturday from 10:30pm – 3am. Each conference attendee receives a Pocket Guide that lists all Private Showcase performances.

Private Showcases are acoustic (no amplification or sound systems in standard rooms, with limited sound in the suites and premium rooms) and run from 15-30 minutes depending on the presenter. Some presenters charge a nominal fee to help underwrite the costs of the room and hospitality. Average fees run between $20-$30 per slot. Many do not charge and some trade slots for performance slots in other rooms.

Tips for Getting a Private Showcase

• Research the Private Showcase Presenter list (updated weekly starting mid-August), find the host’s contact info using your internet prowess, and send a direct, personal email (not bulk!).
• Your personal email should be concise and include the same info as the forum post: link to video, short bio, and contact info. You should also include how many people are in your band, and your geographic location.
• Start early! Rooms fill up fast and any available space is filled quickly.
• FAI members are encouraged to post to the Private Showcase Forum. Your post should include a live video clip (of the act which will be performing at the conference), a short bio, and contact info. See sample post in the forum for instructions. Private Showcase Presenters receive a weekly digest of the forum to book acts for their rooms.

FAI-Hosted Private Showcase Rooms

FAI hosts four different Private Showcase rooms: a First-Timers Room, an Indigenous Room, an International Room, and a Traditional Music Room. These rooms are on the Private Showcase floors and are available to any artist who is registered for the Folk Alliance International Conference. Placement is first-come, first-serve. Click here to apply.