FIRST-TIMER’S GUIDE

This guide was created to help you establish a plan for your first time attending our conference!

ABOUT FAIFolk Alliance International (FAI) was founded in 1989 to connect folk

music leaders aiming to sustain the community and genre. The leading

international voice for folk music, FAI is a 31-year-old arts nonprofit

based in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. The organization’s expanded global

network now includes more than 3,000 members and a worldwide

community of cultural sector entrepreneurs and leaders that includes

artists, record labels, publishers, presenters, agents, managers, arts

administrators, and more.

We fulfill our mission through Education, Networking, and Advocacy as well as Field, Professional, and Consumer

Development. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values of FAI.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCEThe Folk Alliance International Conference, presented by Folk Alliance International, is the world’s largest gathering

of the folk music industry and community (crossing a diverse array of genres including Appalachian, Americana,

Blues, Bluegrass, Celtic, Cajun, Francophone, Global Roots, Hip-Hop, Indigenous, Latin, Old Time, Singer-

Songwriter, Spoken Word, Traditional, and Zydeco). The annual conference (now in its 32nd year) draws 2,900

artists and industry (agents, managers, publishers, labels, festival/venue presenters, promoters, media) dedicated to

folk music. Delegates who attended the 2019 conference represented 47 countries.

INTRODUCTION

To serve, strengthen, and engage the global folk music community through

preservation, presentation, and promotion.

OUR MISSION:

New Orleans

REGISTERThere are many affordable ways to attend the conference. First, we highly recommend that you become a member of

FAI. Members get discounted registrations, are eligible for scholarships, and are able to volunteer fewer hours than

non-members in exchange for a free registration.

MEMBERSHIPThere are seven types of memberships:

• Non-Voting Membership (non-industry professionals, non-artist members, typically fans)

• Individual Membership (one person who is part of the folk music industry)

• Partner Membership (two people -- life, business, or performing partners)

• Small Organization (bands up to 5 members and For-Profit Organizations/festivals/agencies with an annual budget less than $250,000 or Not-for-Profit Organizations with an annual budget of less than $375,000)

• Medium Organization (bands with 6-9 members and For-Profit Organizations/festivals/agencies with an annual budget between $250,000 and $750,000 or Not-for-Profit Organizations with an annual budget between $375,000 and $1 Million)

• Large Organization (bands with 10-20 members and For-Profit Organizations/festivals/agencies with an annual budget more than $750,000 or Not-for-Profit Organizations with an annual budget of more than $1 Million)

• Lifetime Membership (one person with a membership that never expires)

Memberships expire one year after purchase. Member enrollment is open all year, and benefits begin immediately.

PRE-CONFERENCE

2020 THEME: THE STORY OF PEOPLE AND PLACEFAI’s 32nd conference heads to the vibrant city of

New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, Mardi

Gras, and incredible cuisine. A historical center

of trade, the city has provided the setting for people

to overcome language and cultural barriers by

connecting through music and cuisine. We will

celebrate places of collaboration and the shaping of

new shared identities, art, and forms of expression.

Programming will explore the themes of diversity,

inclusion, immigration, intersection, and influence.

DEADLINESPay attention to registration deadlines! Many people miss out on discounts simply because they weren’t aware of

the deadlines. Each year there are tiered discount rates (the dates of these rates will fluctuate). Register early for

significant savings. Only FAI members can register at the early bird rate.

The prices listed are per person. This means that if you are a band, the group rate listed is what you will pay per each

member of the band. We provide an additional discounted rate to Official Showcase acts with six or

more band members (please contact the FAI office for more details).

ROLES OF CONFERENCE ATTENDEES When registering, you will select your primary (and possibly secondary) role. Your badge at the conference will

display this selection. The most common roles are Artist, Industry, Presenter, Media, and Associate. You may

also see other badges at the conference such as Staff, Guest, and Press. It’s important to understand what each of

these roles mean so that you know who you’re talking to when you meet someone!

The “Artist” role is pretty self explanatory. “Industry” includes managers, agents, record labels, recording studios,

producers, publicists, and more. “Presenter” includes those who produce or book festivals, house concerts, concert

series, venues, camps, etc.

2020 PRICING SCHEDULE

VOLUNTEERINGVolunteering is a great, affordable way to attend the conference and meet other people in the FAI community. We

recommend you become an FAI member first, as members only have to volunteer for 16 hours during the conference

(non-members must commit to 22 hours). Examples of the types of teams that need volunteer are: registration, merch,

private showcases, instrument check, green team, hospitality, stage crew, and more. Many volunteers have specific

skills that they can lend to specific teams, but don’t fret if you’re unsure where you’d be a good fit! A good attitude

and willingness to help out is all we need.

OFFICIAL SHOWCASESArtist tipsThere are two types of showcases at the conference: Official Showcases and Private Showcases. There are 180

juried Official Showcases from 4pm-8:30pm, Wednesday through Saturday, in the ballrooms of the hotel. Artists

must submit an application to be considered for a showcase (applications for 2020 are now closed).

While Official Showcases are the highest profile performance opportunity at the conference, there are countless

other ways to connect, be heard, and be seen. The daytime panels, accelerator, mentoring, and network events

provide unparalleled access to a global industry. Come with a game plan and introduce yourself!

PRIVATE SHOWCASESArtist tipsPrivate Showcases happen in individual rooms on three floors of the hotel. Each room is contracted out to a Private

Showcase Presenter who in turn books and schedules short or scheduled 15-30 minute performances of registered

conference attendees. Anyone can apply to present a Private Showcase room. Examples of room hosts are labels,

music export offices, agents, artists, labels, etc. This is where the magic happens! These performances go from

10:30pm-3am. Artists can book multiple showcases, and it can be a delicate balancing act. While showcasing can

be a highlight of the conference, make sure to get adequate sleep so that you don’t miss the important panels and

networking sessions during the day.

To book a Private Showcase, visit our site for the list of Private Showcase Presenters. Many (although not all)

presenters list their contact information, so you can email them directly to ask for a slot. If their contact info isn’t listed

(some choose not to post it), you’re still free to use your personal connections or other means to reach out. FAI’s

website also hosts a public forum with Private Showcase opportunities.

FAI hosts two First-Timer Private Showcases. Make sure to apply!

RESOURCESThere is a plethora of information available, both from FAI and from the community. While preparing for your first

conference, make sure to use your resources!

First, the conference website. Here you will find all things conference-related, including the attendee list, daytime

programming schedule, evening programming schedule, travel/visa info, and more.

Use the Attendee List to reach out to conference attendees in advance. This is a very valuable tool that can help you

plan out who you want to meet at the conference, or who you want to invite to your showcases. However, please be

mindful of spam guidelines. Only send relevant information to relevant contacts. This is also a great way to follow up

with attendees after the conference. Please note that the attendee list with contact information is only available to FAI

members. Non-members can still view the list without email addresses.

Plan your schedule with our daytime and evening programming schedules. Highlight the panels and sessions you

want to attend, check out the showcases that are a must-see, and make sure to schedule in some time for rest!

For attendees who are coming from outside of Canada, we have important [visa information] on our website. Make

sure to review this well in advance of the conference to make sure you are prepared.

Don’t forget about the conference mobile app as well! This has all of the above information, and the option to

“favorite” panels and showcases to create a tailor-made schedule for yourself.

Be sure to follow FAI on social media, and sign up for the mailing list. FAI will be sending out important conference

weekly emails starting in December.

Last but not least, you’ll definitely want to sign up for the Connecting Folk program! Connecting Folk is a program to

welcome and orient first-time FAI Conference attendees by matching them with a veteran FAI attendee who will act

as a guide for the upcoming conference. Guides share tips, advice, and act as a resource for first-timers leading up

to the conference.

Connecting Folk is a great way to network and get advice in a casual, low-key setting. Past first-timers who were a

part of this program found it to be extremely valuable in preparing for the conference and meeting key contacts in

the industry during and after the conference!

/folkalliance @folk_alliance @folkalliance FolkAlliance

STRATEGY AND PLANNINGThe most important thing to do before the conference is come with a plan. What are your goals? Are you looking for

a manager? Are you in need of a publicist? A label? Are you wanting to expand to a new touring territory? Once

you figure out your goals of the conference, you’ll be able to more easily plan out your schedule. Paul Barker of

Barker House Concerts wrote a great guide specifically for marketing yourself and coming up with a specific action

plan at the conference. It is worth your time to read it!