1. Earlier Showtimes — Trend or Foe?

LOCATION: Italian By Night, 97 Germain St, Saint John, NB E2L 2E5
with Darcy Campbell, Confederation Centre of the Arts, PEI

Earlier curtain times are popping up everywhere—but are they actually helping? Darcy Campbell shares what they’ve learned from real data, audience feedback, and hands-on experience at Confederation Centre. This conversation will dig into who earlier shows work for, who they don’t, and why. Expect an honest look at the trade-offs, plus ideas for testing new times without risking attendance.

2. When Organizational Values Clash with Rental Profit Potential

LOCATION: Gahan House Port City- 87 Prince William St, Saint John, NB E2L 2B2
with Bethany Stout, Imperial Theatre, Saint John, NB

We’ve all faced it: a rental opportunity that looks great financially—but doesn’t quite sit right. Bethany Stout opens up a candid conversation about navigating those tough calls. Through real examples, this conversation explores how to weigh revenue against mission and values. You’ll leave with clearer ways to make decisions you can stand behind.

3. So You Want to Present Classical Music

LOCATION: Thandi-33 Canterbury St, Saint John, NB E2L 2C6
with Sarah Hagen

Building a classical audience? Sarah Hagen shares tips on building a classical audience through her experience with developing numerous successful concert series over the years. Ideas for discussion will include: curating a series, building community, concert timing and lengths.

4. Audience Development Through a Thriving Membership Program

LOCATION: Italian By Night, 97 Germain St, Saint John, NB E2L 2E5
with Kim Rayworth of the Capitol Theatre in Moncton, NB

In 2015, the Capitol replaced traditional subscriptions with a membership model that puts audience experience first—and it changed everything. What began as a goal of 100 households has grown into 2,200 members across five tiers, generating $120,000 annually. Join this dine-around to learn how strong benefits, great service, and team-wide alignment continue to drive growth year after year.

5. Climate Change and the Performing Arts

LOCATION: Thandi-33 Canterbury St, Saint John, NB E2L 2C6
with Erin Kennedy of CAPACOA

How is climate change showing up in your work? This dine-around invites presenters to compare notes on how climate impacts are affecting the performing arts across Canada’s diverse bioregions. From extreme weather and infrastructure challenges to shifting touring realities and community needs, the conversation will explore what’s changing where you live and how those changes are shaping the sector.

6. Agents & Managers Table

LOCATION: Gahan House Port City- 87 Prince William St, Saint John, NB E2L 2B2
Host TBA

An informal dinner for agents and managers to connect, compare notes, and discuss shared challenges in a peer-driven setting.