Your Year with MAN: 2025–2026 Meetings & Sessions
Stay Connected. Stay Informed.
Welcome to our 2025–2026 Meeting and Webinar Schedule. This is your central hub for all upcoming sessions hosted by Manitoba Arts Network — including meetings, professional development webinars, info sessions, and regional gatherings.
Use the tabs below to explore sessions by month. Each listing includes details on the topic, time, and purpose of the meeting, so you can plan ahead and make the most of every opportunity to connect, learn, and collaborate.
All meetings will be held on Zoom unless otherwise noted.
- July 2025
- August 2025
- September 2025
- October 2025
- November 2025
- December 2025
- January 2026
- February 2026
- March 2026
- April 2026
- May 2026
🗓️ July 3, Thursday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Session 1: Igniting Influence
Topic: Empowering Community Connectors
Description:
How do we identify and support people who naturally bring others to events—especially younger, socially connected community members? Let’s explore ways to empower these “social spark plugs” to become arts ambassadors.
Why this matters:
These individuals can help grow interest and energy around events in ways that marketing alone can’t. Supporting them helps build long-term arts engagement in the community.
🗓️ July 17, Thursday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Session 2: Designing the Wow
Topic: Creating VIP & Enhanced Audience Experiences
Description:
What makes a performance feel truly special? We’ll exchange ideas for creating elevated audience moments—from pre-show artist talks to Instagrammable photo ops—that deepen engagement and create lasting memories.
Why this matters:
When people feel personally connected to a show, they’re more likely to return, tell others, and form lasting ties to the arts organization.
🗓️ July 31, Thursday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Info Session: Municipal Toolkits for Headliner Tour
Description:
This session walks you through how to use the municipal toolkit to advocate for local support and funding for the Headliner Tour.
Why this matters:
Equipping presenters and community partners with clear tools and language helps them successfully make the case for municipal investment in touring performances.
🗓️ August 7, Thursday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Session 3: Framing the Show
Topic: Programming for Different Audiences
Description:
How can we package and promote performances in ways that resonate with a range of audiences? Let’s discuss programming frames that connect with communities through familiarity, storytelling, and co-creation.
Why this matters:
Presenting shows through relatable themes gives people more ways to connect and feel welcome—even if they don’t know the performers.
🗓️ August 14, Thursday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Session 4: Beyond the Stage
Topic: Building Affinity through Taste Communities
Description:
How can we stay connected to audiences—even when they’re not in the room—and also bring new ones through the door? This session explores how organizations can build cultural affinity through digital content and community programming, while also broadening reach and increasing in-person engagement.
Why this matters:
Creating multiple connection points makes people feel part of a broader arts community — even if they can’t always attend events in person.
🗓️ August 21, Thursday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Info Session – Member Orientation (Organizations)
Description:
A walkthrough of member benefits, including coaching opportunities and how to access the member resource repository.
Why this matters:
Helping members understand and use their benefits strengthens engagement and builds confidence in the network.
🗓️ August 22, Friday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Info Session – Member Orientation (Individual Members & Advocates)
Description:
An orientation session tailored for individual members and advocates.
Why this matters:
It ensures everyone feels welcome, informed, and equipped to make the most of their membership.
🗓️ August 28, Thursday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Session 5: Testing the Model
Topic: Field Study – Trialing Membership Offers
Description:
Exploring real-world experiments in creating and offering community membership models.
Why this matters:
Testing different approaches allows us to find what resonates most with our communities — and adapt based on real feedback.
🗓️ September 9, Tuesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Block Booking Meeting – Program Orientation
Description:
An overview of how block booking works, including member agreements and blind bidding.
Why this matters:
This session ensures everyone understands the process, expectations, and best practices for successful tour planning and coordination.
🗓️ September 10, Wednesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Info Session – What to Expect (Showcase Delegates)
Description:
What delegates need to know before attending Showcase — how it works, how to prepare, and what to expect.
Why this matters:
Helps delegates arrive informed and ready to engage fully in the event.
🗓️ September 11, Thursday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Info Session – What to Expect (Showcase Pitch Artists)
Description:
Prepares showcasing artists for what to expect during their pitch — from setup to performance to networking.
Why this matters:
Prepares artists to showcase their work professionally and make the most of the opportunity.
🗓️ September 18–21
🎤 Event: Manitoba Showcase 2025
Location: Winkler, MB
Description:
Our annual celebration of touring arts, showcasing artists from across Canada in live performance, networking events, and community gatherings.
🗓️ October 7, Tuesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Block Booking Meeting
Description:
Continued discussions and updates on block booking opportunities for the 2025–2026 season.
Why this matters:
Helps members stay aligned and make informed programming decisions in collaboration with peers.
🗓️ October 21, Tuesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Block Booking Meeting
Description:
A follow-up meeting to finalize block booking conversations and secure final interest in touring programs.
Why this matters:
Ensures programs are booked efficiently and collaboratively, strengthening touring opportunities across the network.
🗓️ November 4, Tuesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Block Booking Meeting
Description:
Continued updates and coordination on block booking opportunities for 2025–2026.
Why this matters:
Supports collaboration and alignment between presenters across the province.
🗓️ November 13, Thursday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Webinar: Marketing & Website Development
Description:
An overview of strategies and tools to build a strong online presence for artists and arts organizations.
Why this matters:
Having a professional online presence helps artists grow visibility and reach new audiences.
🗓️ November 18, Tuesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Block Booking Meeting
Description:
Final booking discussions to wrap up the season’s block booking cycle.
Why this matters:
Helps secure and finalize program touring commitments across communities.
🗓️ November 20, Thursday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Visual Artist Member Connect
Description:
A peer exchange and update session for visual artist members.
Why this matters:
Encourages connection, idea sharing, and collaboration within the visual arts community.
🗓️ November 26, Wednesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Regional Meeting – Eastman/Interlake
Description:
Meeting for members in the Eastman and Interlake regions to connect and share updates.
Why this matters:
Regional gatherings help strengthen local networks and surface shared priorities.
🗓️ November 27, Thursday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Info Session – TELUS Foundation
Description:
Learn about TELUS Foundation’s grant programs and what kinds of projects they’ve funded.
Why this matters:
Understanding what funders support helps shape stronger, more aligned grant applications.
🗓️ December 2, Tuesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Block Booking Meeting
Description:
Ongoing coordination of booking decisions and touring plans.
Why this matters:
Keeps programming aligned across communities and builds stronger tour blocks.
🗓️ December 11, Thursday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Webinar: Marketing & Website Development
Description:
Part two of the online marketing series — deeper dive into branding, storytelling, and digital tools.
Why this matters:
Gives artists and presenters tools to strengthen their public profile and engage audiences online.
🗓️ December 16, Tuesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Block Booking Meeting
Description:
Final block booking session before the winter break.
Why this matters:
Gives everyone a last chance to finalize decisions and prep for the new year.
🗓️ December 17, Wednesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Regional Meeting – Westman/Parkland
Description:
A regional check-in for members in the Westman and Parkland areas.
Why this matters:
Fosters connection, idea exchange, and region-specific planning across neighboring communities.
🗓️ January 6, Tuesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Block Booking Meeting
Description:
A fresh start to the new year with updates and opportunities for collaborative booking.
Why this matters:
Keeps the network connected and ready to plan tours for the second half of the season.
🗓️ January 8, Thursday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Webinar: Marketing & Website Development
Description:
Ongoing learning series on building digital presence and branding strategy.
Why this matters:
A strong online presence helps artists and organizations stay visible and relevant.
🗓️ January 20, Tuesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Block Booking Meeting
Description:
Mid-winter check-in on bookings, updates, and remaining programming gaps.
Why this matters:
Provides presenters a chance to coordinate bookings and finalize touring plans for spring.
🗓️ January 28, Wednesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Regional Meeting – Eastman/Interlake
Description:
A regional gathering for Eastman and Interlake members to connect and collaborate.
Why this matters:
Local connections create stronger communities and more coordinated arts programming.
🗓️ February 3, Tuesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Block Booking Meeting
Description:
Regular update and coordination session for block booking progress.
Why this matters:
Ensures clear communication and continued collaboration on shared programming goals.
🗓️ February 6, Friday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Festival Group Discussion
Description:
A dedicated space for festivals to connect, share plans, and explore possible collaboration.
Why this matters:
Brings festival organizers together to strengthen coordination, discover synergies, and avoid scheduling conflicts.
🗓️ February 12, Thursday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Webinar: Marketing & Website Development
Description:
Final session in the series on branding, audience engagement, and online promotion.
Why this matters:
Gives artists and presenters a more strategic approach to reaching and retaining their audiences.
🗓️ February 17, Tuesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Block Booking Meeting
Description:
Wrap-up session for winter block booking discussions.
Why this matters:
Prepares the network to finalize touring plans for spring and beyond.
🗓️ March 3, Tuesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Block Booking Meeting
Description:
Early spring check-in for presenters to discuss remaining booking opportunities.
Why this matters:
Supports strong coordination and helps presenters fill final programming gaps.
🗓️ March 12, Thursday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Webinar: Marketing & Website Development
Description:
Bonus session to revisit key digital marketing strategies and website best practices.
Why this matters:
Keeps communications and promotional tools sharp as the season shifts toward spring and summer.
🗓️ March 13, Friday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Regional Meeting – All Regions
Description:
An all-network meeting for presenters, artists, and partners to connect across Manitoba.
Why this matters:
Fosters big-picture planning, celebrates shared successes, and opens space for future collaboration.
🗓️ March 17, Tuesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Block Booking Meeting
Description:
Final coordination meeting before spring tours begin.
Why this matters:
Ensures everyone is aligned and ready for the next round of touring activity.
🗓️ April 7, Tuesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Block Booking Meeting
Description:
A new-season planning session to review opportunities for summer and early fall touring.
Why this matters:
Keeps touring plans moving forward and strengthens partnerships across the network.
🗓️ April 9, Thursday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Webinar: Marketing & Website Development
Description:
Additional learning session on refreshing your website and promotional strategy for the new season.
Why this matters:
Prepares members to promote upcoming events with a strong, up-to-date digital presence.
🗓️ April 16, Thursday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Visual Artist Member Connect / Gallery Exhibitors Meeting
Description:
A combined session for gallery exhibitors and visual artist members to connect, share updates, and discuss upcoming exhibitions.
Why this matters:
Brings together artists and hosts to support smooth planning, install logistics, and creative alignment.
🗓️ April 21, Tuesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Block Booking Meeting
Description:
A spring check-in to follow up on any outstanding bookings or summer tour ideas.
Why this matters:
Keeps momentum going as the touring year winds down and new programs are developed.
🗓️ May 5, Tuesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Block Booking Meeting
Description:
Spring booking update as the touring season begins to wrap.
Why this matters:
Keeps communication open and ensures strong tour coordination through summer.
🗓️ May 14, Thursday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Webinar: Marketing & Website Development
Description:
Final session of the series focused on optimizing communications for seasonal events and festivals.
Why this matters:
Prepares artists and presenters to reach wider audiences during Manitoba’s busy summer season.
🗓️ May 15, Friday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Festival Group Discussion
Description:
An open conversation among Manitoba festivals to share plans and strengthen regional collaboration.
Why this matters:
Reduces duplication, opens new opportunities, and builds stronger festival networks.
🗓️ May 19, Tuesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Block Booking Meeting
Description:
Late spring follow-up on final programming gaps and booking opportunities.
Why this matters:
Ensures all partners are prepared and coordinated before summer begins.
🗓️ May 20, Wednesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Regional Meeting – Westman/Parkland
Description:
A spring check-in for members in Westman and Parkland regions.
Why this matters:
Supports local planning and community-building before the summer break.
🗓️ May 27, Wednesday
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM
🎤 Topic: Regional Meeting – Eastman/Interlake
Description:
Regional wrap-up for Eastman and Interlake members.
Why this matters:
Encourages reflection, collaboration, and readiness for fall planning.