THE NAPAMA RETREAT
GATHERING IN THE BIG EASY FROM MAY 15 - 17, 2022.
The official NAPAMA in-person gathering for performing arts professionals involved in the touring of live arts interested in developing collaborations, improving business systems and expanding networks.
Re-energize
Your business by learning new strategies and sharing resources.
Re-ignite
Your passion by meeting friends and colleagues and making new connections.
Restore
Your spirit by being together with peers again in person.
The Retreat will be held at the New Orleans Hilton St. Charles Hotel. Located on the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Line — the oldest continuously operating street railway system in the world, this iconic and historic hotel is just three blocks from the world famous French Quarter and short walks to a wide range of distinct attractions and restaurants.
The Hilton Hotel St. Charles has agreed to keep the NAPAMA room blocks open until sold out or public demand increases. We encourage you to reserve your rooms today (48-hour cancellation available without penalty). Use Group Code: NAPAMA to avail our discounted room rate of $139/night for single or double occupancy, with the added benefit of free late checkout of 2pm on Tuesday May 17, complimentary Wi-Fi in room and meeting spaces, as well as a 48-hour cancellation policy. All rooms are equipped with a mini-fridge and in-room safe.
Want to spend more time in New Orleans or check-in prior to 3pm? A limited number of rooms are also available at our group rate for 3 days prior and 3 days following the Retreat.
What past attendees have to say
COVID safety and precautions
With our partners at the New Orleans Hilton St. Charles Hotel and New Orleans & Company (NOLA convention office), we will be ready to provide a safe and welcoming environment that will adhere fully to any measures that are in place and recommended by Hilton’s CleanStay protocols, the City of New Orleans, and the CDC.
NAPAMA is asking all Retreat registrants to provide proof of full Covid vaccination (defined by the CDC as two weeks following one Janssen or two mRNA vaccines) or negative PCR or antigen test (within 72 hours of arrival in New Orleans) when you register on site at the Hilton. Travel documents from outside the U.S. or fully vaccinated as defined by your resident country will also be accepted.
We additionally ask that registrants be prepared to wear a mask during Retreat events held at the hotel and that you respect social distancing wishes of your colleagues. We will keep you posted as to any changes to these precautions.
REGISTRATION FEES
Registration includes a reception, two breakfasts, and two lunches.
All are welcome to the NAPAMA Retreat, regardless of membership status.
*To access member pricing, first login to the member portal before registering.
Non-MEMBER PRICING
MEMBER* PRICING
*To access member pricing, first login to the member portal before registering.
Financial Support for the Retreat
If you are in a position to provide support, help your colleagues attend the Retreat by donating to our Retreat Support Fund. All funds will be given directly to colleagues in need. If you would like to request financial support, please email the Retreat Director.
preview the SCHEDULE
The Retreat officially kicks off on Sunday, May 15 at 1:30pm CT, and concludes on Tuesday, May 17 at at 2:00pm CT.
Activities include roundtables, dine-arounds, networking opportunities, as well as ample free time to explore the city.
Pre-Treat Time - Enjoy The Big Easy | Suggestions on the Retreat Google Map |
| 12:30-5pm: Registration |
| 1:30-2pm: Welcome (AMAZ Entertainment) |
| 2-2:45pm: Special Guest: Ron Rona, Artistic Director, Preservation Hall |
| 3-4:30pm: Speed Meets |
| 4:30-5:30pm: Welcome Reception |
| 5:30-11pm: Dinner on Your Own | Suggestions on the Retreat Google Map |
| 11pm: Late Night at Voodoo Two | 330 Carondelet St. |
| 8am-12pm: Registration |
| 8:45-9:45am: Hot Breakfast Buffet and Kindred Spirits (Gail Boyd Artist Management) |
| 10-10:50am: Roundtables Set 1, Round 1 (Andersen Arts Group) |
| 11-11:50am: Roundtables Set 1, Round 2 |
| 12-1pm: Lunch With Lisa Richards Toney, APAP, Plated (AMAZ Entertainment) |
| 1-1:50pm: Roundtable Wrap Up |
| 2-6pm: Optional Excursions/Personal Time | Options/sign-ups available at registration |
| 6-11pm: Dine-Arounds with Colleagues | Sign-ups for restaurants available at registration |
| 11pm: Late Night at Voodoo Two | 330 Carondelet St. |
| 8-10am: Registration |
| 8:45-9:45am: Hot Breakfast Buffet and Special Topics (The Roots Agency) |
| 10-10:50am: Roundtables Set 2, Round 1 (CWA Management) |
| 11-11:50am: Roundtables Set 2, Round 2 |
| 12-1:30pm: Working Box Lunch: Roundtable Wrap Up, Takeaways, and Giveaways (Harmony Artists) |
| 2pm: Free Late Checkout Arranged |
| 2:30pm - 3pm: Special Surprise Tour, Hilton |
Roundtable topics
Here are the roundtable topics for the 2022 Retreat:
Managing your Business
Facilitated by Ilene Elkaim, Six Dynamix Agency
Where do streaming live (pay-per-view) and video on demand (pre-recorded) fit in the performing arts ecosystem in the short term and in the long run? This roundtable will openly share our thoughts, considerations, concerns, and opportunities leveraging video assets.
Broader Perspectives
Facilitated by Amber Hansen, BiCoastal Productions
After serving as a presenter for more than 10 years and now as an agent and presenter simultaneously, Amber will share ideas on how we encourage venues who received pandemic relief to trickle those funds down to the artists who did not receive similar support. We will discuss ways to collaborate with our clients while minimizing risk and sharing costs.
Facilitated by Tim Wilson, Western Arts Alliance
The performing arts field is experiencing unprecedented change. The pandemic, racial justice movement, environmental crises, and economic uncertainty force us to question and re-think our work as artists, managers, producers, presenters, and conveners. How does WAA navigate these challenges and thrive? Is the regional dead? What does the upcoming leadership change mean for the organization?
The Numbers
Facilitated by Tommy Hensel, Elgin Community College Arts Center
So agents, managers, and artists better understand the presenter budgeting process, this one of two related sessions will focus on the challenges facing colleges and universities such as administrative mandates, system policies, legal processes, classroom objectives, and other influencers. We will also touch on ways higher education structures impact deposits, sales reporting, and marketing.
Touring the Continent and World
Facilitated by Tara Bailey, Bailiwick Booking Agency and Arts Management
This discussion will center on helping agents and artists understand how Canadian presenters approach their booking process including the way they network, fund events, handle language differences, and take advantage of the conference circuit.
Facilitated by NAPAMA Mexico Committee
Join us in conversation as we examine different case studies of touring Mexican artists in the US and vice versa that are clear examples of reciprocity in the field. We will focus on how to sustain an ongoing practice in the field in both countries to strengthen artist representatives on both sides of the border.
Facilitated by Bill Smith, Eye for Talent / Riot Artists
Bill will relate his experiences in touring his artists throughout the Americas and in the rest of the world. Each country is different and he can discuss touring in the UK, Mexico, Brazil, Australia/NZ, Japan, and many other areas.
Who's Attending?
Here’s a look at some of the the leaders that will be speaking and/or facilitating roundtables at the 2022 Retreat:
OUR sponsors
Thank you to all of our Retreat Sponsors whose generous support makes it possible for us to offer this experience at this price.
Platinum Sponsor
GOLD Sponsors
SILVER Sponsors
Acknowledgements
Retreat Support Fund
Robert Zucker, AMAZ
Anonymous
Joe Ferlo, Prospero & Associates
Anonymous
Hank Knerr, Raising Arts
Engagement Team
Ilene Elkhaim
Tiffany Goodman
Karen Kennedy
Logistics Team
Gail Boyd
Joe Ferlo
Tommy Hensel
Crandall Rogers
Local Resources
Drew Dike
Pierre “Pete” Hilzim
Mister MOJO
Michael Paz
New Orleans & Co.
Hilton St. Charles Staff
The NAPAMA Retreat is directed and managed by Hank Knerr, Raising Arts.
The majority of photographs and video components used to promote the Retreat have been provided by New Orleans & Co. Permissions, credits, and licenses as provided are on file.