In an era marked by social shifts, changing environments, and technological disruption, the performing arts sector faces a pivotal question: How do we stay relevant to best serve our communities?
CAPACOA’s 2025 Conference: Age of Relevance, taking place December 1-5, 2025, in Ottawa, will explore the evolving role of the performing arts in society by bringing together Canada’s national and international presenting and touring sector.
As we prepare for this exciting event, we would like to share a few important announcements.
Registration
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with arts professionals from across Canada and around the world! Take part in one-of-a-kind professional development sessions, experience showcases and pitches from some of Canada’s most exciting artists, and hear from our inspiring Keynote and Artist Voice speakers.
Book Your Accommodation
Reservations at the ALT Hotel are nearly fully booked; however, if you haven’t yet booked your accommodations for the conference, we have good news! ARC: The Hotel Ottawa, located just a convenient two-minute walk from the ALT, is offering rooms to CAPACOA Conference attendees at the same rate.
They will provide the following room rates (while availability lasts), so be sure to book now!
Discounts for Flights and Train Bookings
Travelling to attend the conference? We’ve got a selection of discounts for train and air travel that can make your trip more affordable!
Travelling with Air Canada
If you are traveling to Ottawa with Air Canada, we invite you to use the following conference discount code when booking your flight:
- Promotion Code: VABVHGF1
*A 5 -10% discount will be offered, depending on your origin of departure, between Nov 24 – Dec 12, 2025.
Travelling with WestJet
If you are traveling to Ottawa with WestJet Conventions, we invite you to use the following conference discount code when booking your flight through their Convention support webpage.
- Promotion Code: 2X3C3HC
*A 5 -10% discount will be offered, depending on your origin of departure, between Nov 23 – Dec 12, 2025. No discount will apply to Ultra Basic or Business class bookings.
Travelling with Porter
If you are traveling to Ottawa with Porter, we invite you to use the following conference discount code when booking your flight through their Convention support webpage.
- Promotion Code: ARCO25
*A 10% discount will be offered on all base fares, depending on your origin of departure, between Nov 29 – Dec 7, 2025. No discount will apply on the lowest class fare during a public seat sale.
Travelling with VIA Rail
If you are travelling to Ottawa with VIA Rail, we invite you to use the following Corporate code during ticket search:
- Promotion Code: 15929 (Corporate Code).
*10% off the best available fare in Economy, Economy Plus, Business, Business Plus, Sleeper class, between Nov 28 – Dec 8, 2025. Discount does not apply in any Escape fares and Prestige Class. Fare applies to a maximum of two passengers per booking.
Delegate List
Want to see who’s attending? Check out our delegate list, updated weekly!
Paul Gravett Scholarship : Support to Attend CAPACOA Conference
Deadline: November 7, 2025
Need financial support to attend the conference?
Through the Paul Gravett Scholarship Fund, CAPACOA is able to support guaranteed attendance to the 2025 CAPACOA Conference. This scholarship supports both those facing systemic barriers and emerging young performing arts professionals, for whom the costs of attendance may be prohibitive.
CAPACOA will cover the costs of the successful applicants’ attendance to the conference, including airfare and accommodations up to $1,000. Nourishment and other incidental expenses are to be covered by the attendee.
NAC Award for Distinguished Contribution to Touring 2025
Photo by Curtis Perry
Deadline: October 31, 2025
The National Arts Centre and CAPACOA are once again extending a call for nominations for the National Arts Centre Award for Distinguished Contribution to Touring. Established in 1992, the $2,500 award honors exceptional achievement in fostering the touring of live performing arts in Canada. The recipient may be an individual, performing company, corporation or other organization.
The National Arts Centre award will be presented at a special event during the CAPACOA conference, which takes place from December 1 to 5 in Ottawa.
Pre-Conference Sessions: Introduction to Digital Discoverability for Events
In this beginner-friendly session, you’ll discover how structured data and GEO can enhance the digital discoverability of your events. You’ll also learn how open knowledge bases like Wikidata and Artsdata may already be giving you a helping hand.
This session is open to all cultural workers and artists. It will be especially helpful for anyone attending the Artsdata professional development session at the CAPACOA conference.
Dates:
- November 24, 8 p.m. ET (see other timezones)
- November 25, 3 p.m. ET (see other timezones)
- November 26, 10 a.m. ET (see other timezones)
[Register via the corresponding event page on the CAPACOA calendar]
Please note that this presentation will be delivered in English, but questions and comments are welcome in either English or French.
Sponsorship
Want to be part of making the magic happen? Consider sponsoring one of our conference events!
CAPACOA cultivates national and international partnerships and networks that represent approx. 2,000 professional and volunteer organizations, associations, and companies. Partner with us to support a resilient, adaptable, and relevant arts sector where diverse voices, artists, and professionals gain the tools they need to support communities through the arts.
Want to sponsor an event and get your organization in front of hundreds of industry professionals? Contact [email protected] or click here for more information.
