About This Event

This webinar, in partnership with Music Ontario and Folk Music Ontario, is tailored for emerging artists looking to learn the ropes of festivals and conferences and make the most out of showcase, business, and networking opportunities. These events are investments into your career, whether you're a musician, performer, or industry professional, and if approached properly, they can bring returns to you for years to come. This session will equip you with the tools and strategies to present yourself professionally and effectively in these high-stakes environments.

We’ll discuss marketing and promotion before and after the events, developing and executing strategies and objectives at these events, and how and when to pitch yourself to prospective peers, suppliers, and team members. Building networks is one of the most important skills in the music industry, and it requires a nimble and consistent approach. Let’s tackle it together so it doesn’t seem so daunting!

Moderator:

Rosalyn Dennett (Executive Director of Folk Music Ontario) 

Rosalyn joined FMO as Executive Director in April 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the music industry and non-profit organizations through her roles at the Canadian Federation of Musicians, the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA), Music Canada, the Canadian Live Music Association (CLMA), and MusicOntario. She cut her teeth in the music industry as a musician, performing with artists such as Ken Whiteley, Kaia Kater, Fred Penner, and Oh My Darling. Rosalyn currently sits on the executive board of Folk Alliance International, and has previously served on the board of directors of Folk Music Ontario (2017-2021) and the Travelling Musicians Union AFM Local 1000 (2018-2020).

Speakers:

Kerry Clarke (Artistic Director of Calgary Folk Festival) 

Kerry is the producer of the Calgary Folk Music Festival, where she has worked for over 20 years. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2009, it’s one of Canada’s most prominent and successful music festivals, programming 65 artists from all over the world to perform on 7 stages at Prince’s Island Park.

She has served on a bunch of non-profit organizations’ boards (CJSW Radio, Folk Alliance Canada, Bubonic Tourist, Calgary Animated Objects Society, the Calgary Professional Arts Alliance, National Campus/Community Radio Association). Kerry was on the production team of the 2008 Aboriginal Juno Celebration, the co-chair of the 2008 Juno Legacy committee which lead to being co-chair of Music Calgary. She’s also chair of WRAD (Western Roots Artistic Directors) and hosts the CJSW Radio program Alternative to What? whenever she’s not traveling to conferences and festivals.

Angelique Francis (Juno Award Winning Artist)

JUNO Award winning artist Angelique Francis is a versatile and exceptionally gifted musician. This multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist, multi-genre singer song writer and composer has wowed audiences across the globe with her electrifying performances, instrumental abilities and powerful textured vocals. She is known for her eclectic mix of various musical genres including Blues, Soul, Folk, Americana, Jazz, Gospel and Rock. Angelique has shared the stage/opened for a large roster of well-known musicians such as Buddy Guy, Gary Clark Jr, Joe Bonamassa, Eric Gales, Keb’ Mo’, Jimmy Vivino, Beth Hart, Tom Cochran, Burton Cummings, Sugar Ray and the list goes on. Her diversity, passion and love of music can be heard in all of her original compositions

Nicole Rochefort (Founder of AIM booking Agency) 

Nicole (Niki) Rochefort, founder of AIM Booking Agency, has been a dynamic force in the performing arts since 2002. Her extensive experience spans production assistance, stage management, and artist development. Nicole began her booking career at LiveTourArtists and then specialized in booking theatre for young audiences with Kids’ Entertainment across the US and Canada. In 2010, she established AIM to support friends touring Ontario, which quickly evolved into an internationally recognized agency representing award-winning musicians in the performing arts and festival marketplace.

In 2016, Nicole was honoured as Agent of the Year by Ontario Presents, a testament to her dedication and impact in the industry. Her commitment has taken her to showcase and exhibit conferences across Canada, the US, and the UK, promoting AIM’s diverse roster. Additionally, she offers career consulting, panel moderation, and guest-lecture services. Nicole is also co-chair of Ontario Creates’ Music Industry Advisory Committee, a board member of Ontario Presents, and a member of the CAPACOA Advocacy Committee, reflecting her commitment to the industry’s growth and development.