Showcase Information

The Annual CAFE Convention promises inspiring keynote speakers, educational workshops presented by respected industry professionals, networking and socializing opportunities. Delegates attending this national convention represent fairs and exhibitions from across Canada, making this a great opportunity to showcase your talents! CAFE Showcases are a major part of our event. They provide the opportunity for artists to present to the 200+ potential clients representing the Canadian Fair Industry.

Showcase opportunities are limited! The CAFE Selection Committee will consider all applications received by the deadline of September 25, 2021. Only candidates selected for a showcase will be contacted. If accepted, you will receive a confirmation package with all required information. Accepted showcase entertainers will be listed in the convention program, post-convention Canadian Fair News (magazine) and the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions website.


Showcase General Information

BENEFITS OF SHOWCASING

  • Up to 18 minutes of premium performance time in front of an audience of fair managers and entertainment buyers
  • Opportunity to have promotional materials in delegate bags
  • Discounts on advertising in convention program
  • List of delegates one week prior to convention
  • Contact listing in the Canadian Fair News Post-Convention Edition and on CAFE website
  • Discounted tradeshow booth (Not available to agents or booking agencies)

TIMELINE

September 25  |  Submission deadline
September 30  |  Confirmation
November 17-20  |  CAFE Convention
Showcases submissions will be considered as received


STROLLING SHOWCASE

Strolling showcase performances will be scheduled during selected coffee breaks and receptions and will be self-contained, non-amplified performances and without technical equipment. If strolling performances are musical, they must be acoustic.


MUSICAL ACTS

Musical acts will normally be staged during the CAFE Cabaret, mealtimes or other evening activities. Musical performances cannot exceed 18 minutes in length. All genres of music are acceptable. All acts will appear on the "Main Stage" with professional lighting and sound.


VARIETY ACTS

Variety acts may be scheduled throughout convention, as part of showcases, CAFE Cabaret or other evening events. Variety acts must not exceed 18 minutes in length. Types of performances include jugglers, hypnotists, ventriloquists, comedians, animal acts, etc.


WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

All acts, attractions, or agencies representing acts and attractions are eligible. NEW: Applicants who have not showcased at the CAFE convention in the past three years will be given priority, however all applicants are eligible. Agencies may submit an unlimited number of applications.


SOUND CHECKS

Sound checks are limited. Where possible, sound checks will be on the same day as the performance. Act must keep entire day free for sound check.


APPLICATION MATERIAL

Completed application forms must be returned with the following required material:

  • Application fee (cheque or credit card information)
  • Online video link to performance(s)
  • Reference letters if possible
  • Diagram of stage plot, including list of stage props and/or instruments, technical requirements. (Not required for strolling performances)
  • Promotional packet to include: biography, 50-word description and all contact information. (Materials must be received by email).

SHOWCASE SELECTION

A CAFE selection committee will review and evaluate all applications. CAFE will notify the successful applications as to the showcase time slots that are allotted for them. Upon acceptance of the showcase opportunity, the showcase fee becomes non-refundable. If the applicant is not selected, 100% of the showcase fee will be refunded.

Selection will be based on the following criteria:

  • Suitability of act/attraction for the CAFE audience.
  • Availability for bookings during the upcoming season, if the type of act/attraction can be effectively and favourably presented during the convention.
  • Generally, not more than two (2) acts of the same type will be showcased during the same convention.
  • A representative of the act is expected to be available to meet with potential buyers
  • All costs for attending the convention to showcase are the responsibility of the act/attraction and will not be subsidized by CAFE.
  • Whether applicant has showcased in the past three years.

PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL

  • Meet & Greet table will be available after the performance
  • Promotional Materials may be included in the CAFE delegate bags