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When
-
Where
Mechanics Hall | 321 Main St., Worcester, MA
The Idea Swap is an annual event for New England-based nonprofit cultural organizations and touring artists to network and share ideas for touring projects, including those that may qualify for funding from NEFA’s Expeditions grant program.
Event resources:
Learn more about last year's event
$40 if registered by October 9 | $60 after
Online registration closes on October 26 at midnight | Walk-up registration is available at the event
Get Involved: Discover, Share, & Present Project Ideas
In addition to networking, Idea Swap participants are encouraged to share ideas in all stages of development with their colleagues from around the region. 15-20 project ideas are selected in advance to make five-minute presentations at the Idea Swap. Please see below for more details about how to present.
Discover Project Ideas
Visit the Idea Swap Project Ideas page to find out what other New England presenting organizations and performing artists are working on.
Share Your Project Idea Online
Submit your project idea on the Project Ideas page. Project ideas will be listed on this page before and after the Idea Swap, and will be distributed in hard copy to all event participants.
Present Your Project Idea at the Idea Swap
In advance of the Idea Swap, NEFA selects 15-20 projects from the Project Ideas page to make 5-minute presentations at the Idea Swap.
Schedule
Monday, October 29
Presenters and artists are invited to join New England Presenters (NEP) and Arts Presenters of Northern New England (APNNE) consortia for a joint gathering that will include opportunities for networking as well as what to expect for those attending Idea Swap the next day for the first time. From 5:30-7:30 at Bocado Tapas Wine Bar, 82 Winter Street, Worcester. Details & Register.
Tuesday, October 30
| 09:00-09:30 |
New to NEFA or Idea Swap? Meet and mingle with NEFA staff and colleagues. |
| 09:30-10:00 | Registration, Light Breakfast & Networking |
| 10:00-10:45 |
NEFA Welcome & Overview of the Expeditions An overview of the Expeditions program and application process. |
| 10:45-12:00 | Project Presentations - Part 1 1. Otto Frank* *Expeditions Tour Planning grantees |
| 12:00-01:00 | Lunch |
| 01:00-02:00 |
Mini Swaps Participants break out into small groups to informally share project ideas. |
| 02:00-03:00 |
Project Presentations - Part 2 12. CRQ - Jazz Tango for the New Century *Expeditions Tour Planning grantees |
| 03:00-04:00 | Dessert & Networking |
View the Idea Swap program book
Parking & Carpool
There is limited on-street parking available. The nearest parking lots are on Waldo Street, Exchange Street, East Central Street, Main Street, and the Elm Street Garage.
View parking lots in the surrounding area
Need a ride/have a ride? Sign up to carpool
Taking the train from Boston? Karen Krolak and Nicole Harris from Monkeyhouse invite Boston-area Idea Swap participants to meet them at South Station on 10/30 to take the 7:20 train to Worcester. They’re bringing donuts! More details from Monkeyhouse, below:
Can choreographic thinking save the world? Monkeyhouse thinks so. We encourage all the participants at the 2018 Idea Swap to consider #choreographyofthecommute . What is the choreography of your commute and how does it impact climate change? Have you read the news relating to the recent ICPP report on climate change? As Laurie WInkless explains in Forbes, “Transport has seen faster emissions growth in the past 50 years than any other sector, and in 2014, it accounted for almost a quarter of the world’s energy-related CO2 emissions.” How you move matters now more than ever.
Now what if we told you that donuts will be served while you fight climate change? That’s right, if you hop on the 7:20 commuter rail from South Station to Worcerster with Karen and Nicole from Monkeyhouse, you can savor some sweetness as you save the planet and ease into the 2018 Idea Swap. So RSVP to monkeyhouselovesnicole@gmail.com, grab your train ticket, a cup of coffee and meet us under the big sign starting at 7am! (You won’t be able to miss us, promise! We'll be the ladies with the donuts.) Not getting on at South Station? We will sit as far back in the train as seating allows so you can find us when you board. We'll be heading to Armsby Abbey when the dessert and networking reception ends at 4pm to grab a snack and a drink before getting on the 5:20 pm train back to the city.
Accessibility Information
Mechanics Hall Accessibility
NEFA staff will be available at registration in the Washburn Lobby on the 2nd level and in the Great Hall on the 3rd level for any assistance.
- Elevators are located at the back entrance of Mechanics Hall on Waldo Street.
- We recommend parking on Waldo Street for individuals who use wheelchairs. On-street parking spots are available, and the sidewalks have curb-cuts. There is a parking lot directly across from Mechanics Hall.
- Wheelchair accessible restrooms are located on the 3rd level at the back entrance to the Great Hall.
- Please note there are steps to the restrooms and Board Room on the 2nd level.
Hotels
Book with Holiday Inn Express Worcester Downtown for a discounted rate of $140/night excluding taxes. Call 855-914-9635 and ask for "NEFA's 17th Annual Idea Swap 2018."
Holiday Inn Express Worcester Downtown
110 Summer Street, Worcester
508.757.0400
In order of proximity to downtown Worcester:
- Hilton Garden Inn, 35 Major Taylor Boulevard, Worcester, 508.753.5780
- Courtyard by Marriott Worcester, 72 Grove Street, Worcester, 508.363.0300
- Beechwood Hotel, 363 Plantation Street, Worcester, 508.754.5789
- Residence Inn by Marriott, 503 Plantation Street, Worcester, 508.753.6300
- Quality Inn & Suites, 50 Oriol Drive, Worcester, 508.852.2800
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Worcester Auburn, 718 Southbridge Street, Auburn, 508.832.9500
- Holiday Inn Express Auburn, 10-12 Johnson Street, Auburn, 508.832.2500