FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
CONFERENCE
Where is the conference this year?
The 39th annual Folk Canada Conference (formerly the Folk Music Ontario Conference) will take place October 14-18, 2026, at the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel, 116 King St West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Who can attend the Folk Canada Conference?
All folks may attend! Our programming is tailored towards professionals in the music/creative industry, which attracts musicians, presenters, music companies, arts organizations, music lovers - all are welcome.
Do I have to be a Folk Canada member to attend the conference?
Members and non-members both can attend, but members receive the steepest discounts on all purchases. Take a look at our ‘become a member’ page to see which rate applies to you. You are welcome to purchase a membership before registering for the conference to access the best deals.
Where do I go when I arrive for the conference?
When you first arrive, follow the signs to the Registration Area to pick up your badge. You just need to provide your name and one piece of ID, or your confirmation number or QR code, to one of our conference volunteers at the Registration Area, to receive your welcome package.
What should I bring with me to the conference?
You can bring your instrument to the conference, even if you don’t have a showcase booked as you’ll find people jamming throughout the weekend in various areas of the hotel. We will have an instrument lockup area if you want to store your instrument at the hotel. And maybe bring a pair of comfortable shoes, you’ll need them! Feel free to reference this Conference Packing Checklist video: LINK
​
Other good ideas are:
-
Business Cards or other ways to share your contact information
-
A hand bill or business card with your showcase information details on it
-
A smartphone so you can access the conference app
-
A comfortable pair of shoes
-
On-the-go snacks or meals for when you need a quick re-fuel
-
Re-usable cup / mug; because we love the environment!
-
Bathing suit, if you fancy taking a dip at the conference hotel, there is a pool!
-
Comfy clothes and a mat if you'd like to join us for some morning yoga/stretching!
-
Herbal tea, honey, FIsherman's Friend; anything to soothe the throat after a long day of networking/singing
CONFERENCE
REGISTRATION
Do I need to be registered for the conference before I arrive?
We recommend you register in advance, as there are limited tickets and registration rates increase at intervals leading up to the conference. However, you are welcome to register onsite. Head to the Registration Area and our staff will be glad to assist you. You can pay for your registration with a credit card online and on-site. If you are an active Folk Canada member be sure to have access to your membership confirmation documentation, you’ll need it to receive the member rate on-site.
How do I get the Folk Canada member rate?
In order to receive your discounted member rate, use the selection tool on the ticketing site. If you aren't sure if your membership is active, please contact Joel at joel@folkcanada.com.
I am an artist, but I'm not showcasing, can I still register at the Artist Rate?
All artists that have applied to showcase at the 2026 Conference are eligible to register at the Artist Rate, regardless of showcase status. You will need to select Artist as your primary industry role to be eligible. Any additional members of your band, or side-players can register with the Band Member/Side Player rate once you have purchased one registration at the Artist Rate. If you are unsure if this rate applies to you, please contact Joel at joel@folkcanada.com.
I am no longer able to attend the conference. Can I get a refund for my registration?
Refunds are available until 1 month prior to the conference dates. If you find yourself unable to attend as planned, we are happy to apply a full credit to your account, to be used on a future purchase from Folk Canada (membership renewal, conference registration, etc.). You can also transfer your ticket to another person by contacting Joel at joel@folkcanada.com.
I already paid to register for the conference, but now I’m eligible for a lower registration rate. What can I do?
Send an email to Joel at joel@folkcanada.com
I'm playing alongside a Showcase Artist at the conference this year, what kind of ticket do I purchase?
The performer you are playing with should purchase your ticket on your behalf under their name, which allows you to get a special additional musician rate.
How does the Band Member / Side Player Rate work?
Every artist needs to register at least one member of their group at the regular artist rate of $200. Additional band members or side players can then register at the rate of $75. The Band Member / Side Player Rate allows entry for the full conference, and access to all activities and venues.
​
The Side Player Rate and Artist rates are capped at $500 (incl taxes and fees), which means that larger ensembles of 6+ musicians do not have to pay for registrations above the capped amount. If you are registering an ensemble of more than 5 musicians, please contact Joel at joel@folkcanada.com to access the Large Ensemble Discount.
​
Please register all band members in the same transaction. If this isn't possible, please contact us to notify the staff who will be registered under a different transaction.
Can I bring my children with me and if I do, do they need to register?
Absolutely! We love having kiddos at the conference, they are most welcome. Children who are accompanying a registered caregiver do not need to pay a registration fee and are welcome in all conference spaces. If you're bringing a child with you, be sure to check out our free on-site childcare options. And if you're bringing a caregiver to help with childcare during the event, reach out to us! They may be eligible for a special caregiver registration, which gives them access to the conference areas at no cost.
I have an adult in my care, can I bring them to the conference?
Yes, absolutely. We do our best to support folks who are caring for loved ones, whether chosen family or relatives. If you’re bringing someone in your care, get in touch with us and we’ll see if the caregiver registration applies. This would allow them to access conference areas at no cost. We’re here to help make your experience as smooth and inclusive as possible.
SHOWCASING
What kinds of showcases take place at the conference?
We’ve got three unique types of showcases at the conference:
Official Showcases are selected through a competitive, juried process by 60 industry pros. These performances take place on a fully equipped stage with sound, lights, and backline. Each artist gets 20 minutes to showcase, plus a 10-minute line check. Morning sound checks are available upon request. No other programming happens during this time, so all eyes—and ears—are on the music. Delegates in our Export Development Program (EDP) and Buyers Program are required to attend, and showcase artists also get access to curated Lightning Talks (aka B2B meetings) with those delegates.
​
Spotlight Showcases happen outside the official showcase block and are presented by our incredible industry partners. These might pop up during the day or later at night, offering additional exposure for artists and a chance for delegates to discover even more talent.
​
Acoustic Showcases These intimate performances happen on an entire hotel floor reserved by Folk Canada. Each showcase takes place in a guest room that’s been transformed into a cozy listening space, hosted and programmed by artists, agents, music organizations, and fans. It’s a truly magical experience you have to see to believe. For 2026, Folk Canada will be presenting Acoustic showcases for one-night-only on Saturday, Oct 17th. Details on how to sign up will be shared through the Folk Canada newsletter, so keep an eye out!
How can I be considered for a Showcase?
The 2026 official showcase applications are now closed. Information about the 2027 showcase applications will be published in the new year. Sign up for our newsletter or become a member for the most up-to-date information.
What is an Official Showcase Artist?
An Official Showcase Artist is an Artist that has been selected by our Jury, and joins an illustrious family of Artists who are alumni of the past 40 years of our conference. Official Showcases are a stand-alone in the Conference schedule (ie. have no other competing programming during that time), and are 20 minutes in length. We require that our Canadian and International presenters are in attendance at the Official showcases and encourage presenters to see as many showcase artists as possible.
A Folk Canada Showcase Artist is part of the family year-round! Thanks to a growing community of partners around the world, we arrange ongoing activities - showcases, public performances, professional development opportunities, and more. Showcase Artists are encouraged to participate in additional opportunities that may arise throughout the year and beyond.
When do the gigs start rolling in?
We can’t promise when you will receive offers as a result of being an Official Showcase Artist. However, our post-conference results have been impressive, and the relationships developed at the Folk Canada Conference can bring opportunities throughout the many years to come.
​
Many presenters have expressed - to us, and to artists directly - their excitement about the bands they discovered through the Folk Canada Conference. Also, BE PATIENT. While you may not see a booking for that festival you’ve had your eye on come this summer, sometimes opportunities like this take several years to unfold. You may wind up on someone's wish list for their 2027 festival.
Is there funding that can support my presence at Folk Canada 2026?
Yes, there is! Your showcase acceptance email includes an Official Showcase Invitation to Folk Canada to use for these grant and other funding opportunities:
​
​
You may also be eligible for additional support through local/regional/ provincial sources. Check with your provincial music industry association and local music offices directly for more information on programs that support international travel and showcasing activities.
I didn’t get a Showcase at the conference—should I still attend?
Yes, absolutely! There’s so much more to the conference than just showcasing. As an artist, you can still take advantage of the discounted registration rate and get access to one-on-one Lightning Talks, panels, networking events, receptions, and all kinds of career-boosting and community-building programming.
​
Even without an Official Showcase, there are plenty of chances to share your music. Our conference team often draws from the pool of juried applicants if a spot opens up, so just showing up can lead to unexpected opportunities. Plus, don’t miss the Acoustic Showcases—a fantastic way to perform and connect with other attendees. Keep an eye on the Folk Canada newsletter for details on how to sign up!
ACOUSTIC SHOWCASES
What are acoustic showcases?
Acoustic Showcases take place on Saturday, October 17, after 11:00pm... right after the Official Showcases have concluded. These are acoustic performances that take place in hotel rooms on two exclusively reserved guest room floors. Hotel rooms become spellbinding stages, and unforgettable moments of music, connection, and discovery, are waiting behind every door. During this unique folk-conference experience, Folk Canada Conference Delegates wander room to room into hundreds of unforgettable concerts, impromptu jam sessions, and spontaneous collaborations that keep the magic going into the wee hours.
How do they worK?
These intimate, acoustic performances happen on hotel floors exclusively reserved by Folk Canada. Each showcase takes place in a guest room that’s been transformed into a cozy listening space, hosted and programmed by artists, agents, music organizations, regions, and fans.
​
Acoustic Showcases are typically 15 minutes in length. Anyone can apply to host an Acoustic Showcase, and slots are open to anyone who’d like to perform! Both hosts and performers must be registered for the Folk Canada Conference.
​
As space is limited on the hotel room floors, registrants of the Folk Canada Conference are the only ones allowed to attend these performances.
How acoustic is acoustic?
With every hotel room being directly next to each other keeping volume under control is paramount to an enjoyable experience for everyone. To maintain adequate volume levels no amplification is permitted. This means no microphones and no PAs.
​
Exceptions to this rule will be made for instruments that cannot be heard without amplification. (e.g electric bass, keyboard, electric fiddle). Amplification for these instruments must not exceed 10 watts. No exceptions will be made for vocals.These are acoustic performances and if amplification for a particular instrument is absolutely required it should be no louder than the unamplified human voice. Think living room jam or camp fire sing-a-long.
​
Due to the travelling nature of bass frequencies. Drum kits and kick drums are not permitted at any time in any acoustic showcase room. Percussion, including hand drums may be used judiciously and must not disturb any adjacent rooms.
I'd like to play! How can I get in touch with room hosts?
Room hosts are ultimately responsible for curating their stages, and may already have their lineups determined. If you’d like to be considered, please visit the Acoustic Showcase ARTIST Application form to put your name in for consideration. All members of your performance must be registered for the conference.
​
Artists are limited to two (2) Acoustic Showcase spots total. Should the Folk Canada team see that an artist is playing more than the maximum number of spots, we will reach out and request that they change the schedule to ensure other artists get an opportunity to perform.
How can I host my own room?
Artist collectives, agents, labels, artist managers, organizations, DJ’s, folk music enthusiasts, and groups of artists are welcome to host their rooms and curate their line-up.
​
There are limited spaces available, and a lot of interest! Fill out the Acoustic Showcase HOST Application Form as soon as you can. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and our team will be making the selections to ensure a great, diverse lineup of presenters. No Acoustic Showcase Host Applications will be accepted past August 1st, 2026. If you are interested in hosting a room, please fill out the application form as soon as possible, before all of the rooms are allocated! All selected hosts will be required to attend a fire and safety orientation either online or in person prior to the conference.
Why is there an application this year?
There are only so many spaces available! With only one night of Acoustic Showcases being offered, spots are limited. The application process will be used to not only gauge interest, but also to allocate space as fairly as possible, while also ensuring quality and accountability.
​
When filling out your application, be sure to include as much information as possible on your plans for the room, and demonstrate the benefit for the event and artists.
What is the cost to host a room?
The estimated cost to host an Acoustic Showcase is the cost of the hotel room rental ($220) plus the acoustic showcase fee ($50) plus hst. There are no suites available on the showcase floors, all rooms are similar size and are available at the same rate of $220. There is no bed removal option available this year, all rooms will have two queen size beds.
​
Any hospitality, decorations, or marketing materials may be purchased by the hosts at their own initiative and expense.
​
Hosts are welcome to also use the room as accommodations, keeping in mind that there will be considerable music occurring (bring your earplugs if you’re a light sleeper!) Standard check in and check out times will apply as communicated by the hotel.
​
Hosts are not allowed to charge a fee to perform in their room. While a group of individuals may split the costs of hosting an Acoustic Showcase room, they may not charge a fee to artists to perform. Should you hear of this happening, please contact the Folk Canada team directly.
When will the acoustic showcase health and safety presentation take place?
There will be one online health and safety presentation on Friday October 2nd at 6:00pm EST. There will be an additional in person health and safety presentation during the conference date and time TBD.
All room hosts are required to attend at least one of the training sessions.
If you have additional questions, please contact us directly at sofia@folkcanada.com
POSTER POLICY
No Posters on Conference Floors.
Posters are not permitted on conference floors at any point during the conference.
What's Allowed.
Business cards, postcards, and flyers are permitted.
Posters Allowed at Acoustic Showcase.
Posters are permitted during acoustic showcase on the acoustic showcase floors (9 and 10).
Poster Setup Starts Saturday, Oct 17 at 3pm.
Hosts and artists are allowed to put up posters in the hallways of acoustic showcase starting from 3pm on Saturday October 17th.
Acoustic Showcase Floors Only — No Other Days.
Posters are not allowed to be put up outside of the acoustic showcase floors, or on any other day of the conference.
No Posters on Elevator Doors.
Posters can not be placed on elevator doors.
Approved Hanging Methods.
Posters must be hung with painters tape or 3m command strips.
No Easels, Banners, or Standing Signs in Hallways
Easels, pop up banners, and standing signs are not allowed in any hallways of the acoustic showcase floors.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION
How can I book a hotel room at the conference group rate?
Head to THIS LINK to find information about our group rates and availability at our partner hotel.
Do I have to book a hotel room at the host hotel to attend the conference?
No. You are welcome to travel from home if you live in the area, stay with family or friends, or book accommodations at the many other fabulous hotels in Hamilton, ON.
How do I get to the hotel from the Hamilton airport?
Visit the YHM website to learn more information about ground transportation. See The Conference Page page for more information.
Can I ride-share or car-pool to the conference?
Yes! We encourage conference attendees to minimize costs as well as your carbon footprint by sharing rides, or taking mass transit to the conference. If you are a member, you can access the Ride Share and Room Share Message Boards in the Member Portal to connect with other folks traveling to the conference from your area.
VOLUNTEERING
To become a volunteer you must apply online with our Volunteer Application Form.
How do I become a volunteer?
How do I become a volunteer?
Yes, you may attend any of the conference events when you are not scheduled for a volunteer shift.
Do I get to attend conference events when I am not volunteering?
Do I get to attend conference events when I am not volunteering?
When you apply to volunteer, you will be contacted by our Volunteer Coordinator. Once your Volunteer status is confirmed, you will receive an email from the staff with your acceptance email and registration instructions.
How will I know if my Volunteer Application has been accepted?
How will I know if my Volunteer Application has been accepted?
Once your application to volunteer has been accepted, you will receive an email with a promo code to access your complimentary registration.
How do I register for the conference as a volunteer?
How do I register for the conference as a volunteer?
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
