FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
CONFERENCE
Where is the conference this year?
The 39th annual Folk Music Ontario Conference will take place October 15-19, 2025, at the Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre, 101 Lyon St. N, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Who can attend the Folk Music Ontario (FMO) 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:
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Business Cards or other ways to share your contact information
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A hand bill or business card with your showcase information details on it
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A smartphone so you can access the conference app
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A comfortable pair of shoes
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On-the-go snacks or meals for when you need a quick re-fuel
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Re-usable cup / mug; because we love the environment!
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Bathing suit, if you fancy taking a dip at the conference hotel, there is a pool!
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Comfy clothes and a mat if you'd like to join us for some morning yoga/stretching!
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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 the 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 2025 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 us.
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 FMO 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 $75 per 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 45 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.
Private Showcases are back—and we’re thrilled! These intimate, acoustic 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 2025 Folk Canada will be presenting Private showcases for one-night-only on Saturday, Oct 18th. 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 2025 official showcase applications are now closed. Information about the 2026 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 39 years of our conference. Official Showcases are a stand-alone in the FMO 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.
An FMO 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. FMO 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 FMO 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 FMO 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 2025 festival.
Is there funding that can support my presence at FMO 2025?
Yes, there is! Your showcase acceptance email includes an Official Showcase Invitation to Folk Music Ontario 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 Campfire Jam and Private Showcases—both are fantastic ways to perform and connect with other attendees. Keep an eye on the Folk Canada newsletter for details on how to sign up!
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 Ottawa, ON.
How do I get to the hotel from the Ottawa airport?
Visit the YOW 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
Supported by a contribution from
Global Affairs Canada’s CanExport Associations program.
