Folk Music Ontario Conference

October 3-6, Mississauga, ON

Early Bird Registrations open soon!  Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest info! 

About the Folk Music Ontario Conference

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Established in 1987, The Folk Music Ontario Conference has been the largest gathering of the professional Folk Music community in Canada. Since the inaugural gathering in 1986 as the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals, FMO has connected artists and presenters through showcasing, one-on-one meetings, networking, peer sessions, panels, mentorship, and other career development opportunities.  

The Conference is the premiere networking event for the Canadian Folk Music community, and we welcome international participation by artists and industry delegates. Networking opportunities through receptions, gatherings, and our online Lightning Talks helps you connect with other delegates to do business and develop relationships. 

Showcases are an integral way to facilitate discovery and opportunities for artists at any stage in their career. Official Showcases are selected by a jury of industry professionals, through an open application process. Spotlight Showcases can be applied for, or presented through our industry partnership program. 

All artists selected for an Official Showcase are eligible for our Export-Ready Program, which connects artists and their representative for B2B meetings and networking opportunities with international buyers. 

Artists ages 25 and under are encouraged to apply for the Developing Artist Program, for hands-on training and mentorship throughout September and October, and showcase opportunities at the conference. 

Panels, Workshops, Round-Table Discussions, and Peer-to-Peer Sessions are available and open to all registrants of the FMO Conference. 

The annual Folk in Film Festival celebrates music in film, music videos, and all ways that the two mediums interact through screenings, workshops, and panel discussions taking place during the conference. 

The annual Ontario Folk Music Awards uplifts and celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of our community through the presentation of awards, and performances by select artists. 

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FMO is unparalleled in its approach to community, career and industry development. It's a unique, refreshing conference that puts artists first.” - Corey Poole, Music Officer, City of Mississauga

SHOWCASES 

This is your chance to perform for Folk Music industry from across Canada and around the world, from the Festival Directors who program Folk's biggest stages, to House Concert Hosts who program concerts in their living rooms, and every type of live venue in-between! We also host all facets of the industry including Folk DJ's, Managers, Agents, Labels, Performers' Rights Organizations, Funders, Music Supervisors, and more. With our new model of showcasing, you have maximum opportunity for visibility and discovery during your time to shine! This years showcase applications are now closed.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

The Conference is a great opportunity to learn from industry leaders and share best practices with your peers. All Conference attendees will have access to panels, workshops, and round-table discussions. Panels are an opportunity to hear industry leaders weigh in on a topic, interact with one-another in a moderated discussion, and field questions from the audience. Workshops provide a hands-on opportunity to learn about a specialized topic with an industry mentor. Peer Session discussions are for peer groups to connect with one another in a facilitated discussion about their experiences in the industry. Check back as more information about our PD schedule is released as we approach the conference. 

NETWORKING 

Folk Music Ontario is the largest gathering of Folk Music professionals in Canada. It's an opportunity for all facets of the industry to celebrate the work we do and the music we love. Before, after, and during the conference there are many opportunities to network, from the more structured online One-On-One Meetings (aka. B2B meetings, Lightning Talks) to the relaxed atmosphere of Sponsored Receptions, there are opportunities to connect with other delegates at every turn. 

I had an incredible time at FMO! It is such a special thing to be able to connect with artists and industry professionals from across North America.” - Angelique Francis, Official Showcasing Artist & JUNO Winner

Partners & Sponsors

Interested in partnering with Folk Music Ontario? Our partners have the opportunity to present their own spotlight showcase, advertise to our growing folk community, present panels or professional development activities, host a reception or meet-up, and much more. Please contact us for more information.