Listed below are some of the questions that are asked most frequently about the FMO conference. If you can’t find the information that you need here, feel free to call our office at 1-866-292-6233 (or 613-560-5997 in the Ottawa area), or email office@folkmusicontario.ca.
General Conference
Where is the conference in 2020?
The 34th annual conference will take place September 25-27, 2020, at the the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 300 King Street, London, ON.
Who can attend the Folk Music Ontario conference?
Anyone! Musicians, agents, festival planners, representatives of related organizations, and music lovers may attend the conference.
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.
What should I bring with me?
You just need to provide your name to one of our FMO volunteers at the Registration Area. You can bring your instrument to the conference, even if you don’t have a showcase booked. You’ll find people jamming throughout the weekend in various areas of the hotel. And maybe bring a pair of comfortable shoes, you’ll need them!
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Conference Registration
How do I get the FMO member rate?
New this year, we have simplified registering for the conference as an FMO member! In order to receive your discounted member rate, log into your active account here (if you’re not already logged in) and retrieve your Member ID. Once you are ready to register through Ticketpro, you will apply your Member ID number in the field provided. Your ID number can only be used for yourself, and enables you to purchase each event, and take advantage of the early bird rate!
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 (May 1, August 1). However, you are welcome to register at the conference. Head to the Registration Area and the Ticketpro representative will be onsite to assist you. You can pay for your registration with cash or credit card. If you are an active FMO member be sure to have access to your member ID number, you’ll need it to receive the member rate.
I am no longer able to attend the conference. Can I get a refund for my registration?
Refunds are not possible, but we are happy to apply a full credit to your account, to be used on a future purchase from Folk Music Ontario (membership renewal, conference registration, etc.).
I already paid to register for the conference, but now I’m eligible for a lower registration rate. What can I do?
Contact the office at 1-866-292-6233 (locally 613-560-5997), or email office@folkmusicontario.ca.
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Showcasing
What kinds of showcases take place at the conference?
There are three types of showcase:
- Official
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- Chosen by jury
- 36 showcase slots available
- Application period: TBD
- Selections made and published by TBD
- Sponsored
-
- Typically hosted and paid for by provincial music industry organizations, record labels, agencies, etc.
- Full production provided by Folk Music Ontario
- Feature host’s choice of lineup
- Private
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- Late-night
- Held in regular hotel rooms
- Acoustic only
- Hosted by anyone who applies and pays to host
- Feature host’s choice of lineup
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Official Showcases
What is an Official Showcase?
On Friday and Saturday evening of the conference, Folk Music Ontario presents artists who have been selected by a jury. In 2019, there were 36 Official Showcases, 2 Family Showcases and a Youth Showcase. Click here for more information on the jury process.
How can I be considered for the Official Showcase?
The 2019 official showcase applications are now closed. Information about the 2020 showcase applications will be published in the new year.
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Private Showcases
What is a Private Showcase?
Private Showcases are performances that take place in specified hotel rooms on Friday and Saturday nights after the official showcases (11:00pm – 3:00am). All private showcases are acoustic.
How much does it cost to host a Private Showcase?
Private showcase hosts pay an administrative fee of $80.00 plus HST/night for each of two nights (Friday and Saturday), plus the regular hotel room rental rate plus applicable taxes. Hosts must be registered for the full conference, and are eligible for a special rate of $210.00 plus HST, with FMO membership valid through at least September 30, 2020.
How do I apply to play in a Private Showcase?
There is no application form to play in private showcases. You just need to be registered for the conference, and to make arrangements with one or more private showcase hosts to be included in their lineup. A list of Private Showcase presenters looking for artists will be available on the Conference Showcasing page. You may also reach out to other artists by posting on the FMO Facebook page or through Maplepost.
How much does it cost to play in a Private Showcase?
At least one person from each band appearing in a Private Showcase must be registered for the full conference (and is eligible for the special Private/Sponsored Showcase rate of $210.00 plus HST), and must have a Folk Music Ontario membership valid through September 2020 ($49.72/year). Other band members performing in a private showcase are also eligible for this pricing, or may register at the reduced “Side player” rate of $152.31. Side players paying this rate will have access to showcases only and no other conference events.
Private showcase hosts occasionally ask the artists appearing in their showcases to pay a small fee to help offset the host’s costs. This is completely up to the host and the artists to negotiate.
I am only playing in a couple of Private Showcases. Do I really have to pay to register?
Yes! Everyone who attends the conference in any capacity has to be registered.
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Travel and Accommodation
How can I book a hotel room at the conference group rate?
Folk Music Ontario has negotiated at group rate for conference attendees. More information will be published soon.
Do I have to book a hotel room to attend the conference?
No. You are welcome travel from home if you live in the area, stay with family or friends, or book accommodations elsewhere. If the DoubleTree sells out of rooms, FMO will provide information on overflow hotels.
Is parking included?
Parking info will updated soon!
How do I get to the hotel from the London airport?
Visit the London International Airport website to learn more information about ground transportation.
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Volunteering
How do I become a volunteer?
To be become a volunteer you must apply online through the Folk Music Ontario website.
When will volunteer applications be launched?
Volunteer applications will be available in June 25, 2020.
Do I get to attend conference events for free when I am not volunteering?
Yes, you may attend the conference events when you are not scheduled for a volunteer shift.
Can my time at the FMO conference be counted for high school volunteer hours?
Yes.
Who can I contact if I need to change or cancel my shift?
Please send an email to office@folkmusicontario.ca.
Will Folk Music Ontario provide food/snacks/accommodations for volunteers?
FMO is a not-for-profit organization, and does not have the budget to provide food, snacks, or accommodations to volunteers.
Do I really have to go to the volunteer orientation?
Yes! All volunteers must commit to attending an orientation session which occurs before their first scheduled shift. The orientation sessions will be offered at various times throughout the conference. The volunteer orientation will equip you with the knowledge you will need for the rest of the conference and allow you to provide better customer service.
I’ve been scheduled as a “floater”. What am I supposed to be doing?
Folk Music Ontario schedules various volunteers on “floater” shifts during the conference. Floaters may be asked to fill in for another volunteer who did not make his/her shift, or to help out anywhere that an extra volunteer is needed. If you are scheduled as a floater, check with the volunteer coordinator before your shift starts to see if there is a specific place that you are needed.
