22nd Annual Idea Swap

Parking Directions 

The Idea Swap is the annual event for New England-based nonprofit cultural organizations and touring artists to network and share ideas for touring projects. This year, we will convene back at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA.  

$65 early bird | $85 regular  

Nonprofit arts organizations are highly encouraged to attend the Idea Swap to learn more about potential New England States Touring (NEST) 3 tours and identify tour partners. NEST 3 grants support the presentation of artists from anywhere in the world and presenting partners across multiple New England states are required.  

To support networking that is mutually beneficial for organizations and artists, capacity is limited. Organizations may register up to three staff members. The Idea Swap is designed for staff who directly participate in artistic or community programming. Artistic ensembles may register up to two members.  

Key Dates 

• Project Idea Submission Deadline: October 9, 2024
• Early Bird Registration Deadline: October 18, 2024 
• Registration Closes: November 5, 2024 at 11:59 PM 

• Idea Swap: November 12, 2024 

   

How to Submit Your Idea for a Project Presentation 

If you have a project that has potential for a NEST 3 tour, please submit your idea through our new call for proposals by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, October 9. If selected, you’ll have exactly 5 minutes and audio/visual support to share your touring project idea with the full room at Idea Swap. Space on our agenda is extremely limited, so project proposals may also be considered for smaller mini swap presentations or online display on the Whova app. Information and instructions for displaying additional project proposals on online will be provided to registered attendees later in October. 

If you have any questions about project submission or selection, please contact Audrey Seraphin at aseraphin@nefa.org.  

Schedule of Events 

September 10  

Watch the NEST Webinar 
or read the transcript at the link, above.

October 31 

Virtual Pre-Idea Swap Networking & How to Make the Most Out of Idea Swap 

More details coming soon! 

November 12*  

9:30 AM | Registration Opens 

10:00 AM |  Idea Swap Welcome & Project Presentations 

12:00 noon |  Lunch 

1:00 PM - 4:00PM | Project Presentations & Breakout Groups  

*Subject to change 

Directions, Parking, & Hotel  

Directions & Parking 

There are five nearby hotel options in the area: 

• AC Hotel Worcester
  125 Front St, Worcester, MA 01608
  4-minute drive, 8-minute walk to Mechanics Hall
  Parking: $18/day in underground parking garage
  • There is a limited block of rooms for $216.31, including tax.  
• Courtyard Worcester
  72 Grove St, Worcester, MA 01605
  5-minute drive, 19-minute walk to Mechanics Hall
  Parking: $15/day
• Hampton Inn & Suites Worcester
  65 Prescott St, Worcester, MA 01605
  5-minute drive, 20-minute walk to Mechanics Hall
  Parking: $15/day
• Hilton Garden Inn Worcester
  35 Major Taylor Blvd, Worcester, MA 01608
  3-minute drive, 7-minute walk to Mechanics Hall
  Parking: $11.95/day, parking garage across the street from hotel
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Worcester
  1 Washington Sq, Worcester, MA 01604
  4-minute drive, 9-minute walk
  Parking: Free parking lot

Accessible Entrance 

The accessible entrance is located on Waldo Street. Elevators are located in the ground-floor lobby and provide access to the second and third floors. Idea Swap check in is located on the second floor.