23rd Annual Idea Swap

The Idea Swap is an annual event for New England-based nonprofit cultural organizations to network and share ideas for performing arts, literary arts, and film projects that are available for presentation in New England communities. The Idea Swap is an opportunity to develop collaborations and partnerships that will result in applications to NEFA’s Crossroads: Touring New England (formerly known as NEST 3/Expeditions) grant program. 

Each year, NEFA’s Idea Swap attracts over 150 participants from across the region. The online event platform enables participants to submit and view ideas in advance and a select number of project ideas will be shared during the Idea Swap.

How to Share a Project at Idea Swap

Register to attend. Once you have registered to attend, you can submit your potential Crossroads: Touring New England project. Project submissions are due by Friday, October 3 at 5:30 PM. 

Submit a Project

• By October 24, NEFA staff will be in touch about whether you are selected to present and, if so, what your next steps are. Presenters may present either in the main session or in simultaneous breakout groups. Even if you are not selected to present this year, your project and all its details are viewable to all registered attendees on Whova. 

Please reach out to Audrey Seraphin at aseraphin@nefa.org if you have any questions about submitting a project for consideration.

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 $209
• 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.

How to Make the Most of Idea Swap Recording

This event was recorded in October 2024.

Read the How to Make the Most of Idea Swap Transcript