24th Annual Idea Swap

The Idea Swap is an annual event for New England-based nonprofit cultural organizations to network and share 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

Once you have registered to attend this year’s Idea Swap, you can submit your potential Crossroads: Touring New England project now through Monday, September 28 on Whova.

Submit a Project Idea

• By October 15, NEFA staff will be in touch about whether you are selected to present and, if so, what your next steps are. Presenters may be selected to 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 will be viewable to all registered attendees on Whova. 

Just want to feature your project idea on Whova? A submission form for project ideas not seeking to be presented live at Idea Swap will be available by early October.

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 

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.

Hotels

There is a hotel room block at:

AC Hotel Worcester, 125 Front St, Worcester, MA 01608 

• Group rate: $209 USD/night (plus applicable taxes)
• Reservation deadline: Monday, September 28, 2026

Make a Reservation

There are four other nearby hotel options in the area: 

• Courtyard Worcester
  72 Grove St, Worcester, MA 01605
  5-minute drive, 19-minute walk to Mechanics Hall
• Hampton Inn & Suites Worcester
  65 Prescott St, Worcester, MA 01605
  5-minute drive, 20-minute walk to Mechanics Hall
• Hilton Garden Inn Worcester
  35 Major Taylor Blvd, Worcester, MA 01608
  3-minute drive, 7-minute walk to Mechanics Hall
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Worcester
  1 Washington Sq, Worcester, MA 01604
  4-minute drive, 9-minute walk

How to Make the Most of Idea Swap

This event was recorded in October 2024.

Read the How to Make the Most of Idea Swap Transcript