Annual Conference

The AICF Annual Conference brings together festival organizers, artists, and cultural partners to share ideas and strengthen the Irish festival community.

Festival leaders attend the conference to discuss best practices, learn from one another, and build partnerships that help their events succeed.


2027 AICF CONFERENCE

Mark your calendars now and save the dates! Our next conference will take place May 6-8, 2027, in Kansas City, MO.

Attendance is open to AICF members and sponsors. More information to come!


Artist Showcase

Each year, festival organizers and cultural centers from across North America gather at the AICF Conference to discover and book performers for upcoming festivals and events. This conference provides artists with a valuable opportunity to showcase their talent directly to decision-makers responsible for programming summer festivals throughout North America.

We welcome performers who love and perform Irish and Celtic music across all genres. Artists whose travel requires it must be able to obtain the appropriate visas and travel to North America for festival performances during the summer festival circuit (primarily June through September).

A limited number of showcase slots are available. Selected artists will be notified by email once the selection process has been completed.

Submissions are reviewed by the AICF Entertainment Committee, which is made up of representatives from various North American festivals. Please note that all selected artists are responsible for their own transportation and accommodation costs. However, rooms will be available within the conference room block. Hotel rate and booking information will be shared soon.

Submissions for the 2027 conference will open soon.

If you have any questions regarding the showcase process, please contact
showcase@irishcelticfestivals.org.


PAST CONFERENCES

The AICF Conference has been hosted in cities across North America and internationally, including:

  • Orlando –2025
  • Chicago – 2024
  • Galway, Ireland – 2023
  • Dallas / Ft. Worth – 2022
  • Pittsburgh – 2019
  • Milwaukee – 2018
  • Indianapolis – 2017
  • Nova Scotia – 2016
  • Minneapolis / St. Paul – 2015
  • Scotland – 2014
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