BCMFC 4th Annual Symposium 2026 – September 30 – October 4, 2026
Victoria, BC
Please join us for the 2026 BC Music Festival Collective Symposium, taking place September 30 – October 4 in Victoria, alongside BreakOut West.
We are pleased to once again partner with BreakOut West to offer festival-focused programming that complements the conference and showcases. This is a valuable opportunity to connect with festival organizers from across British Columbia, as well as music industry professionals from across Western Canada and beyond, plus check out some amazing artists.
This year’s Symposium will feature sessions on Meaningful Indigenous Relationships, Economic Impact Case Studies, Inspiring Stories from the Field, panel discussions, and dedicated networking opportunities. We are also planning several exciting partnership events throughout the week, including with the International Indigenous Music Summit and The Crisp Festival (see schedule below). More details on the program, speakers, and schedule will be announced soon—we look forward to seeing you in Victoria!
REGISTRATION
Registration takes place through BreakOut West and BCMFC Members get 25% off the cost of registration (Promo code: bcfestival2026). Register by JUNE 24 to get the Super Saver Rate ($238 x 25% = $178.50). After June 24 the price goes up, so take advantage of the Saver Rate.
Register Here (Promo code: bcfestival2026)
Your registration will include all the BOW Conference and Showcases, as well as, the BCMFC Symposium programming.
**If the cost of registration is a barrier to attend please reach out for support: bcmusicfestivalcollective@gmail.com
DRAFT SCHEDULE – *SUBJECT TO CHANGE*
Wednesday, September 30 (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation)
Victoria location TBA
Evening Welcome Reception and Bimiwizh Showcase presented by the International Indigenous Music Summit
Thursday, October 1
Location: Encore, 1415 Broad St, Victoria, BC
9:00am – 12pm – Coffee, Festival Welcome, Petcha Kutcha, Key Note and Panel TBA
12pm – 1pm – Lunch
Head to BreakOut West Sessions and Showcases
Friday, October 2
Location: Encore, 1415 Broad St, Victoria, BC
9:30am – 12pm – Coffee, Festival Impact – Case Studies, Workshops TBA
12pm – 1pm – Lunch
Head to BreakOut West Sessions and Showcases
Saturday, October 3
BreakOut West Sessions and Showcases
Sunday, October 4
9:00am Ferry to Pender Island for Crisp Festival: the 7th Annual Crisp Festival welcomes attendees to experience true island life with music panels and showcases.
11:00am – 1:30pm – Panel x 2, plus lunch
1:30pm – 2:30pm – Artist Showcases
Head to Ferry back to Vancouver or Victoria or stay on Pender.
2025 Symposium
What a fruitful gathering of festival colleagues from across the province and the country at the 3rd Annual BC Music Festival Symposium, September 12-14, 2025 in Lekwungen Territory (Victoria, BC). It was our largest attendance yet with over 60 festival industry participants coming together to learn, share and celebrate the value of festival and events. Huge gratitude to our partner, Rifflandia Festival and to our funders, The Province of BC through Creative BC and the BC Arts Council and sponsors, FACTOR and Canada’s private radio broadcasters, Tickit.ca, Music BC and Encore.
The scheduled from the weekend can be found here.
Check out some photos from our 2024 symposium below:
Honourable, Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport welcoming us with some remarks on Friday and Open Space Discussion on Saturday Morning. (2024)
Stacey Forrester, Education Director for Good Night Out with a workshop on developing your Code of Conduct. (2024)
Behind the Scenes Operations Tour of Rifflandia with Morgan Sutherland, Head of Partnerships. (2024)
2024 Symposium
(2024) Thanks to everyone who joined us in Victoria for the BCMFC Symposium September 13-14th 2024. Huge thanks to Rifflandia for their incredible support and to our funders, the Province of BC through the BC Arts Council and Creative BC, as well as our sponsor, Tickit and our amazing venue the Victoria Event Centre. Huge thank you also to our presenters and invited speakers. We had close to 50 participants from across all regions of the province. Honourable, Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport helped welcome us with some remarks on Friday. She spoke about her continued support of the BCFFE program.