About Us

A task force was created by a dedicated group of performing arts professionals following the announcement of the pause of the Arts Midwest Conference with a goal to identify a solution to the gap left without the regional industry conference. The original task force was comprised of presenters, agents, and self-represented artists who worked together for several months to design a new model. This new model included the decision to create a non-profit corporation to move plans ahead for a new conference.

Heartland Performing Arts, Inc. is a non-profit corporation governed by a board of directors representing a cross-section of agents, managers, presenters, and artists dedicated to the mission of bringing together arts professionals to encourage innovation, create educational opportunities, strengthen artist touring relationships, and support arts advocacy throughout the central United States.

Tommy Hensel, President

Elgin Community College & IL Presenters Network Chair

Eric Olmscheid, Vice President

Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University

Tianna Conway, Secretary

Carthage College & WI Presenters Network Chair

Jeff Laramie, Treasurer

SRO Artists Inc

Sara Barasch

IMG Artists

Gail Boyd

Gail Boyd Artist Management

Laurel Canan

Siegel Artist Management