Arrival and Welcome

Congress opens from approximately 4pm for delegate registration and pack collection.

Afternoon
• Registration and check in
• Welcome gathering
• Orientation and overview of the week
• Informal networking

Evening

6.00pm
Welcome Dinner at Casa de Reyes, Old Town

Delegates will gather for an informal opening dinner in historic Old Town San Diego. Transport guidance will be provided.

This is a lighter arrival day designed to allow delegates to settle in, connect, and begin the Congress together.

Full day of curated panels and discussions at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, La Jolla.

Focus areas include:
• Global Fringe ecosystem
• Sustainability and governance
• Funding models
• International collaboration

Structured panels, keynote conversations and facilitated discussion sessions.

Transport guidance will be provided to all delegates.

9.00am – 9.40am
Coffee, tea and pastries
Merch swap and registration

9.45am – 10.15am
Opening Session
Opening provocation and framing of the Congress, setting the tone for global collaboration, exchange, and shared challenges across the Fringe sector

10.15am – 11.15am
Panel 1
How to establish and grow your Fringe in response to your community
Exploring how Fringe festivals emerge, adapt, and thrive by responding to local cultural needs, audiences, and artistic ecosystems

11.15am – 11.45am
Break

11.45am – 12.45pm
Panel 2
Building resiliency within your organisation
A discussion on crisis management, leadership transitions, sustainability, and maintaining momentum in changing environments

12.45pm – 2.00pm
Lunch

2.00pm – 3.00pm
Panel 3
Responsibility in the pay-to-play model
Exploring funding structures, access, inclusion, and how festivals can balance financial models with equity, diversity, and reputation

3.00pm – 4.00pm
Panel 4
Programming international work and the challenges
A practical conversation on international collaboration, including outreach, visas, funding, and supporting artists across borders

Delegates will also have the opportunity to visit:

 • The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, home of the La Jolla Music Society

Open Space Day

Balboa Park

A participatory, peer led day of conversations and collaborative problem solving.
This session invites the global Fringe community to raise the issues that matter most and work together to develop ideas and solutions.

Expect:
Topic led breakout sessions
Roundtable discussions
Shared learning and exchange
Practical takeaways

Delegates are encouraged to bring questions, challenges and ideas.

9.30am
Arrival

9.45am – 1.00pm
Open Space sessions

1.00pm – 2.00pm
Lunch at WorldBeat Center

2.00pm – 2.45pm
Visit to the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages

2.45pm
Walk to The Old Globe

3.00pm – 3.45pm
Tour of The Old Globe

4.00pm
Talk with The Old Globe Artistic Director

5.00pm - 6.30pm

VIP Reception,  El Mirador Roof Terrace, Natural History Museum, Balboa Park

7pm - OPTIONAL: performance of 'Kim's Convenience' at The Old Globe Theatre (Tickets offered to delegates at a 35% discount) 

Future Focus Day

San Diego State University

A forward looking programme exploring the future of Fringe.
This day brings together ideas, innovation, and emerging practice to consider how the sector evolves in a rapidly changing world.

Confirmed themes include AI and social media.

Additional sessions may explore:
Digital innovation
Audience development
Research and data
New business models

The day will close with reflections and next steps for the global Fringe network.

All Day
Design and Technology Showcase, Main Stage Lobby

10.00am – 10.15am
Welcome and introduction

10.15am
MFA Musical Theatre performance

10.30am – 11.30am
Panel
AI and Design

11.30am – 11.45am
Break

11.45am – 12.30pm
Concurrent sessions
Art and Design Exhibitions, University Art Galleries
Panel, Fringe 101, Student Work, Main Stage Theatre

12.30pm – 1.30pm
Lunch, Lamden Stage

1.30pm – 2.00pm
Music and Dance Performance, Main Stage Theatre

2.00pm – 2.15pm
Break

2.15pm – 3.15pm
Panel
Fringe Partnerships

3.30pm – 4.00pm
Tour of campus spaces and immersive performance

4.00pm – 5.00pm
Happy Hour Reception, Storm Hall Terrace

5.00pm
End of day

Congress excursion TBC - Cultural Centre
Cross Border and Celebration. Congress excursion to Tijuana, Mexico.

Congress excursion TBC - San Diego
Optional organised visit and cultural exploration within San Diego.

Evening
San Diego Fringe Awards Night. and cabaret

Federal Holiday in USA

Memorial Day. No scheduled Congress programming. 

Hollywood Fringe Launch
Los Angeles

Optional travel to Los Angeles for the Hollywood Fringe Festival launch.