APAP Conference 2024 : A Full-Circle Journey for The Colorful Hat Circus & Variety!

In January 2024, I attended the APAP Conference in New York City — and WOW, what an unforgettable experience! Nothing like stepping into the world’s biggest gathering of presenters, producers, and performing arts creators!

But what made APAP 2024 truly special were the people, the full-circle moments, and the inspiring conversations that reminded me why I created The Colorful Hat in the first place.

A Heartwarming Reunion With the Early Days of The Colorful HatOne of the most meaningful surprises of the conference was reconnecting with Serenity Smith Forchion — former Cirque du Soleil aerialist, co-founder of the New England Center for Circus Arts, and one of the original performers in The Colorful Hat’s earliest shows that toured way back in 2007 and 2008.

Seeing her speak on a panel of circus artists and producers was incredibly inspiring. Serenity has always been a trailblazer, and hearing her perspective on the future of circus arts instantly brought me back to those early days when The Colorful Hat was just beginning to take shape. It was a true full-circle moment!

Meeting Jay Gilligan and Experiencing “Reflex”Another highlight was meeting Jay Gilligan, whose work has influenced an entire generation of jugglers. Jay was showcasing his one-man juggling show Reflex, and getting to connect with him in person was a real treat.

As someone who’s been around juggling and circus arts for years, watching Jay’s creativity and innovation up close was energizing. It reminded me how rich and diverse the world of circus arts truly is — and how much possibility still exists within it.  

Exhibiting on the Rhinelander Floor

The Colorful Hat Circus & Variety exhibited on the Rhinelander level of the Hilton, and what an atmosphere! Our booth had fantastic neighbors, including:

• AudienceView, a major ticketing and live event platform.
• Magic Mirror Tents, specialists in spectacular classic Spiegeltents.
• Picollo Zoppe - Boutique Circus, a legendary family-operated circus company whose presence brought an extra dose of traditional circus heart to the APAP expo hall.

Getting to talk with presenters, theaters, and fellow performers throughout the weekend was invaluable. The APAP Expo Hall is where endless discoveries happen — and being part of that energy for the first time felt like stepping onto a brand-new stage. 

Conversations, Sessions, and New ConnectionsBetween exhibitor hours, late-night showcases, and early morning educational sessions, I soaked up everything I could — industry trends, marketing insights, presenter needs, and programming opportunities.

Most importantly, I had the chance to share The Colorful Hat’s mission with presenters from across the country:
To bring families together through joyful, uplifting live entertainment that sparks wonder and imagination.
Every conversation reinforced that there is still a strong and growing appetite for high-quality family shows — and The Colorful Hat is right in that sweet spot.
Walking Away Inspired and Ready for MoreAttending APAP 2024 was more than just a conference — it was a spark.

A reset button.

A reminder of how far this little circus and variety show has come… and where it can go next.

I left New York feeling energized, inspired, and incredibly grateful for the people who have shaped The Colorful Hat from its earliest days to today.
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And this was only the beginning for 2024!

Association of Performing Arts Professionals Annual Conference in New York City!