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Partners

Connect, Collaborate, and Transform Your Business

Live events keep moving, and the best ideas come from the people building what’s next. First Hold brings together a curated, invite-only group of people who run the show — independent venue owners, promoters, agents, event operators, and industry leaders across music, performing arts, and attractions for meaningful conversations, practical takeaways, and the kind of connection that is hard to create anywhere else.
Join us in Del Mar for two days designed to get you out of the day-to-day and into the room with peers who understand the work. Expect thoughtful programming, candid conversations, great food and drinks, and plenty of time to connect.
RSVP For First Hold

Why Attend

First Hold is about bringing together a curated group of venue owners, promoters, agents, and operators to trade ideas on what's working and what isn't. Opendate was born from real issues faced running shows — this is the conference we wish existed.

Check out the recap from First Hold 2026:
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"First Hold has emerged as the conference that independent venues, promoters, and festivals actually need."

-- Post-event survey, First Hold 2026

"There wasn't one moment where people weren't chatting with each other, and the rooms were always buzzing."

--Post-event survey, First Hold 2026

L’Auberge Del Mar

First Hold 2027 will be hosted at L’Auberge Del Mar, an award winning coastal resort in the heart of Del Mar overlooking the Pacific. The property will serve as our home base for Thursday’s conference programming, breakfast, lunch, and happy hour.
1540 Camino Del Mar,
Del Mar, CA 92014
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Itinerary & Events

More speakers, sessions, and events to be announced!

Day 1: Wednesday, February 3rd

9:00AM - 1:00PM
Guests arrive to First Hold, registration pickup.
1:00PM
Programming begins at L'Auberge Del Mar, including curated sessions, workshops, and small breakouts. Day 1 focuses on building deep connections with peers.
5:30PM
Welcome Reception at L'Auberge Del Mar.

Day 2: Thursday, FEbruary 4th

9:00AM
Breakfast
10:00AM
Day 2 programming begins, featuring keynotes, panels, guest speakers, and Opendate product demos. Day 2 dives into both actionable and ambitious ways to transforn your business.
1:00PM
Lunch
2:00PM
Day 2 programming continues.
6:00PM
Happy hours, curated dinners, and late-night parties to conclude First Hold 2027!

Speakers

Jenny Boyts
CEO of Forty5
Chris Copen
Owner - Bottlerocket Social Hall
Timm Donohue
Artist Manager at Adult Decisions Mgmt, Tour Manager for Angel Olsen, and Musicians’ Rights Advocate
Jordan Gechtman
Assistant General Manager & former Marketing Manager at Higher Ground
Rami Haykal-Manning
Co-Founder and President of Elsewhere in Brooklyn and previously ran PopGun Presents and Glasslands Gallery
Kurt Klaus
Head of Business & Legal Affairs, VP Media & Entertainment, at Harken Hall
David McKay
Co-founder / CEO at Seated
James Moody
Founder and owner of The Mohawk, etc
Stephen Parker
Executive Director, NIVA
Eric Tobias
CEO & Co-Founder of Opendate
Matt Yasecko
Chief Operating Officer at Arrival Artists

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FAQs & Additional details

Everything you need to know about getting to First Hold 2027, what to expect, and how to plan your trip. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to our team at: [email protected].

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Hotel Accommodations

First Hold programming and events will take place at L'Auberge Del Mar. These are available to book upon reservation, and we will send preferred rates etc etc.

L'Auberge Del Mar
Address:
Reserve With Booking Link

Hotel Indigo Del Mar
Address:
Reserve With Booking Link

Hilton San Diego Del Mar
Address:
Reserve With Booking Link

Will Transportation Be Provided?

You'll cover your own travel and airport transportation. We will cover all transportation from hotels to First Hold etc etc

If you're staying at one of  hotels, ride share vouchers are on us — no need to figure out parking or rentals.

Get yourself to Del Mar and we'll handle the rest.

How Do I get To First Hold?

L’Auberge Del Mar is located in Del Mar, California, approximately 20 minutes north of San Diego International Airport under typical conditions. We recommend flying into San Diego International Airport (SAN).