IND/EX — Independent Film Exhibition Conference
A joint conference from Art House Convergence and Film Festival Alliance for independent cinemas and film festivals. It ran in Chicago in June 2026; the next edition is not yet dated.
| Runs | Every two years (2024, 2026); Art House Convergence holds its own Convening in the years between |
|---|---|
| Organised by | Art House Convergence and Film Festival Alliance |
| Who goes | Art-house cinemas, film festivals, distributors and vendors serving independent exhibition |
Dates and venues change. Confirm against Art House Convergence and Film Festival Alliance before booking travel. Last verified 26 September 2026.
Built for mission-driven exhibitors
IND/EX is a partnership between Art House Convergence, the coalition of independent exhibitors, and Film Festival Alliance, which represents mission-driven festivals. Its stated aim is to advance the reach, impact and sustainability of independent exhibitors and festivals. The 2026 edition ran 22–25 June in the Chicago Loop, based at Venue Six10 with events at the Chicago Cultural Center and the Music Box Theatre, and the organisers expected around 750 professionals.
The programme mixes educational sessions, skills workshops, keynotes, screenings and separate vendor and distributor trade shows. It is explicitly not a filmmakers' event: unsolicited pitches to distributors and attendees are prohibited, which keeps it a working conference for people who run venues and festivals.
Cost and cadence
2026 pricing was tiered by date and membership: $500 for AHC or FFA members and $600 for non-members at early bird, rising to $650/$750 at regular rate and $800/$900 at last call. The badge covered daily lunch, the opening reception and all programming.
Art House Convergence's own listings show IND/EX in 2024 and 2026 with its standalone Convening in 2025, and it has announced a 2027 Convening. Dates for the next IND/EX had not been announced as of 26 September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next IND/EX?
Not announced as of 26 September 2026. The 2026 edition ran 22–25 June in Chicago; the previous one was in June 2024.
How much did IND/EX cost?
In 2026, from $500 (member early bird) to $900 (non-member last call).
Can filmmakers attend to pitch?
The organisers say the event is not geared towards filmmakers and prohibit unsolicited pitches.
Who runs it?
Art House Convergence and Film Festival Alliance, jointly.
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