It’s that time again…
Techapalooza is back for its 15th epic year, and this time our theme is
“Playing Tribute to Legends – Raising Hope for the Future”.
This means each band will be playing a set from a single artist, from any genre, in any era (artists with both a band and well-known solo career can be combined in the same set (ie: Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks, Sting/The Police).
While our bands are “Playing Tribute”, we’ll be asking our audience to “Pay Tribute” to someone they love who has been affected by cancer. All donations go directly to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation and stay in Manitoba to support vital research and programs. Techapalooza is proud to be one of the largest private fundraisers for CancerCare Manitoba Foundation and every dollar makes a difference!
Rules and guidelines (click to expand)
- Maximum of 6 bands will be selected to perform.
- Individual musicians can also apply and will be considered to fill in any gaps in band lineups.
- Have a collective level of experience playing in a venue / stage / similar events / past Techapalooza
- Bands must consist of at least 50% IT members (see below), and two “ringers” allowed per band. (These are non-IT musicians you bring in to fill out your sound).
- IT member qualification includes:
- Corporate or government IT departments, IT vendors and service providers, IT educators and trainers, members of an IT professional association (e.g., ICTAM, CIPS, PMI, etc.) and independent IT consultants.
- Cross-org collabs are encouraged. Your band can include members from different companies or agencies.
- Bands must apply to participate. The Techapalooza Selection Panel, led by our Musical Director, will review all submissions.
- Submissions are scored on fundraising ability, adherence with theme, experience and ability to put on a high caliber, fun show that will resonate with our audience and sponsors.
- Creative band names encouraged. A clever play on IT terms and/or our theme is always fun. (Bon Java, Ping Floyd, Tears for Firewalls anyone??)
- 25-minute set limit, strictly enforced. Keep it tight, keep it punchy, keep it epic, don’t wear out your welcome 😊.
- Bands must assign a band leader representative and alternate that must:
- Liaison with Techapalooza band coordinators
- Participate in once-a-month Teams meeting checkpoints
- Ensure band information is accurate and accessible for Techapalooza marketing, promotions and event planning
- Band Leader responsibility to fan out Techapalooza communications/band related information to all their band members
- Agree to promote and share the band and event content on Techapalooza authorized social media platforms
- There is a significant fundraising component.
Bands are expected to fundraise and sell tickets to ensure the event is a success and raises as much money for CancerCare Manitoba as possible. Specifically, the band must:- Assign/Appoint a band leader/alternative to Band Fund Raising and Ticket Sales
- to register all band members to the Fundraiser site and to solicit contacts for direct donations
- Expect to sell 45 tickets at minimum / work with band member employers to solicit ticket sales
- Band members to work with Techapalooza to providing opportunity information on potential employer sponsorship
- Aid in soliciting potential colleagues or friends to help in event volunteer positions
Apply to Play at Techapalooza 2027
Applications will be open from July 15th through September 4th, 2026.
If you are a band wishing to submit an application, please use the band application form.
If you are an individual musician (perhaps in search of a band?), please use the individual musicians’ application form.