[1] The Western Canadian Music Awards presentation gala takes place on the final evening of the Breakout West music conference & festival, which takes place in a different Western Canadian city each year.
[1] The earliest incarnation of the Awards was the "All Indie Weekend" festivals held in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba from 1995 through 1999.
[10] The BreakOut West Festival features some of the finest talent from all genres of music from B.C, Alberta, Manitoba, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories.
The daytime conference component of Breakout West features panels, workshops, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and networking events to provide opportunities for artists and other industry people to learn and network.
[10] Mission Statement: "To stage an event in Western Canada that unites, promotes, develops, and educates independent labels, artists, and managers.