Orchestra Board Member Forum
The League of American Orchestras’ National Conference features educational content curated specifically for board members, along with time for peer discussions and networking opportunities. The Orchestra Board Member Forum aims to provide learning on topics from fundraising to leadership and governance, all designed to help you and your board lead effectively. Join hundreds of industry professionals and other board members at the field’s biggest professional development event, and return to your orchestra board with new ideas and insights to help your organization reach greater success!
Highlights Include:
Raising the Bar on Board Engagement: a Pre-Conference seminar on good governance principles and engagement for boards of all size orchestras
Board Member Roundtables: closed-door sessions for board chairs/chairs-elect and board members to participate in facilitated conversations broken out by group size
League Board President Alan Mason in conversation with Ann Meier Baker, Retired Director of Music and Opera at the NEA
The launch of a new edition of the League’s Effective Orchestra Governance Guide
Plus, network with industry leaders and other board members and enjoy performances by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and other Baltimore-area orchestras!
During this year’s Conference, members of the League’s Board of Directors will serve as Conference buddies for orchestra board members. Find personalized schedule recommendations below—and see you in Baltimore this June for three days of connection, learning, and music.
Orchestra Board Member Conference Track
Recommended and curated sessions. Check out the full schedule of Conference events!
SUNDAY, MAY 31 (Pre-Conference)
Build Your Fundraising Year to Drive Cash Flow and Donor Growth (Optional)
2:00pm-5:00pm
Learn to strategically sequence your fundraising calendar.
Pre-Conference Seminar (separate registration required)
Leading a Culture of Innovation (Optional)
2:00pm-5:00pm
Lead organizational culture with proven techniques and real-world insights.
Pre-Conference Seminar (separate registration required)
The Baltimore Chamber Orchestra’s Meyerhoff Debut (Optional)
7:30pm, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Music Director Robert Moody, highlights some of Baltimore’s newest and most well-known contributors to the orchestral canon.
Live Music (separate ticket required)
Marla Bobowick, speaking at “Raising the Bar on Board Engagement.” Credit: Sarah Goldman Photography.
Photo courtesy of Baltimore Chamber Orchestra.
Monday, June 1
Raising the Bar on Board Engagement (Optional)
9:00am-12:00pm
Good governance principles for boards of all size orchestras.
Pre-Conference Seminar (separate registration required)
Demystifying the Magic on the Podium
1:00pm-2:30pm
Constituency meeting for orchestra board members, with Robert Moody, conductor.
Constituency Meeting
Donor Appreciation Reception and Dinner
7:00pm-9:30pm, George Peabody Library
Invitation-only event, open to League donors of $2,500 or more.
Networking Event
Annapolis Symphony Orchestra – Shostakovich No. 5 (Optional)
8:00pm, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
The Annapolis Symphony Academy's Orion Youth Orchestra performs side-by-side with their ASO musician-mentors.
Live Music (separate ticket required)
Simon Woods speaks at the 2025 National Conference Donor Dinner, at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts Credit: Douglas Carter Photography.
Photo courtesy of Annapolis Symphony Orchestra.
TUESDAY, June 2
The New Landscape for Charitable Giving Incentives
8:30am-9:45am
How new federal tax policy changes that influence private philanthropy to your orchestra. Important information for all board members, especially those on development committees.
Insights
Champagne/Mimosa Toast
9:45am-10:45am
Network with other board members and Baltimore Host Committee members.
Networking Event
Board Chair/Chair-Elect and Peer-to-Peer Board Member Roundtables
3:00pm-5:00pm
Small-group, relevant topic discussions for both board officers and directors.
Constituency Meeting
Baltimore Symphony Concert: Aspects of America and Tune-Up Party (Optional)
7:30pm, Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
In “Aspects of America,” Music Director Jonathon Heyward curates works with a distinctive American voice. Following the concert, join Conference attendees for the annual Tune-Up Party, hosted by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
Live Music (separate ticket required)
Supporters enjoying the annual Donor Dinner at 2025 National Conference, at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts Credit: Douglas Carter Photography.
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs in their annual gala. Credit: Maximilian Franz.
WEDNESDAY, june 3
Transformational Gifts, From Wishing and Hoping to Receiving and Growing
9:00am-10:15am
Orchestra advancement leaders share stories of cultivating transformational gifts of all sizes and discuss the impact that board members have in helping orchestras secure these gifts.
Insights
League Board Chair, Alan Mason, in conversation with Ann Meier Baker
11:15am-12:45pm
Learn from Ann Meier Baker’s decades of perspective on arts organizations and board governance.
Constituency Meeting
Ann Meier Baker. Photo courtesy of the speaker.
Alan Mason speaking at Conference. Credit: Melissa Taylor.
Banner: Baltimore skyline at night. Credit: Visit Baltimore.