Destination Baltimore

2026 National Conference
Monday-Wednesday, June 1-3
Hosted by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Destination Rates

This June, join orchestra colleagues from across the country for three days of unrivaled professional development, as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra hosts the League of American Orchestras 81st National Conference. From now until January 8, League members can access our lowest registration prices of the year!

Baltimore is where history meets innovation. This port city’s location has profoundly shaped its incredible cuisine, rich heritage, and eclectic arts culture. Baltimore has so much to surprise and delight you:

  • Discover our nation’s heritage in the city that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner. Visit the Fort McHenry National Monument or tour the Historic Ships of Baltimore, just steps from the Conference hotel! Baltimore has more public statues and monuments per capita than any other city in the U.S. (including the “first” Washington Monument); nearly a third of its buildings are designated as historic in the National Register, more than any other U.S. city.

  • Get inspired by touring Baltimore’s diverse and fascinating museums, including the National Aquarium, the American Visionary Art Museum, the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Walters Art Museum, and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History and Culture.

  • Love seafood? This harborside city is your perfect port of call! More than a third of the country’s blue crab comes from the Chesapeake Bay, although that’s only the start of this fresh and local food scene. No meal is complete without Baltimore-invented Old Bay Seasoning or a snowball (not to be confused with a snow cone!) for dessert.

  • Explore the weird and wonderful: Baltimore is not only home to the invention of the Ouija Board (and its founder’s gravesite and museum), but it hosts the grave, house, and museum of macabre writer Edgar Allan Poe. Stop for a drink at the Horse You Came In On Saloon (opened in 1775!), where Poe reportedly had his last drink—or read his original letters at the stunning George Peabody Library.

During Conference, you’ll have the chance to hear our host orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra led by Music Director Jonathon Heyward, on Tuesday, June 2 at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. In “Aspects of America,” Heyward curates works with a distinctive American voice. The program includes a tribute to the American Songbook from Cécile McLorin Salvant alongside a world premiere concerto by Billy Childs performed by brothers Demarre (flute) and Anthony (clarinet) McGill. While you’re in Baltimore, you can also catch two local League member orchestras making their Meyerhoff debut: the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra (May 31) and the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra (June 1).

New this year! During the 2026 National Conference, we’ll be offering enhanced content for orchestra board members, as well as bringing together artistic administrators and artist managers for a special meeting. Register for Conference to reserve your spot and stay tuned for full details in late February.

Register now through our member presale, which runs until Thursday, January 8. Already registered? Now it’s time to reserve your hotel room at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, plan your visits to local attractions, and stay tuned for the full schedule of speakers and sessions to be announced at the end of February.

Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and be inspired in the fantastic city of Baltimore. We can’t wait to see you there!