Event FAQs
Q1: Why should I come to Conference?
A: You might get 1,000 different answers from our 1,000 delegates! But we think the top three reasons to come are: 1) you want to meet, network, and learn from your peers; 2) you wish to grow as a leader; 3) to know you’re not alone — there are other people out there with the same goals, challenges, aspirations, and questions that you have.
Q2: Where should I stay?
A: The League has established a block of rooms at the Mariott Marquis Houston. Reservations may be made online or by calling (713) 654-1777 and asking for the League of American Orchestras rate. All reservations must be made by May 13, 2024 to secure the League discounted rate.
The Marriott Marquis Houston no longer has availability for the nights of June 4 or June 8, so we also have established an overflow block of rooms at the Westin Downtown Houston for those delegates wishing to arrive a day early or stay a day late. Reservations may be made by calling 713-228-1520 and asking for the League of American Orchestras rate. All reservations for the overflow hotel must be made by May 14, 2024 to secure the League discounted rate.
More information can be found on the Hotel and Venues page.
Q3: How do I get around Houston?
A: Visit Houston has provided a website with useful information about transit, parking, and other attractions to make your visit memorable.
Q4: How do I get the most out of Conference?
A: At Conference, you’ll experience three days full of learning, networking, and music. We recommend taking a look at the Conference schedule so you’re prepared for what is planned. Reading through the sessions and determining what you’d like to attend in advance is also helpful, so you’re not choosing what session to go to on the fly. Also, be sure to make some time to network with the multitude of business partners set up in the Exhibit Area. Other than that? Introduce yourself to everyone — meeting other delegates is one of the best parts of Conference.
Q5: How do I access Wi-Fi in the Hotel?
A: Complimentary wireless internet access will be available in the exhibit area and all public spaces within the hotel. The Wi-Fi network and password will be available at registration, and on the Conference app once it becomes available.
Q6: What are Electives, Innovation Sessions, and Discovery Sessions? Should I pick ones to attend now?
A: Electives are panels and presentations on major topics for the orchestra field. Innovation Sessions are sponsored presentations from our business partners where they’ll share expertise and best practices borne from their unique view of the industry. And Discovery Sessions are a new conversation-based cross-constituency format that we are piloting this year. Open to all Conference attendees and built off the framework of constituency meetings, Discovery Sessions will begin with a short presentation, followed by facilitated discussions. Discover what's working for your colleagues and come prepared to share thoughts, ideas, questions, and successes of your own.
You are welcome to choose any Elective, Innovation Session, and Discovery Session during each time slot. You do not need to sign up for them in advance, but we encourage you to read the descriptions of the sessions in advance to help inform your decisions when you get to Conference.
Q7: What are Pre-Conference Seminars?
A: We know that lots of people want to make their trip to Houston as packed with learning as possible, so for an additional fee you can arrive early and choose from one of several intensive, hands-on learning sessions. More information about these can be found on the Conference schedule.
Q8: What is the Tech Fair and is it free to attend?
A: This half-day event, scheduled for the morning of June 6, will provide a unique opportunity to see showcases of products and services produced and provided by the League’s business partners in the areas of marketing, data management and CRM, ticketing, online program notes, audience engagement apps, in-hall concert technologies, and more!
The Tech Fair is designed for participant interaction and will include a range of products and services. Companies will be on hand to answer questions about the technology present.
The Tech Fair is free for all Conference registrants.
Q9: Are any group registration rates available?
A: Yes, we offer several different registration rates based on the size of your group. We encourage team attendance at Conference. Don’t know which rate is best for you? Contact Member Services at 646 822 4010 or member@americanorchestras.org for recommendations and details.
Q10: What is the League doing to make Conference accessible?
A: We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. Please visit our Accessibility FAQ to learn what services are already being provided and how to request accommodations.
Q11: What are the League’s COVID-19/health protocols?
A: In coordination with state and local guidelines, the League will not require masking at Conference and will not be checking vaccination status before entry. If state and local guidelines change, we reserve the right to change this policy at short notice.
While masking is not required, all League events are mask-friendly and we encourage participants to wear masks as they see fit. In keeping with the League’s event participation agreement, we ask that all participants respect one another’s choices.
If you suspect that you might have COVID-19 while in Houston, Harris County has provided a website listing where to find COVID-19 testing. There are also two pharmacies within walking distance from the Marriott Marquis Houston where you can buy tests and masks:
The Parks Drug Store
1200 McKinney St. Ste 301, Houston, TX 77010
CVS Pharmacy
300 Milam St Houston, TX 77002
If you test positive for COVID-19 during Conference, do not attend any additional in-person sessions or functions. You can use the Conference app to livestream the opening and closing sessions and any available elective sessions. Please email member@americanorchestras.org right away to alert the League’s staff and we’ll work with you on next steps.
If you are isolating within the hotel, you can order food from delivery apps such as Grubhub, Seamless, or Ubereats and the Marriott Marquis Houston staff will deliver it to the room.
Q12: Will there be a digital option for participating in Conference this year?
A: After the success of last year, we will be livestreaming two general sessions and four of the electives for Conference registrants. This way if you need to stay in your hotel room or offsite for any reason, you can still participate in these sessions. And for those who cannot attend in person at all, we will once again offer a livestream-only registration ticket.
In July, we plan to make on-demand Conference content available online (as we have done for past Conferences) to allow participation from as many members as possible.
Q13: Is there anything else I need to know?
A: Visit the Registration Area as soon as you arrive – we’ll have all your materials ready. Registration will be located on Level 4 of the Marriott Marquis Houston.
Q14: What if I have more questions?
A: We love questions, so bring them on! If you have questions before Conference begins, email us at member@americanorchestras.org and we’ll get right back to you. During Conference you’ll find the League staff full of answers and waiting for you at the Registration Area.
There is so much we could tell you, but you get the idea. Have fun in Houston — we are looking forward to seeing you there!
Banner: Signage at Lynn Wyatt Square. Credit: Houston First Corporation (Lance Childers).