Speaker(s): Lara Downes, Pianist and NPR Host; David Hyslop, Arts Consultant; Alan Mason, Board Chair, League of American Orchestras; Melissa Ngan, President and CEO, American Composers Orchestra; Arturo O’Farrill, Jazz Musician and Composer; Curtis Stewart, Artistic Director, American Composers Orchestra; Jennifer Teisinger, Executive Director, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra; and Simon Woods, President and CEO, League of American Orchestras

During the Closing Luncheon on Wednesday, June 3, we’ll hold the League’s Annual Meeting and present the Gold Baton award to David Hyslop for nearly seven decades in leadership roles throughout the orchestra field, including his unprecedented service as interim CEO at 14 orchestras around the country of all budget sizes. Hyslop was CEO of the Minnesota Orchestra (1991-2003), the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (1978-1991), and the Oregon Symphony (1972-1978). During the Annual Meeting, members will also elect the people who represent the orchestra field on the League Board.

Conference concludes with an inspirational sneak peek of “The Declaration Project,” featuring pianist and NPR host Lara Downes and jazz musician and composer Arturo O’Farrill in performance and conversation. This groundbreaking project for piano and orchestra weaves together music and personal narrative in a contemporary declaration of our collective hopes, struggles, and untold histories, and will premiere with the American Composers Orchestra in New York in July 2026.

No additional cost. The Closing Luncheon is included in your Conference registration!

The Closing Session has been generously sponsored by BMI.

Additional support provided by a generous grant from The Aaron Copland Fund for Music.

One of the highlights of our National Conference is time to meet with peers working in similar roles across the country. Whether you're an executive director, board member, volunteer, staff, or musician, constituency meetings are your time to gather fresh ideas and share information specific to your unique role.

Learn from Ann Meier Baker’s decades of perspective on arts organizations and board governance in conversation with League Board Chair Alan Mason.

Explore the full agenda for the Orchestra Board Member Forum.

Join your colleagues and your business partners for this mid-morning networking break in the Exhibit Area.

Speaker(s): Jeff Alexander, President, Chicago Symphony Orchestra; Sarah Generes, Vice President, Development, League of American Orchestras; Dale Hedding, Vice President of Development, Chicago Symphony Orchestra; and Jennifer Teisinger, Executive Director, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra

Transformational gifts can redefine what is possible for orchestras. But how do these gifts actually happen?

Get a behind-the-scenes look as leaders from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra share the stories of two extraordinary gifts to their organizations— a $50 million gift to the CSO and a $2 million gift to the SDSO— that had an incredible impact.

This panel discussion will demonstrate:

• How transformational gifts emerge

• The critical steps that move an ambitious idea toward a realized commitment

• The conditions that inspire donors to invest at a truly impactful level

• The essential role board members play in securing these gifts by cultivating relationships and inspiring generosity

Designed for orchestra leaders, board members, and fundraising professionals, this session offers practical lessons and strategic perspectives on cultivating and securing gifts that can radically change an orchestra's ability to pursue its mission.

This session has been generously sponsored by DCM.

Speaker(s): Evin Blomberg, Musician, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra; Jennifer Boomgaarden Daoud, President and CEO, Omaha Symphony; Juan Felipe Molano, Music Director, Seattle Youth Symphony; Laura Reynolds, VP of Impact and Innovation, San Diego Symphony; and Karen Yair, Vice President, Research and Resources, League of American Orchestras

At a moment when the humanity of our work matters more than ever, this conversation centers on creating relevance and enduring engagement with audiences and communities.

Building on the League’s 2026 report on the scope, scale, and impact of the education and community work of professional orchestras and youth orchestras, we will examine the institutional practices, frameworks, and management systems that help orchestras become an essential force in their communities.

Learn how to surface internal expertise, strengthen existing programs, and align strategy, storytelling, and operations to deepen public value. We’ll also outline the questions, mindsets, and leadership capabilities required to build trust and advance long-term sustainability through authentic community connection.

Speaker(s): Jane Booth, Head, Guildhall Ignite and Founding Member, Coalition of Musicians for Ethical Change and Virginia Bratton, Professor of Management, Montana State University and Founding Member, Coalition of Musicians for Ethical Change

Orchestra musicians and management dedicate years to achieving artistic excellence and high professional standards. These hard-working artists deserve a safe, supportive environment in which to perform. Yet bullying, sexual misconduct, and the unchecked influence of charisma and stardom continue to undermine wellbeing across the industry. This session explores the cultural roots of these challenges and presents practical tools to address them, drawing on the combined experience of the Coalition of Musicians for Ethnical Change and Guildhall Ignite in building healthier orchestral workplaces.

Speaker(s): Jen Taylor, Director, AI Strategy and Integration, Capacity

We are living through one of the most transformational shifts in how we create content and connect with visitors. Instead of treating AI as just another tech tool to master, this session invites us to approach it as a strategic move for our institutions.

Together, we’ll explore the ethical tensions and creative possibilities AI brings to our campaigns and visitor experiences. We will rethink what marketing strategy really means at this moment: having the courage to wonder out loud, even if we don't have all the answers.

You won’t leave with a tactical checklist. You’ll leave with a clearer compass: a renewed sense of what matters, what’s possible for your brand, and what questions are worth bringing back to your team.

This session has been sponsored and developed by Capacity.

When you first arrive at Conference, please stop at the Registration Area, located in the Exhibit Area on the 4th Floor, to pick up your badge and Conference materials. Feel free to visit us again throughout Conference to say hello, ask questions, and let us know how your experience is going!

Delegate badges have been generously sponsored by Bennett Direct.

Delegate goodie bags have been generously sponsored by Fisher Dachs Associates.

Browse the Exhibit Area to learn about our business partners and socialize with your colleagues. Networking breaks are the perfect time to explore this central “hub” of activity!

All League donors are invited to stop by the Donor Lounge during Conference. Take a moment away from the bustle of Conference to relax, connect with fellow supporters, and let us say thank you! While you are there, be sure to pick up your donor pin and ribbon. Find us next to the escalators. We look forward to welcoming you!

Location: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall

Transportation will be provided and is included in the cost of your concert ticket. Buses will loop throughout the evening between the Marriott from the hotel side entrance at lobby level and the Meyerhoff from 5:45pm-11:45pm. The last bus will leave the Meyerhoff at 11:45pm.

Following the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s performance, be sure to join us for the annual Tune-Up Party to experience the unique tastes and flavors of the culture of Baltimore. Come for the festivities; stay for the conversation and company!

Round trip transportation will be provided from the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront. All Conference registrants are invited—just bring your badge and enjoy this vibrant night!

Location: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Transportation will be provided and is included in the cost of your concert ticket. Buses will loop throughout the evening between the Marriott from the hotel side entrance at lobby level and the Meyerhoff from 5:45pm-11:45pm. The last bus will leave the Meyerhoff at 11:45pm.

Concert tickets can be added on to your Conference registration until May 6, 2026. After that date, please purchase directly from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

About This Concert

In “Aspects of America,” Music Director Jonathon Heyward curates works with a distinctive American voice. Reflect on America at 250 with a tribute to the American Songbook from Cécile McLorin Salvant and the world premiere of a commission by Billy Childs for flute and clarinet, performed by brothers Demarre and Anthony McGill.

Artists

Jonathon Heyward, conductor
Cécile McLorin Salvant, vocalist
Anthony McGill, clarinet
Demarre McGill, flute 

Enjoy dinner on your own or with colleagues. Nearby dining options are listed in Things to Do in Baltimore.

What does it actually look like to build a season from the inside? What do artist managers wish orchestras understood, and vice versa? This rare joint forum brings artistic administrators and artist managers into the same room for an honest, facilitated conversation about how we each work, what we each need, and how we can do this better—together.

Hosted by Charlotte Lee (Primo Artists) and Jeremy Rothman (The Philadelphia Orchestra) and joined by Alberto Gutierrez (Colorado Springs Philharmonic) and John Zion (MKI Artists), this closed session brings both communities together for frank, structured dialogue on artistic planning realities and how to improve communication and collaboration across the field. Through small-group breakouts and whole-room discussion, we’ll explore shared goals, surface common misunderstandings, and leave with fresh perspective on how to work together more effectively.

This session has been sponsored by Opus 3 Artists.

Small-group, relevant topic roundtable discussions for both board officers and directors.

Explore the full agenda for the Orchestra Board Member Forum.

One of the highlights of our National Conference is time to meet with peers working in similar roles across the country. Whether you're an executive director, board member, volunteer, staff, or musician, constituency meetings are your time to gather fresh ideas and share information specific to your unique role.

Speaker(s): Jennifer Barton, SVP Chief Revenue Strategy Officer, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; Allison Burr-Livingstone, SVP Chief Advancement and Communications Officer, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; Mark Hanson, President and CEO, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; and Agnieszka Rakhmatullaev, SVP Chief Operating Officer, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

What becomes possible when an orchestra sees itself not just as a concert presenter, but as cultural infrastructure? This session shares how the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has been reframing its work around that question. Learn how the BSO reshaped its operating model into an integrated revenue system that aligns marketing, loyalty, philanthropy, and experiences around growing relationships and partnerships, not just selling tickets. Walk away with a transferable framework, shared metrics, and practical ways to build relevance and resilience.

This session has been generously sponsored by Threshold Acoustics.

Speaker(s): Penny Brill, former member of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra; Founder, Musacor, Sarah Hoover, Associate Dean for Innovation in the Arts and Health at The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University; Jotaro Nakano, Music Director, Longwood Symphony Orchestra; and Julie Nolan, Director of Community Engagement, Institutional Giving, and Associate Director of the Academy, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and Academy

Orchestras’ emerging work in healthcare settings—from hospitals and nursing homes to outpatient and community health contexts—is highlighted in the League’s recent Catalyst Guide, Orchestras in Health and Wellness. As interest in this work continues to grow, many orchestras are asking not why music belongs in healthcare, but how to do this work well, in ways that support everyone involved.

This session focuses squarely on the practical realities of designing and delivering music programs in health and well-being settings. Topics will include:

• Identifying where your orchestra has the capacity to make a meaningful difference 

• Working safely and responsibly within healthcare environments

• Ensuring that musicians, patients, and healthcare staff are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and clearly defined roles they need

• Creating strong, interdisciplinary partnerships that underpin successful work in these settings

• Developing training, supervision, and evaluation models that can uphold artistic integrity and the well-being of everyone involved

Walk away with concrete guidance to help your orchestra build music and health programs that are thoughtful, effective, and aligned with both community needs and organizational capacity.

Speaker(s): Jessica Schmidt, Principal Consultant, Orchestrate Inclusion

Engaging in respectful disagreement requires a specific set of skills that we don’t always have the opportunity to hone. As we strive to build considerate and honest work cultures at our orchestras that include an array of opinions and lived experiences, we need space to practice and grow. This workshop will offer that space.

Through a lens of best practices in inclusion, participants will learn strategies to help navigate challenging interpersonal discussions. Specifically, participants will:

• Learn how challenging conversations contribute to psychological safety and positive organizational culture

• Build skills to better assess their initial reactions and to make mindful choices when entering a difficult conversation

• Build active listening skills

• Gain tools to hold curiosity for differences of opinion and experience

This session has been generously sponsored by RATstands.

Speaker(s): Karen Elizondo, Business Development Lead, Spektrix and Giuliano Kornberg, Chief Executive Officer, Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera

Are you turning first-time visitors into lasting advocates? Join us to explore how organizations are transforming every interaction with a truly customer-centric approach: from a website visit to the moment they walk through your doors, to the emails they open and the experiences that inspire lasting loyalty. Discover how smarter journeys not only delight audiences but also drive revenue, save your team time, and build stronger, lasting relationships—backed by examples from leading organizations across the sector.

This session has been sponsored and developed by Spektrix.

Speaker(s): Rob Tarleton, Partner and Chief Innovative Officer, Double Eagle

In today’s threat landscape, cultural nonprofits face a level of cyber risk unlike anything seen before. Over the past three years alone, Double Eagle has led response efforts for more than 30 ransomware incidents across major symphonies, performing arts centers, museums, and theaters. The lessons learned are clear: cyber insurance will not save you from operational chaos, financial loss, or reputational damage.

In this eye-opening session, cybersecurity leader Rob Tarleton pulls back the curtain on what really happens during a cyber incident. Through real-world case studies drawn directly from the cultural sector, Rob will illustrate the true impact of ransomware on ticketing systems, CRM platforms, digital engagement, finance operations, and donor trust.

Attendees will walk away with:

• The hard truth about what cyber insurance does—and does not—cover

• Critical missteps organizations make before, during, and after an incident

• Proven prevention strategies every nonprofit must implement now

• The organizational, financial, and cultural implications of a ransomware event

• A practical roadmap for building resilience in resource-constrained environments

Whether you're an executive director, CFO, IT leader, or board member, this session will equip you with the clarity, urgency, and actionable steps needed to protect your mission, your patrons, and your institution’s future.

Because in the world of cyber threats, preparedness—not insurance—is your greatest defense.

This session has been sponsored and developed by Double Eagle.

Enjoy lunch on your own or with colleagues. Nearby dining options are listed in Things to do in Baltimore.

Speaker(s): Anthony D. Meyers, President/CEO, Leading ChangeMakers, Ltd.

In an era of changing cultural consumption habits, orchestras that diversify their earned revenue can adapt to new market realities while maintaining artistic excellence and organizational sustainability. It’s top of mind for many orchestras—so let’s have a conversation about it.

This will be a unique session inspired by the Open Space discussion format in which the participants determine the content and direction of the conversation. A facilitated process will take attendees through the steps of refining key topics, participating in the discussion(s) of their choice, and finally gleaning insights from all groups. As we delve into our theme of diversifying earned revenue, every attendee will be both contributor and audience member.

Speaker(s): Nicki Inman, Project Consultant, RSC Associates

Fundraising asks don’t fail because of the dollar amount—they falter when conversations lack purpose, curiosity, or a clear path forward.

In today’s fundraising landscape, donors are responding to conversations that feel intentional and authentic. This highly interactive session will equip you with a practical flow for those conversations, transforming the “ask” into a guided dialogue that builds trust. You’ll learn this relationship-centered framework, including how thoughtful preparation, step-by-step permission, and strategic follow-up lead to stronger donor engagement and better outcomes.

In this 75-minute session, participants will walk step-by-step through the full conversation arc, from sparking curiosity to securing the commitment, giving you tools you can use immediately in your next donor meeting or to coach your team with confidence and clarity.

This session has been sponsored and developed by RSC Associates.

Speaker(s): Marni Cook, Chief Civic Engagement Officer, San Francisco Symphony; Todd Dupler, Chief Advocacy & Public Policy Officer, The Recording Academy; Kevin Erickson, Director, Future of Music Coalition Heather Noonan, VP, Advocacy, League of American Orchestras; and Randy Wong, President and CEO, Hawaii Youth Symphony

The creative sector shapes the identity of communities, innovates to solve problems, and generates work and workers that are deeply connected to the wider economy. Taking a seat at the table with your counterparts in the broader arts and civic sectors can ensure your orchestra is recognized for the value it creates and that it has a voice in local, state, and federal policies. Learn from fresh examples of how orchestras and partners are literally putting the arts on the map, centering live events as a community asset, and working to protect human creativity and performances as technology rapidly advances. 

Speaker(s): Andrew Clark, Vice President, Finance and Administration, League of American Orchestras, Rachel Rossos Gallant, Vice President, Marketing and Membership, League of American Orchestras, and Nick Cooper, Executive Director, Anchorage Symphony Orchestra

Your team is probably already using AI, and the tools keep evolving at lightning speed. Join us for a workshop on how to build an AI framework for your orchestra that will support innovation while providing clear guidelines for navigating an ever-changing tech landscape.

We'll cover why guardrails matter, share real-world case studies from the League and member orchestras, and examine key policy elements such as data privacy, quality and accuracy, and human oversight. Through interactive activities, you'll sketch your organization's roadmap and identify best practices for team training and alignment. Bring your questions and leave with a concrete plan for responsible AI integration.

This session has been generously sponsored by Made Media.

Speaker(s): John Devlin, Music Director, Wheeling Symphony Orchestra; Anwar Nasir, Executive Director, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra; Ben Newman, Executive Director, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra; Erica Bondarev Rapach, Executive Director, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra; and Simon Woods, President and CEO, League of American Orchestras

Orchestras thrive when audience development is embedded in the culture of the organization. Every staff and board member—from operations to artistic planning, development to education—plays a role in defining who our work is for.

In this session, we’ll reframe “audience expansion” as an organizational mindset, not a marketing tactic. Aligning product, programming, partnerships, and patron experiences around shared audience goals strengthens financial sustainability, deepens community engagement, and advances equity and inclusion.

Together, we’ll unpack tools and frameworks that help every department see their work through an audience lens, whether it’s a conductor considering repertoire, an educator shaping youth programs, or a development officer cultivating donors. Attendees will leave with concrete frameworks and a customizable roadmap for being an audience-first orchestra, no matter your mission or budget size.

This session is made possible by a generous grant from The Wallace Foundation.

This session has been generously sponsored by PatronManager.

Join your colleagues and your business partners for this mid-morning networking break in the Exhibit Area.

This networking break has been generously sponsored by Chazin and Company.

Speaker(s): John Clapp, Chief Orchestra and Production Officer, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

In this interactive session, you’ll explore how orchestras across the country are reimagining their audition and tenure practices. To frame the discussion, we’ll start with a preview of the League’s upcoming Catalyst Guide on Auditions and Tenure and highlight stories of orchestras who are taking bold steps to address bias, diversify audition candidate pools, create transparent evaluation criteria, and more.

You will walk away with a deeper understanding of common barriers associated with audition and tenure practices and strategies for adopting more equitable practices in your own orchestra. Join us to discover how your orchestra can help unlock the full potential of every musician.

This session is made possible by a generous grant from the Sakana Foundation.