Connect and collaborate with fellow Inclusive Stages coalition members at our in-person summer convening in Baltimore, MD . This convening will provide an opportunity to share insights, strengthen connections, and advance collective goals. A significant portion of the day will be dedicated to working group sessions, providing focused time to make meaningful progress on coalition-wide priorities. A detailed agenda will be shared directly with coalition members.

Please note: This event is open to Inclusive Stages Coalition Members only.

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

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.

The Education and Community Engagement (EdCE) and Youth Orchestra Division (YOD) constituencies will join together in Baltimore for a combined Pre-Conference Half-Day Meeting for 2026, the 50th anniversary of YOD. This is a dedicated time for professionals from member orchestras who specialize in education and community work to learn together while building and strengthening their constituency connections.

Topics include exploring how a community’s unique history, culture, and voice can shape a vibrant musical ecosystem that fosters youth development and leadership. Participants will hear from organizations collaborating around a shared youth-centered mission, engage directly with young artists, co-create a community composition, and take part in dynamic conversations on best practices for building supportive networks and programs that empower youth to realize their creative potential.

Please note: the Education and Community Engagement (EdCE) and Youth Orchestra Division (YOD) Half-Day meeting is designed for and open to professionals from member orchestras who specialize in this work. If you have any questions, please contact nlee@americanorchestras.org and hbriere@americanorchestras.org. Space may be limited and therefore priority will be given to registrants from the EdCE and YOD constituencies.

Cost: $80 Early Bird (by April 16), $90 Regular

Speaker: Catherine Heitz New, Chief Executive Officer, RSC Associates

Arts leaders know they need to grow fundraising, but limited resources often stand in the way. In reality, it’s not about doing more—it’s about taking the right actions at the right time to build momentum and drive results.

In this three-hour workshop, you’ll learn how to strategically sequence your fundraising calendar to target the right prospect pools with the right tactics. Each segment requires a distinct approach, and knowing how to balance your time, money, and people across them is key to sustainable growth.

Bring your full team: executives, board members, and development leaders. You’ll leave with a clear plan for your organization that defines whom you’ll target, how you’ll reach them, and when you’ll engage them.

If you’re ready to move from busy to productive, this session is for you.

Cost: $330 League Member / $410 Not-Yet-Member

Speakers: Julian Chender, Founder + Managing Consultant, 11A Collaborative and Jessica Phillips, Consultant, Arts and Culture, 11A Collaborative

Your organizational culture is the bedrock of your artistic presence. It shapes every project, collaboration, and hire—from musicians and conductors to administrators—and has significant implications on the flow of your operations and your bottom line. Ultimately, it influences everything your orchestra achieves, both on and off stage, including your reach in the community. 

Join us for a Pre-Conference Seminar on organizational culture designed specifically for senior orchestra leaders and board members of all budget sizes. This experiential workshop will discuss the many ways industry culture expectations have shifted over the past five years and then equip you with proven techniques for leading culture with deliberate and impactful action. We will combine your real-world insights with behavioral psychology and organization development models to explore methods tailored specifically for the unique orchestral landscape.

Discover what you, as an influential leader within your organization, can do to propel your orchestra and the field forward.

Cost: $330 League Member / $410 Not-Yet-Member

Location: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Transportation on your own.

Purchase your tickets directly through the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra.

About This Concert

The Baltimore Chamber Orchestra (BCO) makes its Meyerhoff Symphony Hall debut during the League of American Orchestras National Conference, presenting The Best of Baltimore! This concert, led by Music Director Robert Moody, highlights some of Baltimore’s newest and most well-known contributors to the orchestral canon, with works by Frank Zappa, Karina Ingram, Mason Bates, and Beethoven. 

Program

Karina Ingram, Animals of the Solstice: Calm of the Equinox
Frank Zappa, G-Spot Tornado
Mason Bates, Cello Concerto
Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 7

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.

Grab a cup of coffee and a pastry, network with your colleagues, and visit with the Tech Fair exhibitors before their presentations.

Connect with your fellow volunteers and learn from their award-winning programs.

Join us for a half-day event showcasing technology offerings in areas such as marketing, data management and CRM, ticketing, online program notes, audience engagement apps, in-hall concert technologies, and more. Get to know the companies behind these offerings, learn how your peers are innovating with technology, and pick up tips and tricks for creative ways to take better advantage of the tools you have.

The Tech Fair will take place in the Exhibit Area, with presentations in adjoining rooms. Once confirmed, the schedule of presentations will be posted online.

No additional cost. The Tech Fair is included in your Conference registration!

Speaker: Marla Bobowick, Nonprofit Governance Consultant

Good governance should be the starting point for how your board, executive team, and artistic leadership work together. When done well, solid governance creates meaningful board engagement, which in turn adds real value to an orchestra’s relevance and resilience. But what should the board be engaged in, and when? What prevents board members from contributing productively? How can executives and board chairs make the most of their boards?

This interactive session will help board members and executives explore governance principles and best practices to:

• Use board processes and procedures for more than just fiduciary accountability

• Design meetings that address strategic issues and leverage board expertise in the room

• Establish group norms to motivate board members beyond baseline expectations

• Strengthen relationships between board members and with executive and artistic staff

Board issues will be examined from multiple perspectives—board and staff, larger and smaller orchestras—with an emphasis on practical tips and common pitfalls. Together, we will unpack challenges related to sharing information, decision-making, and strategic leadership in a way that elevates the work of the board and activates appropriate board member engagement.

Cost: $330 League Member / $410 Not-Yet-Member

Location: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Transportation on your own.

Artistic personnel at member orchestras are invited to join the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for a closed rehearsal.

Enjoy a special gathering with fellow members of the ALAANA Affinity Group, designed to foster connections and meaningful conversations to support orchestra leaders, administrators, and musicians who identify as people of African, Latinx, Asian, Arab/Middle Eastern, or Native American descent (ALAANA).

If you are not already part of the ALAANA Affinity Group, opt in via this form; please be sure to be logged in to your member account. You will be redirected to your profile page after submitting the form. If you need help with your login, contact Member Services at member@americanorchestras.org. You can also contact Sam Andrew at sandrew@americanorchestras.org if you have any questions about the affinity group.

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

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

Welcome to the League's National Conference! Join other first-time attendees for a special networking session to get to know some new friends among the delegates.

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.

Grab a refreshment, chat with old friends, and make new connections. This annual reception in the Exhibit Area is open to all attendees.

The All-Delegate Reception has been generously sponsored by Acceptd.

The League Alumni Network connects more than 800 alumni from League leadership programs like Essentials of Orchestra Management, Anne Parsons Leadership Program, Orchestra Intensives, Emerging Leaders Program, Executive Leadership Program, and the Orchestra Management Fellowship Program. Join your fellow alumni in the Exhibit Area for this annual reception.

The League Alumni Reception has been generously sponsored by Colbert Artists Management.

Location: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Transportation will be provided.

Speaker(s): Afa Dworkin, President and Artistic Director, Sphinx Organization; Mark Hanson, President and CEO, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; Jonathon Heyward, Music Director, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; Deborah Rutter, Vice Provost for the Arts, Duke University; and Simon Woods, President and CEO, League of American Orchestras

The opening keynote address will be given by arts and culture leader Deborah Rutter. Currently Duke University’s Vice Provost for the Arts, Rutter believes more than ever that orchestras of all sizes everywhere must connect with the hearts and minds of all community stakeholders. She will address strategies and approaches that create innovative and genre-expansive programming, develop broader audiences, sustain support, and lead to meaningful and transformational change.

Another highlight of the opening will be the presentation of the League’s Gold Baton award to the Sphinx Organization. The Sphinx Organization is dedicated to transforming lives through the power of the arts. Through Education & Access, Artist Development, Performing Artists, and Arts Leadership, it develops and supports representation and excellence in classical music at every level: creative youth development, artist empowerment, career advancement, administrative leadership, and service to the field.

The opening will also feature three performances by young musicians. The Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra led by Principal Conductor Christopher Cicconi will perform Jonathan Leshnoff’s Rush, OrchKids Symphonic Wind Ensemble conducted by Jonathan Villegas will perform Katahj Copley’s Riptides, and OrchKids Brass Band led by Jared Perry will perform Fire, a traditional New Orleans Brass Band Tune infused and expanded with original student compositions.

The Opening Session has been generously co-sponsored by Akustiks, HGA Architects & Engineers, and Schuler Shook.

Enjoy connecting with your fellow LGBTQIA+ League members this Pride month in Baltimore, where you can network with your community from across the country. Hear from conductor Robert Moody, Music Director of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Arizona Musicfest, and Baltimore Chamber Orchestra.

This reception has been generously sponsored by David M. Schwarz Architects.

Location: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Transportation on your own.

Purchase your tickets directly through the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. Use promo code LEAGUE to save 50% off your tickets, up to 4 tickets per transaction.

About This Concert 

The Annapolis Symphony Academy's Orion Youth Orchestra plays Nancy Galbraith’s Midnight Stirring, performing side-by-side with their ASO musician-mentors—a powerful symbol of music’s ability to inspire across generations, conducted by Claire Lewis. 

Maestro José-Luis Novo, Artistic Director of the ASO, conducts the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra's debut performance at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The concert includes Reynaldo Moya’s vibrant Polo Romanesco and Shostakovich’s gripping Symphony No. 5—a journey from darkness to triumph that remains one of the most powerful works of the 20th century. 

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!

Speaker(s): Kathleen Gregory, Director of Development, Public Justice Center and Sally Schaeffer, President, Uncorked Advocates

While the impulse to give comes from the heart, the size and timing of charitable donations is strongly influenced by federal tax policy. Major changes in giving incentives take effect in 2026, with potential for both expanding the base of donors to orchestras and changing the pace and scale of current donations. This practical session will walk through the adjustments in tax policy that are likely to shape giving at the individual, corporate, and foundation levels in the coming years and what to expect from donors going forward. Experts from the wider nonprofit sector will partner to describe what’s new, how it could influence private philanthropy, and how to talk with your orchestra’s supporters about these shifts in simple, clear ways.

Speaker(s): Justine Townsend, Arts and Culture Specialist, Your Part-Time Controller and Molly Yoon, Arts and Culture Specialist, Your Part-Time Controller

Orchestras often face unique financial challenges that require careful oversight and analysis. In this session, participants will learn how to identify red flags in financial management, including financial statements, audits, and policies, that may indicate underlying risks. Bring your own financial statements to practice identifying risks and explore scenarios. Gain the skills to proactively address financial concerns, ensure compliance, and promote organizational sustainability. 

This session has been sponsored and developed by Your Part-Time Controller (YPTC).

Speaker(s): Catherine Beeson, Assistant Principal Viola, Colorado Symphony; Ingrid Larragoity-Martin, Executive Director, El Sistema Colorado; Conductor, Denver Young Artists Orchestra; Richard Scerbo, Director, National Orchestral Institute and Festival; Rachel Schultz, Chief Operating Officer, Hawaii Youth Symphony Association; Kelly Waltrip, Managing Director, The Gilmore Piano Festival, Former Executive Director, Denver Young Artists Orchestra/Managing Director - Alliance with the Colorado Symphony; Randy Wong, President and CEO, Hawaii Youth Symphony Association

Join us for two orchestra case studies illustrating the journey from having only occasional touchpoints with students to developing a sustained youth pathway program by partnering with other organizations in the community. Through mentorship, intergenerational outreach, performance opportunities, workforce development, and deep, mutual commitments to a shared goal—access to music education—strategic alliances can bridge missions, work towards shared outcomes, and sustain trust. The result: expanded opportunities for students and families and lasting community impact across all organizations involved.

Participants will come away from the session with the ability to: 

• Identify concrete criteria for mission-aligned partnerships and assess current or prospective partners.

• Apply practices that sustain collaborations over time, including shared outcomes, feedback loops, and clear decision making

• Engage teaching artists and professional musicians meaningfully in all aspects of partnership

This session is made possible by generous grants from The Clinton Family Fund and The Julian Family Foundation.

Moderator: John Kieser, Co-Founder, JDJK Consulting
Speaker(s): Jennifer Barton, Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Strategy Officer, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Alexa Valentine, Director of Business Development, EasyConnect

To remain relevant and financially sustainable, orchestras must strengthen loyalty while reaching new, younger, and more diverse audiences. Today’s patrons expect seamless digital experiences—yet many orchestras rely on disconnected tools. This interactive, data-driven session explores how mobile-responsive websites and native apps can work together to drive audience growth, improve conversion and retention, and increase revenue. Through live audience polling, real-world case studies, and hands-on breakout discussions, participants will gain practical strategies, ROI measurement frameworks, and clear onboarding roadmaps they can apply within their own organizations. 

This session has been sponsored and developed by EasyConnect.

Speaker(s): TBD

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.

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 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.

Speaker(s): Andrew Clark, Vice President, Finance and Administration, League of American Orchestras and Rachel Rossos Gallant, Vice President, Marketing and Membership, League of American Orchestras

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.

Speaker(s): Marni Cook, Chief Civic Engagement Officer, San Francisco Symphony; 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): 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): 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.

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

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.

Speaker(s): Bethany Nothstein, Sector Strategy and Community Manager, Spektrix

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): 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

Speaker(s): Penny Brill, former member of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra; Founder, Musacor and Sarah Hoover, Associate Dean for Innovation in the Arts and Health at The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University

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): 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.

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.

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), 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.

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

Location: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
Transportation will be provided and is included in the cost of your concert ticket.

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 

Location: Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall

Transportation will be provided.

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!

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!

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.

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

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 Interactive.

Speaker(s): TBD

On and off the stage, we all do our best work when we feel immersed in a safe, trusted environment. Sexual harassment and other forms of sexual misconduct can rob us of that freedom and do great physical and psychological harm to individuals and organizations. Hearing from both staff and musician perspectives, we will learn about policies and behaviors that can help provide the healthy work environments we all deserve.

Speaker(s): Jennifer Boomgaarden Daoud, President and CEO, Omaha 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): 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.

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

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): 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 six 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).

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!