Orchestra Board Member Forum

New this year! We are excited to unveil a major new convening for orchestra board members at the League of American Orchestra's National Conference. The agenda features content on strategic fundraising, healthy leadership, and board engagement, along with exciting performances and networking events. Join hundreds of orchestra industry professionals and other board members at the field’s biggest professional development event.

During this year’s Conference, members of the League’s Board of Directors will serve as Conference buddies, guiding orchestra board members to the most compelling sessions and facilitating peer introductions. The League will also launch the new edition of the Effective Orchestra Governance guide, an invaluable, time-tested resource (free for League 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
2:00pm-5:00pm
Learn to strategically sequence your fundraising calendar.
Pre-Conference Seminar (separate registration required)

Leading Culture for Adaptability, Agility, and Innovation
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
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)

Monday, June 1

Raising the Bar on Board Engagement
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 conductors and 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
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)

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
10:15am-11:15am
Network with other board members and Baltimore Host Committee members.
Networking Event

Board Chair/Chair-Elect 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
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)

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
11:45am-12:45pm
Learn from Ann Meier Baker’s decades of perspective on arts organizations and board governance.
Constituency Meeting

Banner: Baltimore skyline at night. Credit: Visit Baltimore.