NAMT Conferences provide valuable networking and learning opportunities, with panels and workshops featuring top executives and creative professionals in the industry.

“Really from the bottom of my heart I am so appreciative of the environment you and the rest of the member organizations create each time we gather. It’s safe and welcoming.”

Katie Pelkey
Managing Director, Aurora Theatre

“Thank you again for such a great conference. It was a wonderful gathering and I am always impressed by the diversity of participants and the openness and vigor with which debate and discussion occur followed by friendly exchanges in the bar. I am proud to be a member of NAMT.”

Mark Fleischer
Producing Director, Pittsburgh CLO

Fall Conference 2024

Conferences

Reboot & Regroup

October 22 - 23, 2024

The Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College (and online!)

Maybe the most important musical theatre networking event of the year, the Fall Conference explores the most pressing issues around new work production and development, as well as the state of the industry more broadly. Just as importantly, it provides a community for leaders of theatres from all over the country and the world to share best practices, brainstorm and support one another.

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Spring Conference 2024

Conferences

Marketing & Development Should Be Friends!

April 3-5, 2024

Oklahoma City, OK

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma was our amazing host for an in-depth discussion of the state of musical theatre marketing and fundraising.

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Fall Conference 2023

Conferences

New Musicals on the Horizon

October 24 - 25, 2023

NYC and Online

Maybe the most important musical theatre networking event of the year, the Fall Conference explores the most pressing issues around new work production and development, as well as the state of the industry more broadly. Just as importantly, it provides a community for leaders of theatres from all over the country and the world to share best practices, brainstorm and support one another. 

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Spring Conference 2023

Conferences

Fundraising Today: Cultivating Community

March 29 - 31, 2023

Chicago, IL

NAMT members from around the country joined us in Chicago and online for a conference on fundraising for musical theatre.

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Fall Conference 2022

Conferences

New Works, New World

October 18-19, 2022

The Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 West 42nd Street, NYC

This year’s Fall Conference was held live and in-person in NYC and online, allowing NAMT members to participate, network and learn from anywhere.

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Spring Conference 2022

Conferences

Marketing & Messaging: Re-Breaking the Ice

March 23-25, 2022

St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, 27 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1B4, Canada

We welcomed NAMT members to our first-ever Spring Conference in Canada, held in Toronto — and online! — to discuss the future of marketing in 2022 and beyond.

Fall Conference 2021

Conferences

What Now, What Next?

October 19-20, 2021

The Mezzanine Theatre at the A.R.T./New York Theatres, 502 West 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019

NAMT welcomed members back to New York for the 2021 Fall Conference, What Now, What Next. The Conference was also presented online, allowing members to participate fully in all Conference sessions, networking, meeting Festival writers and more, from anywhere!

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Spring Conference 2021

Conferences

Community, Connection, Communication, Continuity

April 7-9, 2021

Online @ Hopin

The 2021 Spring Conference was held online on April 7-9, 2021. 

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Fall Conference 2020

Conferences

Flash Forward

November 17-18, 2020

Online

NAMT’s reimagined Fall Conference is still the networking event of the year, bringing NAMT members together — online! — to discuss the future of musical theatre. 

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Fall Conference 2019

Conferences

New Paths to New Musicals

October 22 - 23, 2019

TKP Conference Center, 109 West 39th Street, New York, NY

NAMT’s Fall Conference is the networking event of the year, bringing NAMT members together to discuss the future of musical theatre. 

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Fall Conference 2018

Conferences

Musical Theatre: Past, Present, Future

October 23 - 24, 2018

TKP New York, 109 West 39th Street, NYC

At this year’s Fall Conference, held in conjunction with the 30th Annual Festival of New Musicals, we looked at how NAMT and our members are working together to bring musical theatre into the future while also preserving its history. Where is the industry going, where do we want it to be going, and what is NAMT’s role in getting it there?

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Spring Conference 2018

Conferences

Confluence: Navigating Today's Marketing Currents

April 4 - April 6, 2018

Pittsburgh, PA

The 2018 Spring Conference was held in Pittsburgh, PA on April 4-6, 2018, hosted by Pittsburgh CLO.

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Fall Conference 2017

Conferences

From Stage to [Everyone on the Same] Page

October 17 - 18

TKP New York Conference Center, 109 West 39th Street, New York, NY

NAMT’s Fall Conference is the networking event of the year, bringing NAMT members together to discuss new works and the future of musical theatre.

Presenting Sponsor: Broadway Licensing

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Spring Conference 2017

Conferences

One Theatre, One Voice: Integrating Marketing and Development

March 29 - April 1, 2017

Los Angeles, CA

The 2017 Spring Conference was held in Los Angeles, CA, beginning with a kick-off cocktail party on the evening of March 29, 2017, and continuing with two full days of Conference programming at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre on March 30 and 31. In addition, there were opportunities to visit many of our Los Angeles-area members, plus an add-on trip on April 1 to Disneyland featuring special backstage tours and an exclusive talkback at the new Frozen stage musical.

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Fall Conference 2016

Conferences

Making Musical Connections

October 25 - 26, 2016

TKP New York Conference Center, 109 West 39th Street, New York, NY

NAMT’s Fall Conference is the networking event of the year, bringing NAMT members together to discuss the future of musical theatre.

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Spring Conference 2016

Conferences

Musical Theatre Marketing: Reach. Get. Keep. Repeat.

March 31 - April 2, 2016

Dallas, TX

Join us in Dallas, TX for an in-depth look at the challenges facing musical theatre marketers in 2016 and the tools you can use to meet them.

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Fall Conference 2015

Conferences

The Spark of Collaboration

October 17 - 18, 2015

TKP New York Conference Center, 109 West 39th Street, New York, NY

NAMT’s Fall Conference is the musical theatre networking event of the year, bringing NAMT members together to discuss important issues pertaining to the business of new work development and the future of musical theatre.

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Spring Conference 2015

Conferences

It's All About The Donor: Singing To Your Patrons With One Voice

April 9 - 11, 2015

Charlotte, NC

At this conference, we’ll focus on the patron as donor and the donor as patron, exploring topics such as collaboration and communication, corporate funding, community engagement and more with NAMT members and other experts from Charlotte businesses and arts organizations. Plus plenty of time to network and socialize with your colleagues and explore Charlotte’s vibrant Center City.

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Fall Conference 2014

Conferences

New Musicals, New Voices

October 25 - 26, 2014

Convene, 810 7th Avenue (at 53rd Street), 23rd Floor, NYC

Our annual 2014 Fall Conference look at the future of musical theatre and the future of our musical theatre producing organizations.

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Spring Conference 2014

Conferences

Balancing Act: Managing Today's Marketing Challenges

April 3 - 5, 2014

ZACH Theatre, 1510 Toomey Rd, Austin, TX 78704

Hosted by ZACH Theatre in Austin, TX, a growing hub of technology and internet commerce and the “live music capital of the world,” the 2014 Spring Conference provided an exciting look at how theatres can balance traditional and modern marketing, technology and the personal touch, and big ideas and limited budgets. In addition to NAMT members, we heard from experts from other arts organizations and from outside of the arts/not-for-profit world, giving attendees concrete ideas to take home to their theatres and implement right away. Attendees sampled some of Austin’s famous BBQ and Tex Mex, and enjoyed a production at ZACH and networking events around the city.

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Fall Conference 2013

Conferences

Musical Theatre: Past, Present and Future

October 19 - 20, 2013

Convene, 810 7th Avenue (at 53rd Street), 23rd Floor New York, NY

The 2013 Fall Conference explored new musical development and the state of musical theatre today from the perspective of not-for-profit managers and artistic leaders, commercial producers, educators, and musical theatre writers. As part of our ongoing celebration of 25 years of NAMT’s Festival of New Musicals, a portion of the conference focused on the relationships between writers and producers, with Festival alumni included in the discussion. In addition, NAMT members had exclusive opportunities to meet the writers from the 25th Annual Festival of New Musicals and discuss the further development of and collaboration on this year’s Festival shows.

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Spring Conference 2013

Conferences

Musicals Matter: Compelling and Creative Fundraising and Investing

April 3 - 6, 2013

Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Chicago, IL

At Chicago Shakespeare Theater in April, 2013, we took a broad approach to all facets of fundraising and making a case for investing in musical theatre. Topics included making the case to give through storytelling, the intrinsic impact of art, building relationships with funders, the state of government and corporate funding, commercial/not-for-profit partnerships and uncluttered communication. Through panels, breakout sessions and lots of networking time, attendees were given concrete ideas that could be adapted for their theatres right away. Attendees also had the opportunity to see shows at local members Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Mercury Theater, and the pre-Broadway production of Big Fish.

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Fall Conference 2012

Conferences

Two-Part Harmony: The Art of Business, The Business of Art

October 13 - 14, 2012

Sentry Center, 810 7th Avenue (at 53rd Street), 23rd Floor, New York, NY

The 2012 Fall Conference explored new musicals’ journey from page to stage from the standpoint of both artistic and business leaders, examining how different departments approach the same issues, as well as where those interests overlap and intersect. Combining plenary sessions with smaller discussions for artistic leaders and business leaders, we followed the new work process from beginning to end, looking at different models for new musical development, determining the right approach for your show and your theatre, engaging staff and leadership at all levels, bringing in the audience, and looking to the future of leadership and the work itself. Taking place in a brand-new venue, this conference provided a fresh approach to producing musicals.

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Spring Conference 2012

Conferences

Dramatic Marketing: Energizing and Engaging Your Audience

March 22 - 24, 2012

Seattle, WA

In Seattle in March, 2012, we took a 360 degree look at marketing and audience engagement, with a focus on providing a total experience — before, during and after the show — to your patrons. How do you balance the desires of decades-long subscribers with the need to reach brand new audiences? How can you use data to learn more about your members’ needs, interests and wishes, and then act on that information? What can new technologies bring, and how do they mix with older methods? Through panels, breakout sessions and a keynote speech on Breaking the Fifth Wall by Eugene Carr, attendees got concrete ideas that could be adapted for their theatres. Plus plenty of time to network with colleagues at cocktail parties, meals and shows hosted by The 5th Avenue Theatre and Village Theatre.

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Fall Conference 2011

Conferences

Doctor's Orders: Ensuring A Long, Healthy Life For Musical Theatre

October 29 - 30, 2011

The Westin New York at Times Square, 270 West 43rd Street (at 8th Avenue), New York, NY

At the 2011 Fall Conference, we explored the health of musical theatre today, looking holistically at new musical development, financing, working with writers and agents, sharing work for continued life, collaborating with other producers and more, for an annual check-up of the field. We focused on solutions and results, working together towards a prescription for a long and healthy life! Highlights included a keynote address by legendary director and producer Harold Prince, panels on diversity, reducing costs, and making cast recordings and demos, and breakout sessions on working with lawyers and agents as well as orchestrators and copyists.

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Spring Conference 2011

Conferences

Bridging The Gap: Fundraising in the New Economy

April 1 - 2, 2011

San Francisco, CA

This Conference explored strategies for obtaining and cultivating donors, with a focus on building long-term relationships. We heard from NAMT members and outside experts on planned giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, board fundraising, corporate sponsorship and more. Keynote speaker Penelope Burk shared her expertise on Donor-Centered Fundraising in a Turbulent Economy, and brand new data from her extensive research on donor behavior. Attendees had opportunities to brainstorm and collaborate among the NAMT membership, plus ample time to network and socialize at meals and a cocktail party. In addition, conference weekend add-ons helped attendees discover all San Francisco has to offer with their fellow NAMT members.

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Fall Conference 2010

Conferences

Outrageous Fortune: The Musical! The Life and Times of the New American Musical

October 23 - 24, 2010

Doubletree Guest Suites Times Square, 1568 Broadway (at 47th Street), New York, NY

Using Theatre Development Fund’s study of “the life and times of the new American play” as an inspiration, attendees and panelists explored the state of new musicals and looked for solutions and best practices to secure the future of the development of new musicals, the work of NAMT’s members, and the livelihoods of our Festival Alumni writers. Panelists included NAMT members and Festival alumni writers, plus experts in new work development from the National New Play Network, Abrams Artists, New Dramatists and keynote speaker Victoria Bailey from TDF.

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Spring Conference 2010

Conferences

A Class Act: Developing Your Theatre's Audience Through Education and Community Outreach

March 19 - 21, 2010

Washington, DC

Attendees and panelists discussed different types of education and outreach programs and models, ways to integrate the education department with other areas of the theatre and opportunities for greater funding; they brainstormed about new ways to engage subscribers in the artistic process and create new audiences of children and their parents.

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Fall Conference 2009

Conferences

It's a Hard-Knock Life: New Works in Tough Times

October 17 - 18, 2009

New York, NY

Attendees and panelists discussed the challenges of taking chances on and finding funding for new musicals during an economic downturn, and how we can pool resources and plan for the future to insure long-term health and continued innovation at our theatres. Keynote speaker Ben Cameron (The Doris Duke Foundation) spoke on “New Imperatives for New Times” (above), inspiring attendees to fight for the future of the arts through innovation and drive. Panels covered topics such as co-productions, commercial enhancement, partnerships between professional theatres and academic institutions and using the resources available in your community. Festival alumni writers joined us for selected panels and members received a sneak peek at the 21st Annual Festival of New Musicals, which immediately followed the conference.

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Spring Conference 2009

Conferences

Marketing in a New Age: How Technology Can Build Your Audience and Save You Money

April 2 - 4, 2009

Atlanta, GA

Theatres were provided with tools on how to utilize new technologies such as Facebook, Google analytics, Twitter and various plug-ins for websites, in order to serve their audiences and track their success. Eugene Carr, founder of Patron Technologies, gave a keynote address on Trends, Technology and Opportunities: The Digital Revolution.  Other speakers included Varietyreporter Gordon Cox, Damian Bazadona of Situation Marketing and web designer Lloyd Chrein.  Sessions covered how adopting new technologies could create or eliminate human workload, imbuing high-tech solutions with the personal touch, and using forums, blogs and social networking to interact with your audience.

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Fall Conference 2008

Conferences

New Works GPS: Navigating the Road Toward the Future of Musical Theatre

October 17 - 19, 2008

NEW YORK CITY, NY THE WESTIN NEW YORK HOTEL - TIMES SQUARE

Keynote speaker Jeanine Tesori discussed her work with producers, while developing shows of wildly varying styles and sizes, from Violet to Caroline or Change to Shrek.  Other sessions covered the challenges of marketing and fundraising for new or lesser-known works, branding a theatre company, building a relationship with audiences, and weathering the tough economic times. Festival Alumni writers joined us free of charge for selected panels on collaboration.

Spring Conference 2008

Conferences

Strengthening Your Organization's Philanthropic Muscle

March 13 - 15, 2008

Sheraton Hotel San Diego, Hotel and Marina - Bay Tower 1380 Harbor Island Drive San Diego, California 92101

Spring Conference 2008, “Strengthening the Philanthropic Muscle of Your Organization”, held in beautiful San Diego, California, focused on Fundraising and Development.

Fall Conference 2007

Conferences

Opening Doors: The Changing Landscape of Musical Theatre

October 5 - 7, 2007

New York City, NY The Westin New York Hotel - Times Square

Spring Conference 2007

Conferences

You're The Ones That We Want: The Future of Musical Theatre Marketing

March 16 - 19, 2007

The Hilton Resort at Walt Disney World® 1751 Hotel Plaza Boulevard Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Spring Conference 2007, held in sunny Orlando, Florida, focused on Marketing.

Fall Conference 2006

Conferences

Be A Part Of It: New Work, New Work

October 6 - 8, 2006

New York City, NY Doubletree Times Square Hotel

This Conference focused on all aspects of developing and producing new musicals – it was an inside look at recent and future shows!

Spring Conference 2006

Conferences

Nuts and Bolts In Tinseltown

March 30 - April 1, 2006

Renaissance Hollywood Hotel 1755 North Highland Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90028

Spring Conference 2004

Conferences

One for the Money, Two for the Show: Maximizing Marketing and Development

April 30 - May 2, 2004

Seattle, WA

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Spring Conference 2002

Conferences

Luck Be A Producer: Trends for the Future

April 8 - 10, 2002

Las Vegas, NV

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Spring Conference 2000

Conferences

From Showgirls to Sondheim: The Impact of the Musical in Las Vegas

April 13 - 15, 2001

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Fall Conference 1999

Conferences

Networking 2000: Partnerships for the New Century

September 25 - 27, 1999

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Spring Conference 1999

Conferences

Technology & Musical Theatre: Today's Tools, Tomorrow's Possibilities

April 9 - 11, 1999

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Fall Conference 1998

Conferences

Defining Producer: Roles, Responsibilities & Challenges

September 11 - 14, 1998

New York, NY

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Spring Conference 1998

Conferences

Standing Room Only: Strategies for Marketing Musical Theatre

April 3 - 5, 1998

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Fall Conference 1997

Conferences

Opportunities for New Alliances: The Changing Business of Musical Theatre

September 19 - 22, 1997

New York, NY

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Spring Conference 1997

Conferences

The Arts in Partnership with the Community: From Grunge Rock to Grand Opera

April 3 - 6, 1997

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Fall Conference 1996

Conferences

Putting It Together: The Making of New Musicals

September 27 - 30, 1996

New York, NY