Save the Dates: Spring Conference 2025
Marketing
April 9-11, 2025
Birmingham, AL
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Spring Conference 2020 (Canceled)
Conferences
Greater Than the Sum of the Parts
(Canceled)
We are adding online programming to address the COVID-19 crisis, during what was meant to be the time of the Spring Conference and beyond. Visit the Knowledge Exchange and Roundtables pages for info.
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.
Spring Conference 2019
Conferences
Fundraising Is Storytelling
March 28 - 30, 2019
Seattle & Issaquah, WA
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?
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Fall Conference 2005
Conferences
New Paths to New Musicals
September 23 - 27, 2005
New York, NY
Spring Conference 2005
Conferences
March 17 - 19, 2005
Chicago, IL
Spring Conference 2004
Conferences
One for the Money, Two for the Show: Maximizing Marketing and Development
April 30 - May 2, 2004
Seattle, WA
Spring Conference 2002
Conferences
Luck Be A Producer: Trends for the Future
April 8 - 10, 2002
Las Vegas, NV
Fall Conference 2001
Conferences
Fall Conference 2001
September 21 - 23, 2001
Spring Conference 2001
Conferences
Survivor: The Audience Has Spoken!
April 26 - 28, 2001
San Diego, CA
Spring Conference 2000
Conferences
From Showgirls to Sondheim: The Impact of the Musical in Las Vegas
April 13 - 15, 2001
Fall Conference 2000
Conferences
Making New Work Work
September 22 - 24, 2000
Fall Conference 1999
Conferences
Networking 2000: Partnerships for the New Century
September 25 - 27, 1999
Spring Conference 1999
Conferences
Technology & Musical Theatre: Today's Tools, Tomorrow's Possibilities
April 9 - 11, 1999
Fall Conference 1998
Conferences
Defining Producer: Roles, Responsibilities & Challenges
September 11 - 14, 1998
New York, NY
Spring Conference 1998
Conferences
Standing Room Only: Strategies for Marketing Musical Theatre
April 3 - 5, 1998
Fall Conference 1997
Conferences
Opportunities for New Alliances: The Changing Business of Musical Theatre
September 19 - 22, 1997
New York, NY
Spring Conference 1997
Conferences
The Arts in Partnership with the Community: From Grunge Rock to Grand Opera
April 3 - 6, 1997
Fall Conference 1996
Conferences
Putting It Together: The Making of New Musicals
September 27 - 30, 1996
New York, NY
Fall Conference 1994
Conferences
September 16 - 18, 1994
Spring Conference 1994
Conferences
March 29 - April 1, 1994
Los Angeles, CA
Marketing and Development Workshop, 1994
Conferences
February 4 - 6, 1994
New York, NY
Fall Conference 1993
Conferences
September 10 - 12, 1993
New York, NY
Spring Conference 1993
Conferences
April 2 - 4, 1993
San Diego, CA
Fall Conference 1992
Conferences
September 18-20, 1992
New York, NY
Spring Conference 1992
Conferences
April 2 - 4, 1992
Seattle, WA
Fall Conference 1991
Conferences
September 13 - 14, 1991
New York, NY
Spring Conference 1991
Conferences
April 11 - 13, 1991
Lincolnshire, IL
Fall Conference 1990
Conferences
September 14 - 16, 1990
New York, NY
Spring Conference 1990
Conferences
March 29 - April 1, 1990
Los Angeles, CA
Fall Conference 1989
Conferences
September 22 - 24, 1989
New York, NY
Spring Conference 1989
Conferences
May 4 - 7, 1989
Los Angeles, CA
Fall Conference 1988
Conferences
September 22 - 25, 1988
Washington, DC
Spring Conference 1988
Conferences
April 21 - 24, 1988
London
Fall Conference 1987
Conferences
September 18 - 20, 1987
New York, NY
Spring Conference 1987
Conferences
April 2 - 5, 1987
Los Angeles, CA
Fall Conference 1986
Conferences
October 5 - 7, 1986
New York
Spring Conference 1986
Conferences
April 17 - 20, 1986
Los Angeles, CA
Fall Conference 1985
Conferences
September 27 - 28, 1985
New York, NY