The National Alliance for Musical Theatre's 2011 Spring Conference - Bridging The Gap: Fundraising in the New Economy - was held on April 1 and 2 in 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, and conference weekend add-ons to help attendees discover all San Francisco has to offer with their fellow NAMT members.

CONFERENCE PROGRAM & ACTIVITIES

Your conference registration included:

1. Two full days of panels, speakers, breakout sessions, brainstorming and networking!
   1. Concrete solutions and ideas all theatres of all sizes can use
   2. Keynote speech by Penelope Burk, author of Donor-Centered Fundraising
      
      1. Click here for more details on Penelope's sessions (PDF)
      2. Click here to purchase Penelope's book at a special discounted rate
   3. Art and Strategy of the Ask
   4. Turning Fundraising into "Friendraising"
   5. Major Gifts and Planned Giving
   6. Building a Fundraising Board
   7. Networking for Good
   8. Capital Campaigns
   9. Corporate Sponsorship
   10. Technological Tools for Development
   11. Community Building
2. Meals
   1. Breakfast, lunch and breaks were included on both conference days
3. Networking Cocktail Party
   1. After the first day's conference, attendees relaxed and networked at the elegant Starlight Room, featuring stunning views of San Francisco, and catering by Top Chef's Jen Biesty and Tim Nugent.

Plus, join us for Conference Weekend Add-Ons for more chances to network with NAMT members and explore San Francisco (for an additional charge):

1. Pre-Conference Networking Dinner
   1. Dinner on the bay at Butterfly Restaurant to catch up with friends and the NAMT staff. ($60 per person)
2. Alcatraz Night Tour
   1. The Night Tour is a unique tour of the infamous and notorious former federal prison limited to just a few hundred visitors per evening. It includes special programs, tours, and activities not offered during the day. ($45 per person)

ACCOMMODATIONS

The conference was be held at the classically elegant Omni San Francisco Hotel, a former bank building turned gorgeous luxury hotel in the heart of downtown San Francisco (walking distance to Union Square, Ferry Building, Chinatown, and North Beach). Click here to learn more about the hotel.

AGENDA

Click here to see the full Spring Conference agenda.

SPONSORS

We are very pleased to thank the following sponsors of the 2011 Spring Conference. For information on supporting NAMT and the benefits of becoming a sponsor, please visit the Sponsorship section of our website.

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Please contact Membership Director Adam Grosswirth if you have any questions. (212) 714-6668 x15, or adam@namt.org.

2011 SPRING CONFERENCE COMMITTEE

Keith Cromwell, Red Mountain Theatre Company
Mark Fleischer, Adirondack Theatre Festival
Bernie Griffin, The 5th Avenue Theatre (co-chair)
Andrew Holtz, Arizona Theatre Company
Sharon Maroney, The Broadway Rose Theatre (co-chair)
Rebekah Sassi, The Walnut Street Theatre