2016 LEAD® Conference

Date/Time: August 1-5, 2016

Location: Westin Convention Center, Pittsburgh Hotel in Pittsburgh, PA

Description: The LEAD® conference continues to be the one place where leaders and newcomers in the field of access to the cultural arts for individuals with disabilities and older adults can meet and mingle with peers, learn about the latest technological advances, get the straight talk on legal issues, and contribute to the collective knowledge base of how to reach and engage audiences, patrons, and visitors of all ages and abilities.

• Basic to Advanced: No matter what level of experience you have, there's always something to learn. The building blocks will give newcomers the tools and information they need to develop a successful accessibility program while the discussion groups and advanced track address accessibility for the most experienced.

• Facilities to Programs: Sessions and discussions will cover all aspects of accessibility from the built environment to programs and communication.

• Legal Obligations & Customer Service: Learn about relevant laws and regulations and explore accessibility from the customer service and business case perspectives.

• Networking: Engage in conversations with colleagues who are enthusiastic about accessibility and eager to share their insights and learn from others.

Please join us to continue the dynamic dialogue to share exciting ideas and explore new and innovative ways to welcome everyone through the doors of our organizations.

Who Attends

Whether your organization is big or small, your programming is indoors or outside, or if you come from a performing arts center, art gallery, zoo, museum, theater, or park, the networking and information offered at LEAD® can help you improve accessibility for all of your patrons and visitors.

LEAD® provides professional development for:

• Accessibility Managers and Coordinators

• Box Office and House Managers

• Outreach and Education Coordinators

• Patrons and Visitor Services Managers

• Facilities and Operations Managers

• Exhibition Designers

• State and Local Government ADA/504 Coordinators

• Marketing and Audience Development Directors

• State Arts Commission/Council Accessibility Coordinators

Please Note: The LEAD® conference does not address professional development for artists with disabilities or arts education. For resources for artists with disabilities, please visit the VSA Programs page. For information on arts in education for people with disabilities, please visit the Intersections Conference page.

Registration

Eligibility - Not all registrations will be accepted. Space is limited and preference will be given to paid staff at cultural arts organizations or cultural arts service or government agencies who are directly responsible for making programs and facilities accessible to people with disabilities. The Kennedy Center reserves the right to decline registrations. In the event that registration is declined, the Center will issue a refund for any fees collected.

Scholarships for Students: Graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in arts administration/management or museum studies programs can apply for a scholarship to attend the LEAD Conference at a reduced rate of $175. If accepted, student registration would include access to sessions Wednesday, August 3 through Friday, August 5, 2016. Additional fees apply for pre-conference and capacity building workshops as well as the Awards Dinner and any other special events.

To apply: Please send a statement of interest along with your name, contact information, name and location of your university or college, degree expected, and area of study to access@kennedy-center.org. Applications must be received by May 30, 2016.

Team Registration Discounts: If your organization sends more than one person to the full conference, the registration rate drops to $250 per person! Please Note: The team registration rate is only available to staff members of arts or cultural organizations; arts or cultural service agencies; university or college arts or arts administration program staff; and federal, state or local government employees.

Hotel Accomodations

The Westin Convention Center, Pittsburgh 
1000 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 281-3700

We are pleased to announce that the Kennedy Center’s 2016 LEAD® and 2016 VSA Intersections: Arts and Special Education Conferences will take place at the Westin Convention Center, Pittsburgh Hotel in Pittsburgh, PA. The hotel is located in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District and is walking distance to several theaters, shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Regular, Single, and Double Rooms are $169/night.

Reserve online now

• To book reservations by phone call: 888-627-7053

• If booking by phone, please make sure to mention to the agent that you are with the block reserved for The Kennedy Center or LEAD Conference.

Amenities include:

• Complimentary Internet access in guest rooms

• Fitness Studio (fitness room, sauna, steam room, indoor heated lap pool, and complimentary aerobics classes)

• Onsite Spa (massage and facials for additional fee)

• Accessible rooms are available

Please note that these special rates are only available until July 8, 2016. Some amenities such as free internet access may only be complimentary if booked under our conference block. Reservations at this rate are limited – we highly encourage you to book as soon as possible. For more information about the hotel, visit the hotel website