Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD®) Conference and Training - August 2019

2019 Conference and Training – Denver, CO
Capacity Building Workshops: August 3-4
Conference: August 5-7

Every year the Kennedy Center's Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD^®) conference brings experienced and new professionals together to explore practical methods for implementing accessibility in cultural environments. A LEAD^® we share resources and knowledge, develop best practices, and experience accessibility in action.

• 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.

Join us to continue the dialogue, to share exciting ideas, and to explore new and innovative ways to welcome everyone.

Who Attends?

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

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.

Why attend LEAD^®?

Here are just a few reasons why LEAD^® is a smart choice for professional development for cultural arts administrators.

• One-of-a-kind professional development. No other conference focuses on accessibility in cultural venues like LEAD^®. The conference provides an intimate, rich atmosphere to engage arts professionals of all experience levels.

• Access to ideas. Tap into the collective “brain trust” of arts managers from museums, theaters, parks, zoos, libraries, and other cultural venues from around the world.

• Access to experts. The Kennedy Center engages leading thinkers in the field to present at the conference. And after the event, attendees are invited to join an exclusive listserv to continue the conversation and ask questions.

• Networking opportunities. LEAD^® has a number of networking opportunities both during the conference and at evening social events. Meet and mingle colleagues from around the world in an open and safe forum.

• Practical information. You'll leave with ideas and practices that can be implemented at your organization right away.

• Something for everyone. LEAD^® has sessions and workshops for beginners and the more experienced. It doesn't matter what your background or knowledge level is – we have sessions for you.

• Experiential opportunities. LEAD^® provides the opportunity to experience accessibility services and programs. Through our pre-conference Capacity Building Workshops and optional performances with accessibility services, you can see access in action!

Registration Eligibility and Rates

Eligibility

Not all registrations will be accepted. Space is limited and preference will be given to paid staff at cultural arts organizations, 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.

Registration Rates

Conference: August 5-7

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 $160. If accepted, student registration would include access to sessions Monday, August 5 through Wednesday, August 7, 2019. Additional fees apply for pre-conference and capacity building workshops as well as the Awards Evening and other special events.

If you have questions about the scholarships, please contact the Kennedy Center's Accessibility Office at access@kennedy-center.org or 202-416-8727.

The deadline to apply is May 1, 2019 at 11:59 PM EDT.

Team Registration Discounts:

If your organization sends more than one person to the full conference, the registration rate drops to $300 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 Accommodations:

The Kennedy Center's 2019 LEAD^® Conference is pleased to offer specially priced room blocks at two downtown hotels located a convenient distance from our primary conference venue, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and many shops, restaurants, and other local attractions.