2026 Annual Conference - Call for Sessions |
Thank you for your interest in submitting a session idea for the ACSO 2026 Annual Conference in Santa Rosa, Aug 6-8, 2026, hosted by the Santa Rosa Symphony.
Sessions should related to one of the focus areas below and be practical, inspiring, and forward-looking, offering clear learning objectives, actionable takeaways, and engaging participants through interaction and connection.
Session Focus Areas
1. Building Relevance, Connection, and Community through Programming
How can orchestras stay vital to the people and places they serve? Explore how organizations build authentic relationships with audiences and communities through creative programming, partnerships, and experiences.
Examples: community engagement models, youth and family programs, music and wellness collaborations, immersive audience experiences.
2. People, Culture, and Belonging
Healthy organizations begin with healthy people. This track centers the human side of orchestras—diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, workforce well-being, and organizational culture.
Examples: advancing DEIB, labor–management relationships, leadership development, inclusive culture, work–life balance.
3. Storytelling, Marketing, and Technology
How can orchestras tell their stories in ways that capture hearts, minds, and support? Explore creative communication, marketing innovation, and emerging technology that amplify your message and reach.
Examples: using AI responsibly, digital marketing tools, compelling storytelling, brand awareness.
4. Sustainability, Innovation, and the Orchestra Business Model
The financial and operational realities of orchestras are changing. This track focuses on new models that promote sustainability, resilience, and adaptability.
Examples: innovative fundraising, new revenue streams, small-orchestra success strategies, multi-year planning, creative programming on limited budgets.
5. Leadership, Governance, and Partnerships
Strong leadership, good governance, and meaningful partnerships fuel thriving orchestras. This track invites ideas that strengthen boards, executives, and collaborators.
Examples: board recruitment and training, governance for growth, leadership transitions, higher education and community partnerships.
Session Format
Sessions are 75 minutes and may take the form of panels, workshops, case studies, or roundtables.
What We’re Looking For
Proposals that:
*Align clearly with a focus area
*Offer practical learning objectives and tangible takeaways
*Include diverse voices and perspectives
*Engage participants interactively
*Are relevant to multiple orchestra types and sizes
Additional Details
Submission does not guarantee selection. ACSO provides space, AV, and program inclusion but cannot guarantee honoraria, registration waivers, or travel support.
Please complete the form below. The deadline to submit session ideas is Friday, December 19, 2025. Notification will take place February 2026. Questions? Contact office@acso.org.
Sessions should related to one of the focus areas below and be practical, inspiring, and forward-looking, offering clear learning objectives, actionable takeaways, and engaging participants through interaction and connection.
Session Focus Areas
1. Building Relevance, Connection, and Community through Programming
How can orchestras stay vital to the people and places they serve? Explore how organizations build authentic relationships with audiences and communities through creative programming, partnerships, and experiences.
Examples: community engagement models, youth and family programs, music and wellness collaborations, immersive audience experiences.
2. People, Culture, and Belonging
Healthy organizations begin with healthy people. This track centers the human side of orchestras—diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, workforce well-being, and organizational culture.
Examples: advancing DEIB, labor–management relationships, leadership development, inclusive culture, work–life balance.
3. Storytelling, Marketing, and Technology
How can orchestras tell their stories in ways that capture hearts, minds, and support? Explore creative communication, marketing innovation, and emerging technology that amplify your message and reach.
Examples: using AI responsibly, digital marketing tools, compelling storytelling, brand awareness.
4. Sustainability, Innovation, and the Orchestra Business Model
The financial and operational realities of orchestras are changing. This track focuses on new models that promote sustainability, resilience, and adaptability.
Examples: innovative fundraising, new revenue streams, small-orchestra success strategies, multi-year planning, creative programming on limited budgets.
5. Leadership, Governance, and Partnerships
Strong leadership, good governance, and meaningful partnerships fuel thriving orchestras. This track invites ideas that strengthen boards, executives, and collaborators.
Examples: board recruitment and training, governance for growth, leadership transitions, higher education and community partnerships.
Session Format
Sessions are 75 minutes and may take the form of panels, workshops, case studies, or roundtables.
What We’re Looking For
Proposals that:
*Align clearly with a focus area
*Offer practical learning objectives and tangible takeaways
*Include diverse voices and perspectives
*Engage participants interactively
*Are relevant to multiple orchestra types and sizes
Additional Details
Submission does not guarantee selection. ACSO provides space, AV, and program inclusion but cannot guarantee honoraria, registration waivers, or travel support.
Please complete the form below. The deadline to submit session ideas is Friday, December 19, 2025. Notification will take place February 2026. Questions? Contact office@acso.org.