USITT’s Annual Conference & Stage Expo is a focal point for performing arts and entertainment professionals. Held in a different North American city each year, the conference attracts an estimated 4,000+ people from all over the world who share their knowledge and expertise.

USITT members receive reduced conference registration rates and can increase savings by registering during the Very Early or Early Registration periods.  Member discounts are also available for workshops and regional events.  Conference information and registration forms are mailed to members and available on the website

EVENTS, EXHIBITIONS & PROGRAMS

Cover the Walls

• non-juried open invitational exhibit features designs by members

• display at Stage Expo every other year

• opportunity to share work forum for the exchange of ideas and design approaches

• next scheduled for 2013

Design Expo

• displays of selected costume, scenery, and lighting designs

• work by students, educators, and working professionals display at Stage Expo every other year

• adjudicated by a team of professional designers and directors

• selected designs featured in the summer issue of TD&T

• next scheduled for 2012

Portfolio Reviews

• sponsored by the USITT Commissions

• members meet individually with professionals in their fields

• discussions on portfolios, resumes, and careers

• separate sessions for scenery, lighting, costume design, costume technology, props, and technical production

• all levels of professionals and students may participate

Stage Management Mentor Program

• open to students and young professionals who are or become members

• provides real life training exercises while helping coordinate major conference events

• participants work as teams with Conference planners

• mentors are established professionals who work in live performance venues

Student Tech Olympics

• individual and team competitions

• features skills of stagecraft, lighting, costume, and more

• past events have included light focus and costume change

• awards given to both individuals and teams

• top team awarded traveling trophy

Student Volunteer Program

• students work 15 hours in various conference capacities

• participants receive full-conference registration at no cost

• work schedules arranged with participants in advance

• students accepted first come, first served

• Student members receive advance opportunity to apply

Tech Expo

• held every other year

• both an exhibit at Stage Expo and a printed catalog

• features creative solutions to problems and challenges

• adjudication held at the exhibit site

• awards and monetary prizes given to select entries

• all accepted projects published in the Tech Expo Catalog

• next scheduled for 2013

Young Designers’ Forum

• special annual exhibit

• juried selection process

• limited to 20 students

• participants review and discuss their work with established designers and directors

Young Technicians’ Forum

• special annual exhibit

• juried selection process

• limited to 15 students participants

• review and discuss their work with personnel from theatres and production

Art Auction

• held every third year

• opportunity to bid on works of theatrical art created by prominent design and performing arts professionals

• all proceeds benefit the Edward F. Kook Fund

• next scheduled for 2012