Hosting a Conference

About Hosting a Regional Conference

Regional Conferences are the lifeblood of ACDA and the organization depends on its members to both attend and host conferences. Each year a college or university steps forward to host a conference in its region.

Schools with a wide range of facilities have hosted conferences over the years. The size of a conference is set by the host institution and will vary. Successful conferences are hosted not only by schools with multiple studio spaces, but also by schools with limited dedicated dance facilities. Classes often are held in gyms, acting studios, ballrooms and other spaces borrowed from different departments on campus. Conference coordinators are equally creative about finding theater spaces, sometimes booking a theater off campus or converting a space.

ACDA provides constant support and resources to potential and current Conference Coordinators, we are here to help you succeed!

Why Host a Regional Conference?

Hosting a regional conference with the American College Dance Association (ACDA) can offer several benefits for a college or university:

  • National Visibility & Enhanced Reputation: Hosting a conference can elevate the institution’s profile within the dance community and academia, showcasing its commitment to the arts
  • Networking Opportunities: It allows faculty, students, and alumni to connect with dance professionals, educators, and peers from other institutions, fostering collaborations and partnerships.You will distinguish your program as one that is regionally and nationally involved in promoting the highest standards of dance.
  • Exposure for Students: Students can showcase their work through performances, adjudication, feedback sessions, and research panels; gaining valuable feedback and experience in a professional setting.
  • Curriculum Enrichment: The conference can provide workshops, masterclasses, and lectures that enrich the academic curriculum and offer students practical learning experiences.
  • Community Engagement: Engaging with local communities through outreach and performances can strengthen the university’s ties and promote the arts in the region.
  • Professional Development: Faculty can benefit from workshops and discussions that focus on current trends and practices in dance education and choreography.
  • Cultural Exchange: The conference can foster a diverse exchange of ideas and styles, enriching the artistic environment of the hosting institution.
  • Funding and Sponsorship Opportunities: Hosting a conference can attract funding from various sources, including grants, sponsorships, and partnerships with local businesses and arts organizations.
  • Other areas to consider:
    • Conferences can and do produce profits for your program. In 2024, the average profit among the conference hosts was: 
    • Each ACDA conference is unique and flexible. You have the ability to design the conference to fit your spaces and highlight the strengths of your program/department.
    • ACDA Institutional Membership is extended for one year for host institution.
    • Guaranteed registration for the host institution at the regional conference in the year prior to hosting.

Conference hosts receive support and guidance from the ACDA national office and from their Regional Director from the ACDA Board of Directors. The ACDA Conference Handbook provides detailed information and sample forms for all aspects of hosting a conference.

Two important aspects to consider when planning to host are Events and Budgeting. When thinking of hosting a Conference, be aware that there are certain regular events at every conference, however, each Conference Coordinator determines the budget, number of participants and ‘theme’ for the Conference (if any). The National Office, the ACDA Treasurer, and your Regional Director are all here to help you construct a budget and do all of the pre-planning with you.  If you would like more information or would like to talk about the possibility of hosting a Regional Conference at your Institution, please contact Mattie Fenton at the National Office Mattie.Fenton@acda.dance or your Regional Director listed on the Contact page. If you are ready to commit to hosting, please fill out a Commitment to Host Form and send to the national office.