Special Events

National Conference Special Events
2023 National Conference Sponsors

Pre-Conference Historic Theatre Ramble

Fee-Paid Option - Includes continental breakfast and buffet lunch.

Sunday, July 16, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Before the main conference begins, attendees of the optional Pre-Conference Theatre Ramble will travel by motor coach to visit historic theatres in and around Kansas City. Registration will open and continental breakfast will be served starting at 7:00 am in the Ballroom Pre-Function. Buses will load at 7:45 and depart the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center Hotel at 8:00 am.

The group will enjoy lunch mid-day and return to the conference hotel in time to freshen up before the Opening Night Festivities begin.

Theatres to be toured include:

Sorry! The Ramble is SOLD OUT!

First Timers Welcome Lounge

Sunday, July 16, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

If this is your first LHAT National Conference, please make time on Sunday to stop by the First Timers Welcome Lounge. Enjoy a cold beverage and meet some fellow attendees. Ask questions and get pointers from seasoned LHAT conference attendees -- important things like:

  • Don't forget to wear your name badge. It's your ticket to events and tours!
  • Attend any education session you like; no need to sign up in advance (except for Early Bird Sessions).
  • If you came with a group, consider not sitting together at social events and splitting up for education sessions - divide and conquer!
  • Don't worry - the conference will seem overwhelming no matter what you do; just try to take in as much as you can.
  • You're here to network in person, so do as much as you can. Take advantage of having one-on-one access to LHAT's "brain trust" - the people who have "been there and done that." LHAT folks are very willing to share their own tips, techniques, technologies, and best practices for historic theatre (and personal) success and survival. Remember, they were once first timers just like you!

We also encourage you to make time before the Lounge opens to attend one or more of this year's Early Bird Sessions. All sessions offer extremely valuable information and resources for people new to LHAT and/or the historic theatre industry.

Opening Reception & Welcome Dinner

Sunday, July 16, 6:45 pm - 8:45 pm

We'll officially kick off the 2023 conference with a Welcome Reception, where you can enjoy a cocktail, reconnect with old LHAT friends, and meet new people who share your enthusiasm and passion for historic theatres. Then, continue conversations over a sit-down dinner. It's not required, but for those of you who like to have a chance to get dressed up for an LHAT event, go for it!

Awards for Excellence Ceremony

Sunday, July 16, 8:45 pm - 9:30 pm

Following this year's Opening Cocktail Reception & Welcome Dinner, LHAT will celebrate historic theatre excellence by honoring this year's Outstanding Historic Theatre and Outstanding Individual Contribution Award recipients.

Visit the Awards Program page for more information.

 LHAT Award Statue
Awards Ceremony Sponsor - Kotobuki Seating International Inc.
Awards Ceremony Sponsor
Kotobuki Seating International Inc.

Eye Opener Breakfasts: Peer Discussions and Networking

Monday, July 17; Tuesday, July 18; & Wednesday, July 19 (times vary) - Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center

You never know when a casual conversation could leave you with a brand-new idea or a valuable piece of advice to take home and implement at your theatre. If you just want to quietly enjoy your breakfast without networking, that's fine, too!

On Monday morning, we'll transition from breakfast to a facilitated networking session, a new format we first tried last year and about which we received rave reviews. After a large group discussion, we'll break into smaller groups so the networking can continue. More details about this session will be provided before the conference.

Tuesday Eye Opener Breakfast Sponsor - OTJ Architects
Tuesday Eye Opener Breakfast Sponsor
OTJ Architects

Service Providers & Suppliers EXPO and Reception

Monday, July 17, 3:15 pm - 5:45 pm - Sheraton Crown Center

Learn about new technologies, goods, and services that historic theatres need most, while making new contacts or renewing relationships and enjoying a reception with late afternoon snacks and drinks. LHAT's 2023 Expo provides an opportunity for service providers and suppliers to meet representatives from historic theatres, discover their needs, and "put a face with a name" during a premiere conference event.

Since there are no competing conference events during the Expo, exhibitors have uninterrupted time to share their expertise and showcase the products and services historic theatres need to renovate and operate successfully.

Exhibitor registration, including a single-day registration for Monday, July 17, is $775 for League Allied and Theatre Members. The fee for Non-members and LHAT Subscriber members to exhibit is $1,125. Read full Expo guidelines here.

Email Colleen Poehlman with any questions. Space is reserved on a first come, first served basis

Optional LHAT Baseball Game Outing

Monday, July 17, 7:10 pm - Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium

In line with the long-standing tradition of attending a baseball game during the LHAT Conference, we will be purchasing tickets for interested LHAT folks to see the Kansas City Royals take on the Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium on Monday evening. If you're traveling alone to LHAT, don't be shy about buying yourself a ticket. We will have tickets for 25-60 LHAT attendees to attend the game, so you won't be alone.

Ticket Purchase Required; Limited Quantity of Tickets Available; First Come, First Served. We will announce ticket prices soon.

Note: Attendees will be responsible for their own transportation to and from the stadium. Kauffman is about a 15-20 minute drive from the Sheraton hotel (approx. 7 miles).
Kauffman Stadium, Photo credit: Jason Hanna, Courtesy of Visit KC
Kauffman Stadium
Photo credit: Jason Hanna, Courtesy of Visit KC

Annual Membership Meeting

Tuesday, July 18, 9:00 am - 9:30 am

On Tuesday morning, network with your historic theatre peers over breakfast, then tune into the 2023 LHAT Annual Membership Meeting. Celebrating its 47th year, your national association is forging ahead, fueled by members' recommendations. To achieve our mission - to champion the preservation, restoration, and operation of historic theatres -- the League needs your active participation. During this year's Annual Membership Meeting, learn the "2023 State of the League" and join the conversation about shaping the League's future.

2023 Annual Membership Meeting Sponsor - OTJ Architects
2023 Annual Membership Meeting Sponsor
OTJ Architects

Networking Refreshment Break

Tuesday, July 18, 11:00 am - 11:30 am

On Tuesday morning, between Tools & Techniques sessions, enjoy a 30 minute break to network with your fellow attendees over a refreshing beverage. This is your chance to share the interesting things you learned during the session you just attended. Or find a new peer to connect with to ask or discuss anything and everything related to historic theatres.

It's up to you to take advantage of opportunities like this to network in person - that's why you came to Kansas City! Take advantage of having one-on-one access to LHAT's "brain trust" - the people who have "been there and done that". LHAT folks are very willing to share their own tips, techniques, technologies, and best practices for historic theatre (and personal) success and survival.

Cocktails & Networking

Tuesday, July 18, 4:00 pm

Following the Tuesday afternoon Tools & Techniques Sessions, grab a cocktail and get ready for some more networking with your peers. We'll start out as one group to get some discussions started, then we'll break into smaller groups based on your demographics. Breakouts may be organized by theatre or community size, type of programming, job titles or topics. More details to be announced.

Cocktails & Networking Sponsor Jujamcyn Theaters
Cocktails & Networking Sponsor
Jujamcyn Theaters

Closing Party

Wednesday, July 19, 12:40 pm - 1:40 pm - Folly Theater

Celebrate your national association and close out the 2023 Conference with a toast and some snacks. Say goodbye to LHAT friends, new and old, make plans to connect throughout the year through the LHAT-CHAT, and we'll send you off with hopes of seeing you again next summer at the 48th National Conference!