Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability 2014 Conference and Training - Chicago, IL - August 3 - 6, 2014

as posted by The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Join us for LEAD® 2014

The LEAD® conference continues to be the one place where leaders and newcomers in the field of access to the cultural arts for individuals with disabilities and older adults can meet and mingle with peers, learn about the latest technological advances, get the straight talk on legal issues, and contribute to the collective knowledge base of what does and doesn’t work for building and engaging audiences, patrons, and visitors of all ages and abilities.

• 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.

Please join us in Chicago to continue the dynamic dialogue to share exciting ideas and explore new and innovative ways to welcome everyone through the doors of our organizations.

Not sure if LEAD® is a good fit? Check out last year’s schedule for a sampling of sessions and workshops.

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About our Partners

Illinois Arts Council Agency

The Illinois Arts Council Agency serves the people of of Illinois through grants and services that support Illinois' arts sector, advance arts education and foster creativity and working artists. For more information, please visit www.arts.illinois.gov.

Arts Alliance Illinois

Arts Alliance Illinois is the state's leading voice for the arts and arts education, uniquely combining advocacy, research, and collaboration to advance a creative and culturally vibrant state. For more information, visit www.artsalliance.org.

Chicago Children's Museum

The mission of Chicago Children's Museum is to improve children's lives by creating a community where play and learning connect. CCM is the only cultural institution in the city dedicated to young children and the important adults in their lives. Playful experiences, including more than 15 interactive exhibits, tap into how kids learn, and engage them at an early age so they develop a lifelong love of learning. For more information, visit www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company

As a leading regional theater Steppenwolf Theatre Company contributes to Chicago's status as a vibrant place to live, work and visit and is a proud cultural ambassador for this global city. Recognizing its responsibility to the Chicago community, Steppenwolf is committed to ensuring access to broad and diverse audiences, including those with hearing, visual and mobility disabilities. For more information, visit www.steppenwolf.org.

Who Attends LEAD®?

Whether your organization is big or small, your programming is indoors or outside, or if you come from a performing arts center, art gallery, zoo, museum, theater, or park, the networking and information offered at LEAD® can help you improve accessibility for all of your patrons and visitors.

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

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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 or 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.

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 $125. If accepted, student registration would include access to sessions beginning at 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 4; all day Tuesday, August 5; and all day Wednesday, August 6. Additional fees apply for pre-conference and capacity building workshops as well as the Awards Dinner and any other special events.

To apply, please send a statement of interest along with your name, contact information, name and location of your university or college, degree expected, and area of study toaccess@kennedy-center.org.

Applications must be received by June 30, 2014.

Team Registration Discounts:

If your organization sends more than one person to the full conference, the registration rate drops to $200 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.

Registration Rates:

Conference: August 4 - 6

Includes access to sessions Monday, August 4 at 1 p.m. through Wednesday, August 6; breakfast and lunch on Tuesday and Wednesday; and one ticket to the LEAD® Awards Dinner on Wednesday, August 6.

• Student Scholarships: $125 per individual (Application required. See Scholarship section for complete details)
• Arts/Cultural Organization Staff: $220 per individual or $200 per team member
• Federal/State/Local Government Staff: $220 per individual or $200 per team member
• College/University Arts or Arts Administration Staff: $220 per individual or $200 per team member
• Arts Service Agency Staff: $220 per individual or $200 per team member
• Non-Profit Disability Service Organization Staff: $550
• For-Profit Disability or Arts Service Organization Staff and Consultants: $750

Pre-Conference Workshops

Sets of four workshops will be offered concurrently from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 3 and 8 a.m. to Noon on Monday, August 4. Dates and times are subject to change

• $90 per person per workshop

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Conference Location and Hotel Information

We are pleased to host LEAD® 2014 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers. Conference rates have been arranged. To receive these rates, reservations must be made by July 9, 2014. If making your reservation via phone please be sure to ask for the Kennedy Center LEAD Conference rate or use the promo code listed below. Rates do not include tax. A limited number of rooms are being held so reserve immediately!

When reserving hotel rooms online, please utilize the Special Requests box, under the Optional Information section, to request accessibility accommodations.

Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers
301 East North Water Street, Chicago, IL

• Rate: $189/night
• To book your room online: The Kennedy Center - LEAD 2014
• To book by phone: Call: 1-877-242-2558

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Contact Us

Voice (202) 416-8727
access@kennedy-center.org

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
2700 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20566 
Tickets and Information: 800-444-1324 or 202-467-4600
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http://www.kennedy-center.org/accessibility/education/lead/conference.html