Registration Now Open!
We hope you will plan to join us in Boston in January 2026 for NOA's next National Conference: Bold Voices, Boundless Futures, which will be held at Fairmont Copley Plaza in the historic Back Bay area.
Embrace the spirit of resilience as we convene in Boston for the National Opera Association Conference, commemorating our 70th anniversary amidst the city’s indomitable energy and diverse cultural tapestry. The theme of this conference, Bold Voices, Boundless Futures, explores the enduring power of opera to unite and inspire us and celebrates our bold, creative voices.
Plan to arrive on Wednesday, Jan. 7, in time for the Dominick Argento Chamber Opera finals held in the evening at Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s Theatre, followed by an opening night reception at the Boston Conservatory of Music at Berklee.
Sessions begin on Thursday morning, followed by the Thursday opening luncheon with keynote address and the opening panel featuring bold voices from the opera academy and industry. Thursday evening features the ever-popular Collegiate Opera Scenes finals, followed by a reception for all attendees.
Friday includes a robust array of sessions, as well as the Poster Session and the Regional Networking luncheon. Student attendees will enjoy an offsite luncheon together. Friday evening we celebrate the 30th year of the NOA Legacy Project with a gala Legacy Concert as we honor three “Lift Every Voice” Legacy Award winners: Ms. Denyce Graves, Mr. Cliff Jackson, and Dr. Gail Robinson-Oturu.
The final day of the conference includes more sessions, the New Works Expo, the annual Carolyn Bailey Argento Vocal Competition, and the closing banquet. NOA's Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Peter Sellars.
See the full conference schedule draft (subject to change):
Registration
Registration dates and rates for the conference are:
|
Early Bird |
Regular |
Late |
|
|
Member |
$415 |
$440 |
$490 |
|
Non-member |
$515 |
$540 |
$590 |
|
Student |
$200 |
$200 |
$220 |
|
Spouse |
$315 |
$340 |
$390 |
|
Single Day |
$180 |
$180 |
$200 |
Please reference the Conference Refund Policy if needed.
Please note: late registrations after December 15 will be inclusive of meals on a space-available basis; access to the meals cannot be guaranteed.
Announcing: Access Grants for the National Conference
NOA is pleased to introduce a new conference support program to help offset costs for those who might otherwise be unable to attend the national conference. By expanding access, we aim to lower barriers to the exchange of ideas and best practices across our community, seek to welcome new members, strengthen the diversity and vibrancy of the organization, and cultivate future leaders who will advance NOA’s legacy. Application deadline: October 1, 2025.
Conference Hotel
NOA has secured a special conference rate at the beautiful Fairmont Copley Plaza. Make sure to reserve your room well before the reservation cutoff date of Dec 13 to ensure your space!
Learn about Travel and Lodging
Call for Posters
Plan now to submit your research to the annual Poster Session of the National Conference. Deadline to apply is October 15, 2025.
New Works Expo
Back by popular demand! Promote your new operatic works to a national audience of opera producers and educators who are looking for works to produce.
For the 2026 conference, NOA is inviting opera composers, librettists, and other creators to feature and promote their works and/or works-in-progress during the New Work Expo. Deadline to apply is October 15, 2025.
Conference Advertising and Exhibitors
Opportunities are open for advertising in the conference program, exhibitor tables, and sponsorship of conference activities.
Read about Conference Advertising and Exhibitors for more information.
Raves from Past Conferences
I found this year's NOA conference the most inspiring of any I have attended. Here I was amongst colleagues who are curious, open to new ideas, and genuinely committed to educating performers. I left feeling excited, motivated, and thrilled to explore new possibilities.
Ann Baltz, educator, director, and pianist
My only regret about attending this amazing conference was the fact I spent much of my time kicking myself in the head for not joining NOA 30 years ago. I missed so much, but; I’m so happy to be part of this wonderful group now. Never too late!!
Bob Breault, University of Utah
National Conference
- Travel and Lodging
- Call for Posters
- New Work Expo
- Advertising and Exhibitors
- Conf. Refund Policy
- Access Grants for National Conference
Past Conference Info Savannah, January 2025
Past Conference Info Phoenix/Tempe, January 2024
Past Conference Info Houston, January 2023
Past Conference Info St. Augustine, January 2022
