Hosting a Regional Conference:

Regional Conferences are the lifeblood of ACDFA and the organization depends on its members to both attend and host conferences. Each year a colleges 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.

There are many benefits to bringing ACDFA onto your campus.

  • Conferences provide national visibility for your program.

  • You will distinguish your program as one that is regionally and nationally involved in promoting the highest standards of dance.

  • You can develop a network of associates in your region for artistic exchange and mutual support.

  • You can design the conference to fit your spaces and highlight your program.

  • Conferences can and do produce profits for your program.

  • Without conferences in each region, people may be turned away from other conferences due to overcrowding.

Conference hosts receive support and guidance from the ACDFA national office and from their Regional Representative from the ACDFA Board of Directors. The ACDFA 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. If you need more information or would like to talk about the possibility of hosting a regional conference, please contact Diane DeFries at the national office or your Regional Representative (see “Contacts”). If you are ready to commit to hosting, please fill out an Commitment to Host form and send to the national office.