It's Almost Conference Time!

It's been a very busy and productive summer in the NAMT office. We've been all over the country visiting members, and attending conferences and festivals, yet somehow we've managed to get a lot of projects done here in the office, planning for the months ahead and working on ways to serve you better. But now it's my favorite time of year. We're starting to get a break from the NYC summer heat, and better yet, the Fall Conference and Festival of New Musicals are right around the corner!

I often say that NAMT's best member benefit is its members, and the Fall Conference is when you all prove me right. This will be my 5th one (!), and every year I'm inspired by your insight, passion and warmth.

This year, we're in a brand new venue with spectacular views of Times Square (above) and Central Park, and we'll be taking a new dual-track approach to the rewards and challenges of producing new musicals from the perspective of both artistic and managerial leaders. I can't wait to see what comes out of these smaller group discussions, and what happens when everyone comes together for full group sessions and, of course, cocktails!

To whet your appetite, check out video highlights of past conferences at http://namt.org/conference-video.aspx (member login required). We've recently updated this page with clips from 2011 and 2012, including last year's popular Hal Prince keynote address. For details on this year's conference and to register (for the Festival, too!) go to http://namt.org/conference. Rates will increase on September 17, so don't wait too long!

I can't wait to see you next month!

NAMT Member Discounts

One of our lesser-known member benefits is the Discounts and Deals page on namt.org (member login required). We've partnered with several vendors to bring NAMT members some special offers that we hope you'll find useful – and will save you some money! Currently available are discounts at the Empire Hotel near Lincoln Center, 10% off cast albums at Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight Records (including Catch Me If You Can and The Book of Mormon!), special rates at several NYC rehearsal studios, a 60-day free trial on BofoBox.com, and a free membership to CultureMatchup.com. In the next few weeks we'll be adding a discount to the National Arts Marketing Project conference, and an offer on PCI insurance from Compliance for Business.

Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to see here, or if you can put me in touch with anyone who might be able to offer similar services to your fellow members (airlines, or hotels or studio space in other cities would be great!).

We want you to get the most out of your membership, so visit the website for a full list of member benefits. Email website@namt.org if you don't have or don't know your login.