It’s been almost 15 years since the first time I attended the Tessitura Learning & Community Conference as a representative of the Met Opera. When I worked in-house at nonprofits, my conference experience was heavy on the “Learning” side of things. There are so few opportunities for nonprofit workers to invest in true professional development that I would pack my schedule full of technical sessions about Extractions, Email Strategy, Sources, and Appeals–you know, the stuff of true nerdery. 

Now, I’m still a nonprofit arts marketer, but coming from the agency side, I am most impressed by the continued Community focus of this conference. Last year was Situation’s first year as sponsors and attendees of the conference. And it felt a bit like coming home. Seeing former colleagues and past acquaintances who I would only ever see once a year at the conference, and watching my Situation colleagues experience the community for the first time was immensely fulfilling.

This year, we are thrilled to shift the spotlight from just “Learning” to a balanced focus that includes “Community.” We believe that fostering connections is just as important as acquiring new skills. Here’s where you can find us and join in the fun:

• Visit Our Table in the Sponsor Section for a Brain Break: Play some engaging games, win exciting prizes, and network with some of the best minds in the nonprofit arts sector. Our team is eager to connect, share insights, and have some fun together.
• Connect with Us on the TLCC App: We’d love to meet up! Email me or use the TLCC app to connect with me directly. If you’re attending the conference and want to grab a coffee or have a quick chat, send me a message. 
• Join Us for the 5K Run: Start your Tuesday morning with a refreshing 5K run. At least a couple Situation folks will brave the D.C. humidity to make the rest of us feel lazy. For the runners in the room,  it’s a fantastic opportunity to bond over a shared activity and kickstart the day with energy. For the non-runners in the room, let’s get brunch?

The Tessitura Learning & Community Conference is more than just a gathering; it’s a celebration of knowledge, community, and innovation in the nonprofit arts sector. Whether you’re looking to deepen your technical expertise, expand your network, or simply be inspired by the amazing work happening in our field, TLCC offers something for everyone.

For first-time attendees wondering what to expect, here’s what we’re looking forward to:

• Expert-Led Sessions: Our sponsor session last year was a highlight for the Situation team. This year we’re looking forward to learning from other industry leaders and practitioners!
• Community: Meet and connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and build relationships that can support your career and organization. Plus, nonprofit arts workers are just the best.
• Innovation: It’s so rare for nonprofit arts workers to have an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day fires and think big-picture. TLCC offers an opportunity for us to discuss the biggest challenges and opportunities facing our industry and come together to find solutions.

We’re looking forward to another year of learning, connecting, and growing together. See you at TLCC 2024!