HOSTING A CONFERENCE FOR MUSICAL THEATRE PROFESSIONALS

This spring, Broadway Rose Theatre Company had the distinct honor of hosting the National Alliance for Musical Theatre Spring Conference—marking the first time this national gathering has ever been held in Oregon. From March 25–27, 2026, our theater and the surrounding Tigard community became a hub for collaboration, innovation, and connection among musical theatre leaders from across the country.

Each year, NAMT convenes theatre administrators, producers, and development & marketing professionals to explore the most pressing topics facing our field. This year’s conference, titled “Go With The Flow: Navigating Fundraising in 2026,” focused on the evolving landscape of arts funding and the strategies organizations need to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.

The opportunity to host this event was years in the making. Two years ago Executive Director Meredith Gordon and Marketing Director Alan Anderson enthusiastically campaigned to bring the Spring Conference to Broadway Rose. Their vision was clear: to welcome colleagues from across the country to the Pacific Northwest—many for the very first time—and to showcase not only our theatre, but the vibrant, welcoming communities that surround it.

That vision became a reality as Broadway Rose welcomed 82 participants representing 51 organizations—from across the United States and Canada. The goal was to create a space where meaningful conversations could unfold while also showcasing the beauty and hospitality of the Tualatin Valley. For Adam Grosswirth, NAMT’S Member Services Director, the impact of the gathering reflects what makes the conference so essential to NAMT’s mission. “The Spring Conference is one of my favorite events in NAMT’s year-round cycle of programming, because each year we get to visit a different member theater and experience their hospitality and artistry, and immerse ourselves in the local culture,” he said. “Bringing the far-flung NAMT membership together to collaborate on how to advance and champion musical theatre—and non-profit theatres in general—is so rewarding. This community is keeping the national musical theatre ecosystem strong, and it’s inspiring to be in their presence. We couldn’t have asked for a better host in Broadway Rose, who took amazing care of us and showed us the best Tualatin Valley has to offer.”

The conference began on Wednesday as attendees arrived in Portland and were whisked away for a memorable evening aboard the Portland Spirit on the Willamette River. Against a backdrop of city lights and unseasonably warm and dry spring skies, colleagues reconnected, new friendships formed, and the tone was set for a few days rooted in both purpose and joy.

Over the course of the conference, participants engaged in a lively mix of panel discussions and breakout sessions. The event notably highlighted voices from the Pacific Northwest, showcasing local expertise alongside national leaders. Keynote speaker Colby Reade, Vice President for External Affairs and Strategy at the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, offered valuable insights, drawing on both his professional experience and his early involvement in the arts to connect meaningfully with the musical theatre community.

These local perspectives added depth and immediacy to conversations about development leadership, fundraising in uncertain times, and sustainable growth—demonstrating the strength and innovation of arts organizations right here in our region.

Breakout sessions offered deeper dives into essential tools and strategies, including grant writing, customer relationship management systems, and board engagement.

In addition to the learning opportunities, the itinerary was designed to foster connection. There were informal networking moments and shared meals from Elephant’s Delicatessen and local experiences at Cooper Mountain Ale Works and Hawks View Winery. Attendees had time to exchange ideas and build relationships that will continue to shape the field long after the conference ended. Guests also experienced Broadway Rose firsthand, attending a performance of Dear Evan Hansen and seeing the artistry that defines our work on stage.

Reflecting on the conference, Meredith expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “Hosting the NAMT Spring Conference was not only a milestone for Broadway Rose, but a celebration of the broader theatre community,” she said. “It was a chance to share who we are, where we are, and why this work matters—while learning from peers who are equally committed to sustaining and growing musical theatre across the country.”

As we look ahead, we carry forward the ideas, connections, and momentum sparked during this remarkable gathering—ready to continue navigating the future, together.