The NATS National Conference is the association’s premier professional development event that occurs every other year. It brings together hundreds of voice teachers, student singers, collaborative pianists, researchers and industry professionals from North America and around the world.

Over 5 days, conference attendees enjoy:

• 5 Plenary Sessions
• 75+ Presentations, workshops, & panel discussions on a wide range of topics
• Master classes and live performances
• Exhibits and Publisher Showcases
• Networking events and social gatherings
• Final Rounds of National Student Auditions in Classical, Commercial Music and Musical Theatre categories

The conference offers both practical teaching tips and big-picture conversations about the future of our profession.

If you teach singing or interact with singers at any level, our conference offers a wealth of ideas and subjects for many genres and areas.

The conference is designed for:

• Independent studio teachers
• University and conservatory faculty
• Graduate students and emerging professionals
• Collaborative pianists
• Researchers in voice science and pedagogy
• Voice specialists and related professionals
• Composers of art song and vocal literature

Yes, first-time attendees often find the conference to be one of the most valuable ways to:

• Expand your professional network
• Learn about the current research and pedagogy trends
• Gain practical teaching tools you can implement immediately
• Meet publishers and industry partners
• Experience the broader NATS community in person

You do not need to know anyone in advance to attend.

While NATS chapters and regions host great events, the National Conference offers:

• A broader cross-section of presenters and perspectives
• Larger-scale performances and featured artists
• A national exhibitor presence
• Expanded research presentations
• Opportunities to connect with colleagues from outside your region

The scope and scale are significantly larger than most chapter and regional gatherings.

A typical conference day may include:

• Morning plenary or keynote session
• Concurrent breakout sessions (in interest areas such as voice pedagogy, research or genre)
• Exhibit Hall visits
• Afternoon breakout sessions and another plenary session
• Evening concerts or special events

No. You are encouraged to build your own schedule based on your professional interests. Multiple breakout sessions at the same time encourage you to choose topics that are most relevant to your studio, research, or career stage. The conference app, called Guidebook, allows you to build your unique schedule right in the app. The Guidebook app will be available to download closer toward the conference. You will receive an email with the link to download it.

Good question. Many first-time attendees evaluate the value of the conference in terms of:

• A professional development investment
• Access to new and new-to-you repertoire and teaching strategies
• The latest research findings that could influence how you approach teaching certain aspects of singing
• Networking connections that lead to collaborations
• Renewed inspiration and motivation

Some attendees offset costs through professional development funding from institutions; NATS grants and awards; studio income planning; or tax-deductible business expenses (consult with your tax professional).

You can save money by registering early. The early-bird registration deadline is March 15, 2026.

See all registration rates

Your conference registration includes:

• Access to all Plenary Sessions and Breakout Sessions
• Exhibit Hall entry
• Conference materials
• Select networking events

Optional events or ticketed performances:

• Conference Banquet: $100
• Featured Concert: $40
• River Barge Tour (Complete with snacks and drinks): $50
• Commemorative Printed Program: $10

These extras are not included in the base registration fee, but they can enhance your experience.

The conference will be held July 3-7, 2026 at:

San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk
San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: 210.223.1000

For ease and great rates, we encourage you to stay at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter, the official conference hotel.

Rates:

• Standard King Room: $194.00 USD per night + taxes
• Standard Queen Room: $194.00 USD per night + taxes

Reservations must be made through a link on the NATS website by June 6, 2026, to secure the discounted rate.

We suggest planning your arrival and departure based on your individual needs and interests. Below are main events for travel planning purposes. A detailed schedule will be available soon.

• National Student Auditions and AuditionCon Expo begins Friday, July 3.
• Opening Ceremony kicks off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 4.
• Closing Ceremony and evening Banquet will be held Monday, July 6.
• The NATS Member Business Meeting is the final conference event, and it will take place from 9-10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7.

San Antonio is the second largest city in Texas with several major attractions. We’ll be right in the heart of the action. During your visit, you may experience:

• The River Walk, with restaurants and scenic walking paths
• Historic sites such as the Alamo
• A vibrant downtown environment
• Summer temperatures typical of South Texas
• Check out our Family Fun Guide

For additional travel and tourism information, check out Visit San Antonio.

Conference attire is typically business casual. Many attendees opt for:

• Professional but comfortable clothing
• Layers (session rooms may vary in temperature, often cool with A/C)
• Comfortable shoes for walking between sessions (all conference activities, except the River Barge Tour, will be held inside at the conference hotel)
• Some may wear slightly dressier attire at evening events, but formal attire is not required
• The optional banquet has a suggested dress code of semi-formal or cocktail attire

Many attendees come independently. Our conference environment is collegial and welcoming, and there are numerous informal and organized opportunities to meet colleagues, including:

• Social time between sessions and presentations
• Exhibit Hall networking, including the opening of the Exhibit Hall with appetizers
• Special interest group meetups, such as Affinity Groups
• Plenary Sessions, including the Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be group events

An online first-time attendee orientation session will be held in the weeks leading up to the event. Attendees will receive an email.

Yes. NATS offers Conference Connections, a complimentary mentoring initiative that brings conference attendees together for one-on-one conversations.

The program matches participants based on career stage, interests and goals to encourage meaningful professional exchange. All attendees who register by May 1, 2026, will receive an email invitation to participate as either a mentor or mentee. Participation is optional and offered at no additional cost.

Yes. The Exhibit Hall provides an excellent opportunity to explore new resources and network. There will be booths from:

• Music publishers
• Voice science technology
• Professional services
• Industry partners and sponsors

There will be another exhibitor area, AuditionCon Expo, exclusively for colleges, universities and educational institutions. The AuditionCon Expo will be adjacent to the National Student Auditions semifinals and finals.

NATS offers a daily rate for members and non-members. The NATS Member Daily Rate is $149 per day (early-bird, before March 15) or $200 per day (regular, after March 15). There’s a limit of one daily registration per person. You will need to indicate the specific day when registering.

Attendees must register through the NATS website. (If you are a first-time guest, you will need to create an account.)

Early-bird deadline is March 15, 2026.

Online regular registration deadline is June 15, 2026.

After June 15, 2026, please register in person at the Marriott Rivercenter in San Antonio.

Yes. NATS is offering a limited number of student volunteer positions that provide complimentary conference registration in exchange for a minimum commitment of 15 hours of service during the conference.

This opportunity is available to current Pre-Professional NATS members and is one of the benefits of student membership. Volunteering is a meaningful way to be actively involved in the national conference while gaining professional experience, expanding your network and supporting the NATS community.

To be eligible, students must:

• Be a current Pre-Professional NATS member one of the benefits of student membership.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Complete the official volunteer application form (available April 15, 2026).
• Submit the application by May 1, 2026.
• Provide a brief statement describing your interest in attending and how participation will support your professional growth.
• Provide the name and email address of a current NATS member who can serve as a reference and speak to your professionalism and reliability.

Volunteer positions are limited and not guaranteed.

More details and application form (Deadline to apply: June 1).

We understand attendees may have questions or considerations about traveling to Texas for the upcoming conference. Individuals make travel decisions based on personal preferences and needs. NATS has put together a fact sheet with additional information to support informed choices.

View Fact Sheet (PDF opens in new tab)

NATS Refund and Cancellation Policy for Workshops and Conference Events: Cancellation requests for registration will be honored through April 15, 2026. The NATS Executive Office must be notified of your intention to cancel by email (info@nats.org). Refunds cannot be applied to subsequent workshops, conferences or membership dues and will be issued after the event has concluded. Cancellations are not accepted by phone; they must be in writing.

All refunds are subject to an administrative fee of $75.00 USD. No refunds will be made after the deadline of April 15, 2026. Because NATS arranges all the logistics based on the number of registrants and commits to pay for those services, we are unable to grant any refunds after the cancellation deadline.

Your conference registration includes:

• A daily coffee and tea break, generously sponsored by our business partners and the Texoma Region
• An open invitation to the 4th of July Exhibit Hall Grand Opening Picnic

The picnic will feature a light, reception-style lunch with classic BBQ favorites — think pulled pork, hamburger, and hot dog sliders with all the fixings, plus traditional sides.

Additional Dining & Special Events (Available for Purchase)

• Awards Banquet
  Celebrate our Lifetime Achievement Recipients at an elegant evening event featuring a three-course meal. A sample menu is available on the Banquet page.
  
  
• Pre-Conference Riverwalk Cruise
  Enjoy a festive barge tour along the Riverwalk, complete with margaritas, local beers, and a chips-and-guacamole/salsa bar.
  
  
• Region Luncheon
  Gather with colleagues from your region and connect with regional leadership. Additional meal cost and details TBD.

Invitation-Only Events (RSVP Required)

Invitations for the following events will be sent via email and will require advance RSVP: Leadership Breakfast, Intern Reunion, Advancement Meeting, Journal of Singing Meeting, and President’s Reception

Costs may vary widely depending on where you’re coming from and your travel preferences, but common items include:

• Airfare or ground transportation (flight, gas)
• Meals
• Taxi or rideshare, such as Uber or Lyft
• Parking (if you’re driving)

Here are a few strategies attendees use to manage costs.

• Take advantage of early-bird registration (secure the lowest rate when you register by March 15).
• Become a NATS member before registering (to access member pricing).
• Share hotel rooms with colleagues or friends.
• Book hotel early (conference rate and room block availability otherwise end June 6).
• Apply for any existing institutional professional development funds (some colleges and universities reimburse conference costs).
• Claim conference expense on taxes (check with a tax professional).
• Consider registering for the day that includes the sessions or events most essential to your needs if full registration does not fit in with your budget.

If you have specific questions about the National Conference, please contact us at info@nats.org or by calling 904-992-9101. We hope to see you in San Antonio!