When attending Conference, sessions, speakers, and expo floor wandering take up most of our time. But what if you experienced the Annual Conference & Stage Expo differently this year?

Imagine you're paired with a mentor to attend sessions with and give you industry and life advice. What if you had your work displayed for all 6,000-plus attendees to see? Have a book you've recently authored and would like to see in our official onsite Bookstore? These opportunities and more are available through USITT programs such as the Gateway Program, Emerging Creative showcase (formerly known as Young Designers and Technicians Forums), Stage Management Mentor Project, and more.

Extend your Conference experience past the ordinary and apply to one or more of these programs. Applications are currently open for all of them, but DO NOT WAIT, their deadlines are fast approaching and are filling quickly!

Registration & Housing

A friendly reminder to register for Conference before Dec. 5 to receive the deepest discounts! Prices will only increase after our first deadline.

Please note that housing for USITT 2020 is filling at record speed. Though there are still a few housing options left through our Housing partner, Connections Housing, they are continuing to fill quickly. It is in your best interest to book your housing ASAP so that you can feel secure in knowing you'll have a place to stay in close proximity to all the action!

Gateway Program

USITT’s Gateway Program is a mentorship opportunity for students from underrepresented populations within our industry. A professional mentor for a similar background and career path will guide and maximize each mentee’s experience at the USITT Annual Conference & Stage Expo. Read about the change to the Gateway Program for 2020, here!

Member Author Books

It is time once again to begin our search for USITT member authors who are interested in participating in the USITT 2020 Member Author Book Signing Event. Members who have authored or co-authored a book in theatre design or technology may participate in this event. The title must be published and available for purchase by Dec. 31, 2019. USITT will purchase copies and ship them to Conference for the event. Event times and dates will be available as they are scheduled.

This event is a great opportunity to promote your book to thousands of performing arts and entertainment professionals.

Please contact Carol Carrigan for more information.

Mainstage Volunteer Program

The USITT Mainstage Volunteer Program offers educational opportunities to learn from and work next to professionals representing disciplines from throughout the institute. Under the leadership of industry professionals/faculty, volunteers will work to plan, produce, and create the main Conference events including lighting and sound studios, as well as the main stage Conference sessions and celebrations.

You must be a current USITT Student or Early Career member to participate. Applicants must be college or university undergraduate or graduate students or professionals within three years of leaving school.

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award, sponsored by LDI/Live Design, is given annually to a young professional at the beginning of their career. The award recognizes excellence and artistic achievement in the areas of scenic, lighting, sound, and projection design, or the convergence of these design disciplines. Recipients must be in the first four years of professional (non-academic) work following the completion of his or her highest degree. The 2020 Rising Star Award winner will receive $1,000, a one-year USITT individual membership, and a complimentary Conference registration to the 2020 Annual Conference & Stage Expo.

Stage Management Mentor Project

The Stage Management Mentor Project (SMMP) connects professional stage managers with mentees for a week of practical training experiences for USITT 2020’s most high-profile events including keynote, new products showcase, and more.

Those who are selected will be paired with a mentor and assigned the role of stage manager or assistant stage manager for up to three events at Conference. Participation in roundtable discussions about stage management and related areas and skills are also part of the agenda.

This one-of-a-kind experience is available to students who are members or will become a member and are enrolled in at least the third year of an undergraduate university program or are graduate students. If you’re a young professional, you must be in the first two years of paid employment in the performing arts field.

Emerging Creative Showcase

Formerly the "Young Designers & Technicians Forum," the Emerging Creatives Showcase brings together talented students with established designers and directors for a review and discussion of the student's work. Participation is by juried selection only.

Early Career Mentor Program

The Early Career Mentoring program is for Early Career Members who plan to attend the USITT Conference & Stage Expo in Houston, April 1-4, 2020. The USITT Fellows have created this unique opportunity to establish a long-term relationship between the Mentor and Early Career member.

Two Early Career members will be selected to meet one-on-one at the Conference with a seasoned professional in their field of interest. Mentors will discuss career opportunities, future goals, and introduce mentees to USITT members and exhibitors.