Special Events

National Conference Special Events
2026 National Conference Sponsors

Pre-Conference Historic Theatre Ramble - Sold Out!*

Fee-Paid Option - Includes continental breakfast and lunch.

Sunday, July 12, 8:00 am - 5:30 pm

Before the main conference begins, attendees of the optional Pre-Conference Theatre Ramble will travel by motor coach to visit historic theatres in and around Indianapolis. Registration will open and continental breakfast will be served starting at 7:00 am. Buses will load at 7:45 and depart the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis Hotel promptly at 8:00 am.

The group will enjoy lunch mid-day and return to the conference hotel in time to freshen up before the Opening Night Festivities begin.

Theatres to be toured include: (Additional venues will be added when confirmed)

*Sorry! The Ramble is SOLD OUT In case anyone cancels, please email info@lhat.org to be added to a waitlist.

Opening Reception & Welcome Dinner

Sunday, July 12, 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm

We'll officially kick off the 2026 conference with a Welcome Reception, where you can enjoy a cocktail, reconnect with old LHAT friends, and meet new people who share your enthusiasm and passion for historic theatres. Then, continue conversations over a sit-down dinner. It's not required, but for those of you who like to have a chance to get dressed up for an LHAT event -- especially to celebrate the League's 50th Anniversary-- go for it!
Opening Reception Sponsor – ATG Entertainment
Opening Reception Sponsor
ATG Entertainment

Awards for Excellence Ceremony

Sunday, July 12, 8:15 pm - 9:00 pm

Following this year's Opening Cocktail Reception & Welcome Dinner, LHAT will celebrate historic theatre excellence by honoring this year's recipients of the Award for 2026 Outstanding Historic Theatre and the Joseph Rosenberg Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution.

Visit the Awards Program page for more information.

First Timers Welcome & Orientation

Sunday, July 12, 9:00 pm - 9:30 pm

If this is your first LHAT National Conference, please plan to stick around after the Welcome Dinner for a special, but informal orientation for First Time Attendees. Ask questions and get pointers from seasoned LHAT conference attendees -- important things like:

  • Don't forget to wear your name badge. It's your ticket to events and tours!
  • Attend any education session you like; no need to sign up in advance (except for Early Bird Sessions).
  • If you came with a group, consider not sitting together at social events and splitting up for education sessions - divide and conquer!
  • Don't worry - the conference will seem overwhelming no matter what you do; just try to take in as much as you can.
  • You're here to network in person, so do as much as you can. Take advantage of having one-on-one access to LHAT's "brain trust" - the people who have "been there and done that." LHAT folks are very willing to share their own tips, techniques, technologies, and best practices for historic theatre (and personal) success and survival. Remember, they were once first timers just like you!

Eye Opener Breakfasts: Peer Discussions and Networking

Mon., July 13 & Tue., July 14, 8:00 am - Hyatt Regency Indianapolis Hotel 

You never know when a casual conversation could leave you with a brand-new idea or a valuable piece of advice to take home and implement at your theatre. If you just want to quietly enjoy your breakfast without networking, that's fine, too!

On Monday morning, we'll transition from breakfast to an introduction to the facilitated networking sessions that will follow. We have received rave reviews about the amount of networking LHAT offers its attendees. After a brief introduction, we'll break into 4-5 smaller groups so the networking can begin. More details about this session will be provided before the conference.

Service Providers & Suppliers EXPO and Reception

Monday, July 13, 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm - Hyatt Regency Indianapolis Hotel

Learn about new technologies, goods, and services that historic theatres need most, while making new contacts or renewing relationships and enjoying a reception with late afternoon snacks and drinks. LHAT's 2026 Expo provides an opportunity for service providers and suppliers to meet representatives from historic theatres, discover their needs, and "put a face with a name" during a premiere conference event.

Since there are no competing conference events during the Expo, exhibitors have uninterrupted time to share their expertise and showcase the products and services historic theatres need to renovate and operate successfully.

Exhibitor registration, including a single-day registration for Monday, July 21, is $585 for League Allied and Theatre Members.  The fee for Non-members and LHAT Subscriber members to exhibit is $1,290. Read full Expo guidelines here. Fees increase on June 16th.

Email Colleen Poehlman with any questions. Space is reserved on a first come, first served basis

2026 Exhibitors List

Annual Membership Meeting

Tuesday, July 14, 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm

On Tuesday afternoon, tune into the 2026 LHAT Annual Membership Meeting. Celebrating its 50th year, your national association is forging ahead, fueled by members' recommendations. To achieve our mission - to champion the preservation, restoration, and operation of historic theatres -- the League needs your active participation. During this year's Annual Membership Meeting, learn the "2026 State of the League" and join the conversation about shaping the League's future.

2025 Annual Membership Meeting Sponsor - OTJ Architects
2026 Annual Membership Meeting Sponsor
OTJ Architects

A Toast to LHAT's 50th Anniversary

Tuesday, July 14, 5:45 pm - 6:15 pm

Immediately following this year's Annual Membership Meeting, let's all raise a glass together to celebrate LHAT's 50th Anniversary, You will have just learned about LHATs present and its future during the meeting. Now let's take a look back at the memories and milestones from the League's first 50 years and say "Cheers" to 50 more!

LHAT's 50th Anniversary

Optional EARLY BIRD Baseball Game

Sunday, July 12, 1:35 pm - Indianapolis Indians vs. Toledo Mud Hens at Victory Field

Because the LHAT conference takes place during MLB All-Star week this year, unfortunately, we won't be able to honor the long-standing tradition of attending a baseball game during the main part of the LHAT Conference. However, if enough attendees, who are not participating in the pre-conference Ramble or Early Bird session, are interested in attending a Minor League baseball game on Sunday afternoon, LHAT will purchase a block of tickets, if possible, so our group can sit together. If you're traveling alone to LHAT, don't be shy about saying you would like to go. You will not have to sit alone.

When you register, indicate your interest in attending the game (and how many tickets) where requested. We will let you know a few weeks before the conference if we have enough interest. If not, you can still purchase tickets on your own if you still want to go. If we do buy tickets, we’ll email you a secure link so you can purchase yours online.

We’re working on some more optional evening events for you to consider, so please check back!