USITT 2015 Early-Bird Registration Deadline Set for Dec 4

Early-bird registration for USITT 2015 in Cincinnati is Thursday, Dec. 4, so register now to get the lowest rate.

USITT's 2015 Annual Conference & Stage Expo runs March 18-21 at Cincy's Duke Energy Convention Center, with some 5,000 people, 200 sessions, and 250-plus exhibitors participating in the backstage community's biggest event of the year.

The current rate of $325 for USITT members and $420 for non-members increases by $70 after Dec. 4, and rises again after Feb. 5. The low rate includes all Conference sessions, Stage Expo, special exhibits, award ceremonies and receptions.

Highlights for USITT 2015 include:

- Keynote address by Terrence Spivey of Karamu House, the nation's oldest black theatre; Light Lab, a hands-on opportunity to experience the latest in lighting technology; and the new Opening Night Party and New Product Showcase.
- A chance to see and hear from 2015 Distinguished Achievement Award winners Jane Greenwood (costume design), Wendall Harrington (education), Douglas W. Schmidt (scenic design), Teresa Eyring (management), and Loren Schreiber (technical direction).
- Educational workshops led by genius professionals, such as automation guru and Creative Conners founder and president Gareth Connor, Yale School of Drama Sound Design Chair David C. Budries, and Xóchitl González Quintanilla, winner of the 2013 World Stage Design Lighting Award.
- Pre-Conference Professional Development Workshops on Monday and Tuesday, March 16 and 17, are available to early arrivals for a small added cost. They include Crowd Manager and CM Supervisor Training, Fundamentals of Flying Effects for Live Theatre, Firearm Training from Gun Range to Stage, and tours of Cincinnati architecture and lighting, among others.

USITT has negotiated discount housing rates at three hotels near the Duke Center - the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, Hyatt Regency Cincinnati, and the Millennium Hotel - with rates ranging from $132 to $190 a night. Deadline to get these rates is Feb. 12, so book early to guarantee your room.

USITT's Annual Conference & Stage Expo is the biggest annual event for the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, attracting the best and brightest of the live entertainment industry. For more info, visit www.usittshow.org.