United States Institute for Theatre Technology Conference & Stage Expo - USITT 2027
Event Date
March 17–20, 2027
Location
Baltimore, MD
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe USITT Annual Conference & Stage Expo is the flagship event of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, one of the largest gatherings of live entertainment professionals in the country. USITT27 takes place in Baltimore, MD, with education programming March 17–20, 2027 and the Stage Expo open March 18–20, 2027. Under the theme "Powering Live Entertainment," the event brings together designers, technicians, educators, and students for four days of learning, community, and networking.
Attendees experience immersive training from seasoned industry pros across educational sessions, hands-on labs, and professional development workshops, all designed to keep skills sharp and knowledge current. The Stage Expo puts attendees face to face with hundreds of exhibitors showcasing new products, technology reveals, and job opportunities across theatre and live entertainment design and technology.
Whether you are a student exploring career paths, an educator, or a working professional in scenic, lighting, sound, costume, or production management, USITT offers a place to advance skills, get inspired, exchange ideas, and connect with thousands of industry peers. It is widely regarded as a career-building event where attendees make lasting connections and, in some cases, land internships and jobs.
Show Highlights
- Stage Expo: An expansive exhibit floor with hundreds of exhibitors revealing new tech, running demonstrations, and recruiting talent.
- Educational sessions & panels: Expert-led sessions covering the latest advances across theatre and live entertainment design, technology, and management.
- Tactile labs: Interactive, hands-on lab experiences that let attendees build skills as artists and technicians under expert guidance.
- Professional Development Workshops: In-depth training led by seasoned industry professionals.
- Awards & special events: Awards presentations, an Opening Night Celebration, a First Timers event, and Stage Expo opening celebrations.
- Prague Quadrennial connection: USITT organizes the U.S. National and Emerging exhibits for the Prague Quadrennial, with related programming featured at Conference.
Registration
Registration is completed online through the official USITT conference site. Published registration rates for the event include:
- USITT Member: $610
- USITT Student Member: $399
- Non-Member: $859
- Stage Expo Only: $99
USITT typically opens a Member-Only Presale that offers Members the lowest rates of the year, with earlier registration yielding greater savings. Prices generally increase as the event approaches, so early registration is recommended to secure the best rate and preferred choices in Professional Development Workshops and Attendee Experiences.
History
USITT was founded in 1960 as an organization to promote dialogue, research, and learning among practitioners of theatre design and technology. The organization was incorporated in New York City, with founders signing the certificate of incorporation on September 21, 1960. USITT has headed up an annual conference held since 1961, when its inaugural conference took place in New York City.
Over the decades the event has grown into one of the largest gatherings of live entertainment professionals in the country, pairing extensive education programming with a large Stage Expo. The 2027 edition, USITT27, marks the association's continued tradition of rotating the conference among major U.S. cities, and follows the 2026 (66th annual) edition held in Long Beach, CA.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is USITT27 taking place?
USITT27, the USITT Annual Conference & Stage Expo, takes place at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, MD. Education programming runs March 17–20, 2027, and the Stage Expo is open March 18–20, 2027.
Who should attend the USITT Conference & Stage Expo?
The event is designed for the live entertainment and theatre community, including designers, technicians, managers, educators, and students. It welcomes both students exploring careers and seasoned professionals across scenic, lighting, sound, costume, and production disciplines.
How much does registration cost and how do I register?
Registration is done online through the official USITT conference site. Published rates include $610 for USITT Members, $399 for Student Members, $859 for Non-Members, and $99 for a Stage Expo Only pass, with the lowest rates available during the Member-Only Presale.
What can I expect on the Stage Expo floor?
The Stage Expo showcases hundreds of exhibitors presenting new products, technology reveals, and demonstrations. It is also a hub for networking and recruitment, where attendees can talk with companies about job opportunities and the latest design and technology.
How do I get to the Baltimore Convention Center?
The venue is in downtown Baltimore's Inner Harbor at 1 West Pratt Street, about a 20-minute drive from BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. It is served by the Light Rail with a Convention Center stop on Pratt Street, is less than 2 miles from Penn Station, and is easily reached by taxi or rideshare.
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