FAQ

TCG 2020: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Conference about?

In the past we gave each National Conference a theme that we hoped captured the essence of that year's Conference experience. In St. Louis in 2018, we moved to a new model in hopes that our theme would be the Conference host city itself. This year the Conference experience will be rooted in the history and culture of Phoenix. Our programming will be inspired by the area’s attention to the equitable preservation of its natural resources, its complicated political identity, its focus on children and families through its supportive programs for young people, and its ongoing discord around the Arizona border with Mexico. 

Who can attend the Conference?

Just about everyone. More specifically, Individual TCG members; Trustees and Staff of TCG Member Theatres; Staff of TCG University, Business, Not-for-Profit, Funder & International Affiliates are all welcome to attend at the Member rate. Non-Member theatres and Non-Member Individual Artists are all welcome to attend at the Non-Member rate. High school students may attend through "teen councils", generally organized through TCG Member Theatres. Click here for pricing and detailed registration information. Questions about attendance can be emailed to conference@tcg.org.

Who will be at the Conference?

The TCG National Conference is the largest annual gathering of theatre practitioners in the U.S., ranging in size from 800 to 1200 participants each year. Once registration has been live for a few weeks, and you can access a real-time attendee list via this website.

How can I make hotel arrangements?

The Lodging and Travel page includes all the necessary information for our hotel partner this year. The Hyatt Regency Phoenix is offering an exclusive TCG Conference rate of $169 (single or double occupancy), not including taxes (currently 12.5%).

What is the cost to attend the Conference?

The cost of registration for the 2020 National Conference for TCG Members is $480 at the Early Bird rate (available through April 17, 2020 or until sold out) and $630 at the Regular rate. For Non-Members, the rates are $850 (Early Bird) and $1,000 (Regular). In an effort to make the Conference experience more flexible for different budgets, our registration process will offer you the opportunity to opt into each available Conference meal at an additional charge. Please select the meals in which you would like to participate while on site. All meals will take place at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix. Please note that all coffee breaks will be included with your registration. More details can be found on the Fees & Registration Policies page.

How can I pay for my Conference registration?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. You may also pay by check, and should request this method of payment by emailing TCG Member Services at info@tcg.org

Do I have to pay by credit card if I register online?

If you would like to register online, but would prefer not to pay by credit card, please contact TCG Member Services at info@tcg.org.

Does TCG offer financial aid to attend the Conference?

Scholarships, which fully waive the Conference fee (but do not cover travel or lodging expenses) are available for staff members at TCG Member Theatres. The first scholarship deadline is March 23rd and applicants will be notified within two weeks of that deadline. The second deadline is April 24th and applicants will be notified within two weeks of that deadline. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to receive financial assistance.
Subsidies, which provide a 50% discount on regular Conference fees (but do not cover travel or lodging expenses), are available for Students (post-graduate and undergraduate) and Individual Artists. You must be a TCG Individual Member to be eligible for a subsidy. Your subsidy application will be considered according to the deadline by which you submit, and TCG will notify you within two weeks of that deadline. The two deadlines are as follows: March 23rd and April 24th. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to receive financial assistance.

More detailed information can be found on our Scholarships & Subsidies page.

Do I have to attend the Conference all three days?

While we recommend that participants attend the entire Conference for the sake of continuity, we understand that this is not always possible. Unfortunately, however, we do not currently offer one-day or pro-rated registration rates.

How to I register if I am a TCG Grantee? 
You may register online using the standard registration form (please check in with your TCG contact for requisite discount and comp codes).


I’d like to attend the Conference, but it’s not in my budget. Can I volunteer?

Information on eligibility criteria and the volunteer application process for the Conference can be found on the Volunteer page. If you meet the eligibility criteria and either live in the Phoenix area or are able to cover your own travel and lodging, please feel free to submit an application through that page.

I’d like to attend the Conference, but I have a kid at home. Can I bring them?

Yes! TCG runs a family-friendly Conference. Kids 11 to 17 are welcome to attend plenary sessions with an accompanying registered adult (just sign them up at Registration). TCG always offers a private place specifically designated for nursing mothers, in the hotel near the Conference program spaces. You may check in with Registration on site for information and access to the nursing space. You’re welcome to bring infants into all Conference sessions, taking reasonable care not to disturb the session.

I can no longer attend the Conference. Can TCG refund my registration?

Registration fees may be refunded for any registration canceled prior to May 1, 2019, but they will incur a $100 cancellation fee. Registration fees will not be refunded after May 31, 2019. Registrations cannot be accepted after May 31, 2019.To cancel a registration, contact us at conference@tcg.org.

What is the dress code for the Conference?

Think professional casual, but wear what makes you feel comfortable. In June in Phoenix, it will be hot. Highs during the day can reach 104, with nighttime lows in the mid 70s. Remember that we'll be in the desert, so the heat will be dry, and it will be important to stay well-hydrated. Hotel temperatures can be hard to regulate, so we urge you to consider layers! (Feel free to step it up a notch for the Opening Night party on Thursday, June 4th!)

Will I have time during the Conference to explore the city?

Not only do we encourage you to explore the city on your own during your time in Phoenix, but the Conference will feature experiential Field Trips during lunch on Thursday, June 4th, that you will be able to add to your schedule at Registration in the coming weeks (if they aren't available when you register, we'll announce when they've been added and you may log back in and add them to your registration). Our goal is that these Field Trips will give you a taste of the vibrant history, culture, and artistry of our host city.

Where do I find the Conference Schedule and learn more about programming?

A detailed Conference agenda will be posted soon. You can find our Agenda-At-A-Glance here. Specific sessions and speakers will be announced as they are finalized, and will be posted on our online Conference scheduling portal beginning in April (we’ll announce when that goes live!). For travel planning purposes, note that there will be three Pre-Conferences for specific cohorts on Wednesday, June 3; as well as programming for leadership cohorts. The opening plenary session and programming will begin on Thursday, June 4th, and we recommend arriving by Wednesday evening, or early Thursday morning, for a complete TCG Conference experience.

What support does TCG offer to people with disabilities? Who can I contact regarding access?

When filling out your registration form, please indicate any access needs you may have. We will follow up with you about this information, and work to support you as best as possible. We do offer ASL interpretation for deaf participants (and closed captions for those watching at home), and our Conference spaces are ADA accessible. If you have questions, please contact Conference Manager Anne Ciarlone, at aciarlone@tcg.org

I’m new to the Conference and don’t know where to start. What should I do?

Welcome! We understand that the TCG Conference can seem overwhelming to a first-time participant and we try to include as much support as possible to make your experience a rewarding and stress-free one, starting with this FAQ page. Here are some things you should consider:

1) Plan to Attend First Timer Orientation on the morning of Thursday, June 4th.
2) During the registration process you may opt into being connected with a seasoned conference goer. If you chose to do so, be on the lookout for an email (in late May) from a seasoned conference goer, who will provide you with personal context for your Conference experience, and can answer any specific questions you may have (if you don’t receive such an email, please contact us at conference@tcg.org).
3) Utilize the full capabilities of our Conference scheduling portal coming in early spring, and our Conference app on site.
4) Peruse our past Conference Impact Reports and our watch our video from Miami for a real sense of what it means to attend a TCG Conference.
And you may always email us at conference@tcg.org with further questions!

I am not able to attend this year, are there other ways to participate?

Yes! We always livestream Conference plenary sessions, including keynote speakers whenever possible, and have been adding more smaller session content to the stream in recent years. Please be on the lookout for more information on livestreaming as the Conference draws closer.