Annual Convening

2026 Convening: Celebrating 5 Years of Collective Impact

Convening Start Date

November 5, 2026

Location

Atlanta, GA

Black Trustee Alliance announces our 2026 Convening: three days of candid conversation, collective strategy, and cultural immersion in one of America’s most vibrant Black cultural centers, Atlanta, Georgia.

Registration is open through September 30, 2026, by invitation only.

Why Atlanta

Atlanta is home to one of the nation’s richest Black cultural ecosystems. From historic collections and university galleries to a thriving community of Black-owned galleries, artist studios, and arts organizations. It is the ideal backdrop for a Convening rooted in the power of Black museum governance.

What Is the BTA Convening?

The BTA Convening is our annual invitation-only summit designed to equip Black museum trustees with the insight, relationships, and resources to drive meaningful and lasting innovation at their institutions.

In a field where Black trustees are often one of few—or the only—voices at the table, the Convening offers something rare: a room full of peers who share that experience. Over three days, members speak candidly about the challenges facing the field, exchange knowledge with leaders across the museum world, and forge relationships that strengthen collective impact year-round.

The Convening is where strategy meets solidarity.

Convening Schedule

Thursday, November 5 | Welcome

Arrive and settle into Atlanta. The evening opens with the BTA Welcome Reception at the High Museum. This intimate moment of celebration allows members to reconnect with each other and meet new colleagues before the work begins.

Friday, November 6 | Mainstage Day

A full day of fireside chats, panels, and working group sessions with art world luminaries, institutional leaders, and cultural strategists. The day closes with a seated dinner celebration honoring the community and the work ahead.

Saturday, November 7 | Art Around Atlanta

Members fan out across the city for private arts excursions — exclusive access to collections, galleries, studios, and cultural landmarks across Atlanta’s Black arts landscape.

Registration & Rates

EARLY BIRD RATES

(Until May 15, 2026)
$595: Members
$1,100: Guests

REGULAR RATES

(Beginning May 16, 2026)
$695: Members
$1,200: Guests

Early bird registration closes September 30 by invitation. Space is limited.

Full programming details will be released in the coming weeks.

Questions & Sponsorship

For questions or sponsorship opportunities, please contact:
admin@blacktrusteealliance.org

FAQs

If the event is invite-only, how does ticketing work?

If you are an art professional who has not received a direct invitation, please email admin@blacktrusteealliance.org noting your interest in attending and experience amplifying Black voices in the arts. Should we be able to accommodate your attendance, you will receive an invitation to purchase your ticket.

How are Convening ticket rates determined?

The BTA Convening is a three-day elevated conference experience that includes guest speakers, arts excursions, meals, ground transportation, and more. The true cost per attendee is $2,200. The ticket rates listed are subsidized by the generous support of our philanthropic funders and Convening sponsors.

Can I bring a spouse or a +1 to the Convening?

By popular demand, we are pleased to extend invitations to one guest per BTA member, at the Guest Rate of $1,200. When considering a guest, keep in mind that the BTA Convening is a working summit dedicated to the impact and progress of Black voices in the arts. All attendees are expected to participate in alignment with this mission. Guest tickets grant access to the entire Convening experience, with the exception of the Black trustee-only member salon sessions.

What is the dress code?

Business casual/creative attire is suitable throughout the Convening program, including our receptions and dinners.

Where should I stay?

BTA has partnered with the Kimpton Shane Hotel and Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta as our Convening hotels. Please contact our team at admin@blackstrusteealliance.org with any questions about accommodations or hotel availablity. As an additional hotel option beyond our group blocks, we recommend booking at the nearby Hotel Granada to access our complimentary shuttle transportation to Convening programs.

There are multiple Convening sites. Will ground transportation be provided?

BTA will provide complimentary group transportation to and from Convening venues and partner hotels. Transportation information, including shuttle schedules, pickup locations, and additional details will be shared with registered attendees prior to the Convening. For those who wish to arrange their own transportation to Convening venues, we will provide arrival and parking instructions in advance of the Convening as well.