Leap Arts & Culture Community Meeting 2026
May 19 - May 21, 2026
The Old Post Office, Chicago, IL
You’re Invited to the Arts Community Event of 2026!
Explore innovative approaches, connect with fellow arts leaders, and elevate the way you use Leap's patron management solution.Join us for the 2026 Leap Arts & Culture Community Meeting (formerly known as the PatronManager Community Meeting)! We can’t wait to welcome you and your colleagues to Chicago, May 19-21, 2026.
We’re excited to host the conference at The Old Post Office, a landmark Chicago venue that combines historic character with modern amenities. Its central location and flexible spaces give us room to expand our agenda and deliver more of what matters: actionable sessions, interactive workshops, and networking that inspires ideas and strengthens your community connections.
Throughout the conference, you’ll have opportunities to mingle with arts and culture community members from across the country. Swap stories, spark new ideas, and leave inspired to elevate your programs.
"The sense of community was palpable and invigorating. Being able to meet the Leap team who have been posting videos and webinars for learning was very nice. Hearing other users' challenges and solutions was very valuable and created a comfortable sense that we're all working on this together.”
- Alex Cogburn, The VORTEX
“Although this is a conference, it is about bringing the users of [Leap] together. The focus is on sharing knowledge and information with the community of people actively using the product. It lives up to its name, bringing users together in a community.”
- Joe Gleason, Friends of The Music Hall
Why Attend
Join over 250 fellow arts and culture organizations who use Leap's patron management solution to discover how to get the most from your account, hear about the latest product updates, and collaborate with industry colleagues from around the country.
It doesn’t matter your level. It doesn’t matter your role. The Leap Arts & Culture Community Meeting is designed for all users, beginner to advanced, box office staff to fundraisers (and everyone in between), as an experience to help you learn and grow your knowledge.
From the river to the rooftops, Chicago is the perfect stage for learning and connection. Over the course of two days, you'll be immersed in sessions that will teach you the tools you need to customize your account to meet the specific needs of your organization. You’ll also have time to connect with Leap's community of arts and culture organizations and learn from their best practices. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to take your organization to the next level — Chicago is calling, and you need to be there!
Real Experiences, Real Impact:
“I'm young and fairly new to this profession. For me, the networking opportunities were the most valuable part of this experience. I am incredibly appreciative of the fact that so many folks were willing to take time out of their day to chat with me about my org and give me ideas on how to come back better than before: both with new avenues to more effectively use Leap, but also just more generally.” - Skyler Bunn, Reno Philharmonic
The little details made this huge conference so great: I loved the meal-time conversations with Leap staff, and the happy hour at the end of the conference. They added a fun and personalized touch to a lot of information processing.” - Anna Carolina Pelaes-Shapiro, Emelin Theatre for the Performing Arts
“We had the chance to show off what we do well to an audience that was ready to learn and appreciate what we had to say. For me personally, I could not have been prouder of giving younger colleagues and some of our clients the chance to shine during their sessions!” - Caroline Renard, Data Geeks Lab
“There were so many great things… but the best thing about the conference itself were the sessions, specifically hearing how other clients use Leap. Also, I liked hearing general ideas about the performing arts industry and ideas for success. I really like Sean Kelly's session about dynamic pricing. I don't want to forget the learning lab and the session on upcoming features.” - Tim Harwick, Pasadena Symphony & POPS
Agenda (TBA!)
Our agenda is in the works, and we’re calling on you. Share your ideas and speaker recommendations to help shape a learning program that engages every member of your team.
Registration
Pricing: $599 per person
Early Bird: $499 per person
Discount pricing for Early Bird registration ends 11/15/25.
Location:
The OldPost Office
433 W Van Buren Street
Chicago, IL 60607
Cross-Streets:
W Van Buren Street & S Canal Street
Write to us at [email protected] with any thoughts, comments, or questions about the event.
Sponsors
Become a part of the conference experience!
Sponsorship packages are now available. Reach out to [email protected] to learn more.
Chicago Highlights
While you’re in town for the Leap Arts & Culture Community Meeting, why not make the most of your time in Chicago? From world-class dining and unforgettable nightlife to iconic attractions just steps from The Old Post Office, here are some ideas of experiences to add to your trip.
Lodging:
- Planning your stay? Hotel information and discounts coming soon!
Transportation:
- Chicago’s public transportation system (the CTA) is your friend — hop on the Blue Line from O’Hare Airport straight into the Loop, just a short walk from The Old Post Office.
- Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available if you prefer door-to-door convenience.
- If you’d like to see the city above ground, try the Chicago Water Taxi for a scenic (and affordable) ride along the Chicago River.
- Walking is often the best way to take in the sights downtown — The Old Post Office is right by the riverwalk and a short stroll from iconic Chicago architecture.
Dining:
- Grab a slice of classic deep-dish at Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s!
- For something near The Old Post Office, check out Lou Mitchell’s, a beloved Chicago breakfast and lunch spot since 1923.
- Foodies will love the Time Out Market Chicago in the Fulton Market District, where top local chefs serve up everything from tacos to ramen under one roof.
- Don’t miss the West Loop’s Restaurant Row (Randolph Street) for trendy, chef-driven spots like Girl & the Goat.
Entertainment:
- Walk over to the Chicago Riverwalk for art, dining, and beautiful skyline views.
- Catch a show in the legendary Chicago Theatre District, home to Broadway tours and local productions.
- Explore the Art Institute of Chicago, just a 20-minute walk away, for world-class collections and the famous “Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.”
- Architecture enthusiasts should take a Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise — a must-do to see the city’s skyline from the water.
Nightlife:
- For a classic Chicago experience, check out live blues at Buddy Guy’s Legends, just a short ride from the venue.
- Try out Three Dots and a Dash, an upscale tiki bar with creative cocktails.
- Rooftop lovers will enjoy the views at LondonHouse Chicago Rooftop, overlooking the Chicago River.
- If you’re looking for something more casual, grab a craft beer at Haymarket Pub & Brewery in the West Loop.
Questions About LACCM26?