Opera Conference 2026 FAQ
Have a question about Opera Conference? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions on this page so you can find the answers you need.
Click the topic below or scroll through to review the full FAQ.
- Wi-Fi
- App & Sessions
- Ticket & Travel Information
- Registration & Attendance
- Health, Safety & Accessibility
- Exhibitors & Sponsors
- Daily Schedules
Can’t find the answer you need? Visit the Brandywine Room on the first floor of the Hotel Du Pont to speak with a member of the conference team or call 212.796.8629.
Wi-Fi
Attendees of Opera Conference 2026 have access to free Wi-Fi in the Hotel Du Pont.
Network: DuPont-Meeting
Password: Hotel1913
How to connect:
- Make sure that your device's Wi-Fi is turned on.
- Open the Wi-Fi settings to view the available wireless networks.
- Select the network DuPont-Meeting.
- Enter the password Hotel1913 and click Connect.
How do I access the conference app?
- Download the “Cvent Events” app in the App Store (for Apple) or the Google Play (for Android).
- Search for “2026 Opera Conference — Wilmington.”
- Click the download icon.
- Enter your name and email address you used to register for the conference.
- Verify your account with the code sent to your phone and email address.
How do I add a session to my schedule?
Once you've downloaded the app, you can begin building your conference schedule. Simply toggle to the Schedule, tap on "All Sessions," and select any sessions you'd like to attend. Certain sessions have limited capacity, so act now to secure your spot!
If you prefer to build your schedule in a web browser rather than the app, go to the Attendee Hub. To log in, enter your name and the email address you used to register for the conference; a verification code will then be sent to your phone and email address.
Is there a map of the Hotel Du Pont?
Yes — you can find floor plans for the Hotel Du Pont on the app and in the Attendee Hub.
Here's how to find the maps in the app:
- Open the Cvent app on your device.
- Click the menu button on the bottom right corner, indicated by three lines.
- Select "Floor Plans" to view conference room locations.
Here's how to find the maps on your browser:
- Visit the Attendee Hub webpage.
- Click on "Floor Plans" in the menu bar to view conference room locations.
Where is the Welcome Center?
The Welcome Center is in the Brandywine Room on the first floor of the Hotel Du Pont.
If you are in the lobby, looking at the check-in desk, turn left and walk toward the Green Room Bar. Turn right down the hallway and walk until you find the Brandywine Room on your right.
Hours of Operation:
- Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where is the Exhibit Hall?
The Exhibit Hall is in the Foyer of the Grand Ballroom and in the Du Barry Ballroom, directly above the Grand Ballroom.
If you are in the lobby, looking at the check-in desk, turn right and walk through the doors to the Grand Ballroom. Take the stairs up to the Du Barry Ballroom, or walk down into the Foyer of the Grand Ballroom.
Traveling to Wilmington, DE
We are excited that you will be joining us in Wilmington, DE, for the 2026 Opera Conference. This annual convening of opera professionals includes many identities, needs, and experiences. OPERA America has compiled a list of resources that may be useful for your time in Wilmington.
Resources for how to prepare:
We encourage everyone to curate resources that are meaningful to you. Examples include:
- Preparing necessary documentation, medical records, medication, and contact information.
- Airport and Travel Processes
- Tamizadat – Traveling to the US right now FAQ
- Advocates for Trans Equality – Travel & Airport Security
- Information to support your rights:
Resources for while you’re in Wilmington:
Be sure to review and/or connect with the appropriate entities ahead of your arrival if necessary. Examples include:
- Travel Wilmington (General information about resources in Wilmington, DE)
- United Way of Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative (Civil rights and advocacy resources)
- YWCA Delaware (Support and resources for women)
- PFLAG Wilmington Delaware (Support and resources for LGBTQ+ community)
- ACLU Delaware (Civil rights resources and information)
- NAMI Delaware (Crisis response services and resources)
Resources for your conference experience:
You can engage in a variety of ways during the annual conference. Some things to note:
- Fridges are available in hotel rooms
- Please be aware that the Hotel DuPont does not offer a gender-neutral restroom.
- The Rest and Wellness space hosted by Vital Opera and the Racial Justice Opera Network is available to conference attendees. Inspired by the work of Tricia Hersey, this space offers quiet moments to rest and dream amid the conference schedule. Please reference the CVENT to learn more about the schedule and facilitated offerings.
- Connect with colleagues and make plans to spend time together during and after conference. Easy connections include:
- Professional networks
- Affinity networks
- Conference sessions and receptions
- Be bold and greet the people who inspire you!
- Message people in the CVENT app
- Speak with people during the breaks
Ordering Tickets for Performances
Tickets to all performances can be purchased when registering for the conference. Participants are encouraged to buy through the registration system in order to add performances to their app event schedule.
Please note that tickets are limited and may sell out. Tickets will only be on sale through the registration system through May 4.
Ticket Pick-Up for Performances
If you purchased performance tickets via the Attendee Hub:
- OperaDelaware, Wilmington Concert Opera, and Opera Philadelphia will send digital tickets to the email address used for your conference registration. If you can’t locate them, please visit the theater box office.
- Opera Baltimore will have your name on a list at the door. Please check in when you arrive at the theater.
Getting to Venues in Wilmington
Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to all conference activities in Wilmington, Delaware. This includes the performances presented by OperaDelaware, Opera Baltimore, and Wilmington Concert Opera. (See info below on shuttle buses to Opera Philadelphia.)
Most locations are walkable, but attendees may choose to use Uber or Lyft for their comfort.
Walking maps are available in the conference app.
Transportation for The Black Clown, presented by Opera Phildelphia
Transportation is provided to those who have purchased tickets to The Black Clown at Opera Philadelphia through the Opera Conference Attendee Hub.
Shuttle buses to Opera Philadelphia's The Black Clown on May 15 will depart from the Hotel Du Pont at 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Return shuttles to the Hotel Du Pont will depart from Miller Theater at 9:45 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Add one of the departing and return shuttles to your schedule in the conference app or Attendee Hub.
Is there a dress code for the conference?
There is no dress code for the conference, though attendees often opt for business casual or similar. We encourage conference attendees to wear whatever makes them comfortable. We recommend having an extra layer, as hotel temperatures can be unpredictable.
Will there be photography or videography at the conference?
Yes. Photography and audio and video recording will occur throughout the conference. By entering the event premises, you consent to photography, audio recording, video recording, and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for promotional purposes, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by OPERA America.
Is my registration transferable?
Registration may be transferred to another qualified attendee at no charge. After logging into the registration portal with your confirmation number and email address, edit the full contact information for the alternate attendee. This will ensure that the new attendee receives all communications regarding attendance and will be able to check in at the conference.
I can no longer attend the conference. Can I receive a refund for my registration?
Registrations for Opera Conference are refundable at 80% through March 24, 2026, and at 65% through April 28, 2026, with the following exceptions. No refunds on registration will be issued after May 4, 2026.
Non-Member Independent Artists registrations follow the following refund schedule and retain their Individual Digital Membership to OPERA America after cancellation: Registrations are refundable for $125 through March 24, 2026; and $90 through April 28, 2026.
Refunds are not available for the Special Event Pass.
Fees for performances are refundable at 100% through May 4, 2026. No refunds on session and performance fees will be issued after that date.
Health & Safety
Your health and safety are a top priority for OPERA America.
Attendees should engage in social events to the extent of their own comfort in doing so.
Attendees should recognize that they are traveling/participating at their own risk.
We will continue to follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the recommendations of our host state, city, and venues regarding COVID-19 safety measures at the time of convening. These policies are subject to change.
- Conference activities taking place in the Hotel Du Pont are mask-friendly. If you would like to wear a mask, please feel free to do so. We ask that all guests be respectful of one another's choices.
- Proof of vaccination is not required for admittance to Opera Conference.
For any safety-related questions or concerns, or should you need immediate assistance during the conference, please contact 212.796.8629. For emergency situations, please call local authorities.
Who can I contact regarding accessibility for Opera Conference?
The Hotel Du Pont is ADA-accessible. If you have questions about accessibility, please email Conference@operaamerica.org.
Exhibitor & Sponsor Questions
Sponsors and exhibitors should contact Jenny Fornoff at JFornoff@operaamerica.org or 862.786.8172 with questions or concerns.
What time is the Exhibit Hall load-in?
Exhibit Hall Load-in will be Tuesday, May 20, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
What time do I need to be loaded out from the Exhibit Hall?
Load-out will be Friday, May 23, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Daily Schedules
Monday, May 11
SCHEDULE
Tuesday, May 12
SCHEDULE
Wednesday, May 13
SCHEDULE
Thursday, May 14
SCHEDULE
Friday, May 15
SCHEDULE
Can’t find the answer you need? Visit the Welcome Center on the first floor of the Hotel Du Pont to speak with a member of the conference team or call 212.796.8629.