National Docent Symposium
Welcome!
The 2024 National Docent Symposium, a biannual conference put together by docents for docents, is headed back to Atlanta, November 14–17, 2024! The High Museum of Art Docent Corps hosted the Symposium in 1993 and can’t wait to welcome you back.
We’re shaking things up in Atlanta! We’ve listened to your feedback and are incorporating more ways to connect with fellow docents, more free time to explore Atlanta, more ways to engage with the High Museum of Art’s collection, more breakout sessions, and a new Sip & Share program. Details on our programming can be found on the program page.
Our theme is “Perfecting Your Craft.” Derived from the name of a yearly High Docent program, “Peer to Peer: Perfecting Your Craft,” it reflects what the National Docent Symposium is all about: docents learning from docents.
Watch a preview of what we have in store for 2024 Symposium attendees:
Meet our Co-Chairs
What if I told you that being a docent is something I’ve long dreamed of doing but never considered myself “studied” enough to step into such a coveted role. I was a banking HR professional, not an art historian. And then, the High came into my life and provided a pathway for this incredible docent journey and the opportunity to engage and share everything from our vast permanent collection to special exhibits with all our guests. Along the way, I discovered the National Docent Symposium Council and became invested in its mission. I eventually became a regional director of NDSC and then agreed to bring the National Docent Symposium back to Atlanta in 2024.
I have been a docent at the High Museum of Art for over 15 years, giving tours to mostly student groups, which I enjoy. My background is not in art, but I have valued the opportunity to make art a part of my life by serving as a docent. I served on the NDSC from 2011 to 2017 as the Southeastern Regional Director and am currently one of the three co-chairs for the Atlanta 2024 Symposium. I look forward to helping bring the National Docent Symposium to Atlanta in 2024!
I have held many volunteer positions and co-founded several community-based arts organizations, but being a docent at the High Museum of Art is the absolute best. The exchange with our visitors and my fellow docents is such an enlightening experience. In fact, I call going to the museum my “moment of zen.” In June 2019, I received a five-year pin and plan to add many more pins to the collection. My introduction to NDS came from my fellow docents, Bryan Brooks and Kristen Kiersey. I am thrilled to serve with them as a co-chair for the 2024 Symposium in Atlanta.
Plan Your Visit
We are thrilled to host you in Atlanta for the 2024 National Docent Symposium. This page will provide the information and resources you need to make the most of your visit.
About the High
Located in the heart of Atlanta’s vibrant Midtown neighborhood, the High Museum of Art connects with audiences from across the Southeast and around the world through its distinguished collection, dynamic schedule of special exhibitions, and engaging community-focused programs. Housed within facilities designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architects Richard Meier and Renzo Piano, the High features a collection of more than 19,000 works of art.
Starling Hotel
The Starling Hotel, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, is our host hotel. It’s just a ten-minute walk to the High Museum of Art and is connected to Colony Square, which boasts numerous dining options. The Starling’s meeting spaces feature state-of-the-art technology—perfect for the 2024 National Docent Symposium. Our hotel block at the Starling Hotel includes King and Queen rooms: King rooms are $199, and Queen rooms are $219.
Getting Around
The Starling Hotel is just a ten-minute walk from the High Museum of Art.
Midtown
The High Museum of Art and our host hotel, the Starling, are in the Midtown neighborhood. Known as Atlanta’s “Heart of the Arts,” Midtown’s Arts District is home to the Fox Theatre, the Woodruff Arts Center, MODA, the Center for Puppetry Arts, SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film, the Margaret Mitchell House, the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Piedmont Park, and numerous restaurants and bars.
Atlanta Weather
November is usually sunny, cool, and dry—perfect weather for exploring Atlanta’s neighborhoods, museums, and parks. For the latest information on Atlanta weather, please visit weather.com.
Dress Code
Dress code at the Symposium is business casual. Plan to dress in layers and bring a jacket for cool evenings. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes!
Getting to Atlanta
By plane
Most of you will fly to Atlanta through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the world’s busiest airport, located fourteen miles south of Midtown and our host hotel, the Starling. For the latest information, follow this link to the airport website and click on Ground Transportation.
There are several transportation options to get to the hotel from the airport: MARTA rail service (the Arts Center station is a short ten-minute walk from the Starling Hotel), limos, cabs, and rideshares (Uber and Lyft). For the latest information on these, follow this link on the airport’s website. Please note that the Starling Hotel does not have a shuttle service from or to the airport.
By car
If you drive, the Starling has valet parking for an extra charge. We suggest you use Google Maps, Apple maps, or Waze for the best route and ways to navigate Atlanta’s traffic.
Discover Atlanta
Atlanta is bursting with one-of-a-kind experiences—unique attractions, world-class cultural institutions, a happenin’ nightlife scene, award-winning dining, sporting events, world-class shopping, and beautiful parks and trails. There are so many experiences that you can have only in Atlanta, so why not stay an extra day.
Atlanta is a city of vibrant neighborhoods, each with its own unique personality. They’re easy to get to and walkable once you get there. Pick one and spend the day exploring its architecture, shops, and restaurants. Click here for more information.
If you like the outdoors, you’ll love Atlanta. Piedmont Park, with its stunning views of the Midtown skyline, is a short walk from the Starling Hotel. Adjacent to the park is the Atlanta Botanical Garden, with thirty acres of outdoor gardens to explore. Walk, run, or ride Atlanta’s BeltLine, which connects people to neighborhoods, dining, shopping, and art. Fernbank Forest, with trees that soar up to sixteen stories, is just minutes from Midtown.
Atlanta’s rich heritage is deep, progressive, and continuously evolving. The Atlanta History Center, with thirty-three acres of historic houses, gardens, and award-winning exhibitions, is dedicated to bringing Atlanta’s history to life. Historic Oakland Cemetery, located near the heart of downtown, is rich in history, art, architecture, and local lore. Explore the neighborhood and places that shaped the life and legacy of Dr. King at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum is filled with interactive displays and fascinating exhibitions that give you an in-depth look into Jimmy Carter’s legacy.
Atlanta is a shopping mecca. Ponce City Market is one of Atlanta’s favorite gathering spots for its shopping, dining, and rooftop carnival with fantastic skyline views. The Buckhead Village District features renowned luxury brands, upscale dining, and beautifully landscaped streets. Atlantic Station is an eclectic assortment of shops and outdoor cafes along brick-paved walkable streets.
Atlanta’s arts and culture scene, boasting more than fifty visual art galleries and more than thirty playhouses and theaters, is one of the most vibrant in the country. The renowned Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Alliance Theatre, along with the High Museum of Art, are located in the Woodruff Arts Center, the country’s third largest art campus. Check out what’s playing at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, one of Atlanta’s premier venues for live theater. It’s hard to miss Atlanta’s vibrant street art, which adorns parks, walls, tunnels, and walkways with color and imagination. And there is a museum for almost anything you’re interested in. Want more ideas? Visit the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau or Midtown Atlanta.
Making the Most of Your Free Time
We’ve built time into our 2024 National Docent Symposium so you can enjoy and explore Atlanta on your own. Here are some ideas to make the most of your trip.
Sleep late and grab a coffee from Starbucks in Colony Square or any of the coffee shops that dot the streets of Midtown. Get up early and take a run (or walk) in Piedmont Park. Or treat yourself to a full breakfast at the Starling or any of the nearby hotel restaurants.
Eat at one of the restaurants in Colony Square. Grab a sandwich from one of the restaurants in Colony Square or Politan Row and head to Piedmont Park. Or spend time with your colleagues in the Peer to Peer lounge.
Enjoy the annual holiday light display at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. This is a popular event, so purchase your tickets before you come. Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden website for more details.
There are countless restaurants within walking distance of the Starling Hotel. Check out the fine dining venues located in adjoining Colony Square. Enjoy authentic Southern Cuisine at South City Kitchen in Midtown. Want more ideas? Visit Midtown Atlanta.
Take advantage of Friday Jazz at the High. This is an in-demand ticketed event, so book your tickets with your 2024 National Docent Symposium registration. Get tickets for a performance of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra or catch the Alliance Theatre’s latest production.
Enjoy a concert or play at the fabulous Fox Theatre. Gaze at Atlanta from the Sun Dial Restaurant at the top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel. Or check out Ponce City Market, a renovated warehouse that features shops, a food hall with an eclectic blend of cuisines, and a can’t-miss rooftop experience with some of the best views of the city.
Shaking Things Up!
We’re excited to bring you an entirely new National Docent Symposium experience. We’ve listened to your feedback and are keeping the programming you enjoy and love while taking a fresh look at programs that weren’t quite working and adding new ways to enhance your experience in Atlanta.
Program Booklet
View ProgramSymposium Highlights
Thursday, November 14: Optional half- and full-day pre-tours during the day (extra cost). The event kicks off with an evening reception at the High Museum of Art. Explore the High’s collection and the spectacular special exhibitions on view; Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys, Georgia O’Keeffe: ‘My New Yorks,’ Patterns in Abstraction: Black Quilts from the High’s Collection, Tyler Mitchell: Idyllic Space and Kelli Connell: Pictures for Charis.
Friday, November 15, and Saturday, November 16: Five breakout sessions, afternoon-out sessions, programming at the High Museum, Peer to Peer lounge, Sip & Share (the reimagined Showcase of Ideas), and a cocktail reception and dinner.
Sunday, November 17: The Symposium concludes with a breakfast and a closing speaker.
Breakout Sessions
We have five blocks of breakout sessions with a variety of topics.
Sip & Share
Sip & Share is our new programming initiative, allowing you to explore several topics in a two-hour program.
Friday Afternoon Out
We developed some exciting ways to spend your Friday Afternoon Out, which is included in your registration fee.
Pre-Tours
Plan to arrive early to the Symposium and register for one of our optional half- or full-day Pre-Tours.
Friday Morning Keynote
Katherine Jentleson, Senior Curator of American Art and Merrie and Dan Boone Curator of Folk and Self-Taught Art, High Museum of Art, will be in conversation with three quilters whose work is featured in the High’s concurrent exhibition, Patterns in Abstraction: Black Quilts from the High’s Collection. Together, they will unpack the potential kinship between quilts and abstract painting.
Friday Night Jazz
We’ve left Friday night open for you to explore Atlanta. You might want to spend some of your evening at Friday Jazz at the High Museum of Art. This is an in-demand ticketed event that always sells out. Consider purchasing your $30 ticket when you register for the Symposium.
Beyond the Frame: Gallery Experiences and Conversations at the High
Expand your thinking about “in-gallery” teaching and learn creative ways to structure your tours without relying on tombstone-label information or extensive facts. Through small-group experiences in the museum and a large-group workshop, you’ll learn how to think outside the box and develop tours that engage your guests with your institution’s collection.
Sunday Keynote: Creativity Unbound
How does creativity flourish? Challenge preconceived notions about creativity and perfection in this lively and wide-ranging discussion with Pulitzer-winning poet Jericho Brown, noted choreographer and dancer T. Lang, and nightlife builder and DJ Ree de la Vega. All three work at the vanguard of creative practices, shattering boundaries and expanding how we engage with the arts. Andrew Westover, the Eleanor McDonald Storza Deputy Director for Learning and Civil Engagement at the High Museum of Art, will moderate this conversation.
Registration
Join us in Atlanta for the 2024 National Docent Symposium! We’re so excited to welcome you.
Registration for NDSAtl24 is now closed.
Registration is a quick and easy two-step process.
Step 1
Pay the Symposium Registration Fee, the optional full- or half-day pre-tour fee, and your optional High Museum Friday Jazz ticket. Make sure that you add the optional pre-tour and Friday Jazz ticket to the cart!
Step 2
Shortly after completing Step 1, you’ll receive an email with a link to complete Step 2. Step 2 is where you’ll tell us about yourself and choose your optional pre-tour (if you paid for one in Step 1). You are NOT fully registered until you complete Step 2!
Before registering, we recommend that you scroll down and review the FAQs, which will provide all the information you need to begin and complete the registration process.
Pricing and Registration
Early Bird Registration: April 16–June 23, 2024 | $500
Open to all docents, guides, and museum educators
Registration: June 24–September 30, 2024 | $550
Open to all docents, guides, and museum educators
FAQs
What are the dates of the 2024 National Docent Symposium in Atlanta?
- Thursday, November 14, 2024:
- Optional half- and full-day pre-tours (extra cost)
- Evening kick-off reception at the High Museum of Art
- Friday, November 15, 2024:
- Keynote Breakfast, two Breakout Sessions, Lunch, Afternoons Out Tour, Sip & Share, Friday evening on your own
- Saturday, November 16, 2024:
- Three Breakout Sessions, Beyond the Frame program at the High, Cocktails and Dinner
- Sunday, November 17, 2024:
- Breakfast with morning program
Who can attend the 2024 National Docent Symposium?
All docents, guides, and education staff members are welcome to attend! We have lifted the cap of four representatives per museum.
What does my registration fee include?
- Thursday evening reception at the High Museum of Art
- Two breakfasts with speakers and programming
- Five Breakout Sessions—Click here for the information on the sessions
- Sip & Share event—Click here for the topics
- Access to the Peer-to-Peer Lounge
- Cocktail reception and dinner
- Afternoon Out tour
- One lunch
- “Beyond the Frame” afternoon program at the High Museum of Art
What do I need to preregister for?
Optional Registration Events:
- Thursday Pre-Tours: These are optional full- and half-day tours on Thursday, November 14, 2024, the day before the Symposium’s first full day. There is an extra cost for them. You need to choose and pay for them when you register. Click here for the pre-tours.
- Friday Jazz at the High: You may elect to spend part of your free Friday night at Friday Jazz at the High. It is a ticketed event and costs $30. Friday Jazz usually sells out, so you can purchase tickets at the time of registration! If you don’t buy a ticket when you register or want to get a second ticket, you can buy them starting November 1, 2024, at High.org.
Included in Registration Fee:
- Friday Afternoon Out: This tour is the only included session you must choose before arriving in Atlanta. Look for an email with a link to make that selection after registration closes on September 30, 2024. Want to see what your choices will be? Click here for our Afternoon Out offerings.
Do I need to pre-register for Breakout Sessions?
- No! We’ve eliminated pre-registration for Breakout Sessions this year, so you’ll have the flexibility to attend the sessions you want!
Why do I need to create a new account to register?
- Our registration platform requires each registrant to create a new High Museum of Art account to begin registration. You’ll use your email address and create a password.
What is your host hotel?
The Starling Hotel, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, is our host hotel. Located in Atlanta’s
Midtown neighborhood, the Starling is just a ten-minute walk from the High.
King rooms in our block cost $199; Queen rooms cost $219. The last day to reserve rooms in our block is October 11, 2024.
For more information on the Starling, click here.
To make a reservation, follow this link.
Can my spouse attend some of the Symposium events with me?
Unfortunately, not at this time. Our venues and events have a maximum capacity of our 400 attendee goal. However, there is plenty for spouses to do in and around Midtown. Check out our Plan Your Visit page or the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau for things to do.
What’s your cancellation policy?
- Submit Email: All Symposium and Pre-Tour registration cancellation requests must be made via email by the published cancellation date. The High Museum of Art and the National Docent Symposium are not responsible for cancellation requests that are incomplete or are not received.
- Symposium and Pre-Tour registration cancellation requests received by September 15, 2024, will receive a 100% refund, minus the applied processing fee for that event.
- No refunds of Symposium or Pre-Tour registration fees for cancellation requests received after September 15, 2024.
- Submit Email Requests within the timeframe outlined above to the following email address: NDSATLprograms@gmail.com
- Email subject line should describe your request for cancellation with the following wording:
- Symposium Registration CANCEL or
- Pre-Tour CANCEL
- Fee Structure Applies as Follows
- Symposium Registration Cancellation Fee: $75
- Pre-Tour Cancellation Fee for Full-Day Tours: $45
- Pre-Tour Cancellation Fee for Half-Day Tours: $30
We reserve the right to cancel or change programs and tours.
Do you still have questions? Email us at NDSATLprograms@gmail.com
