This is the second in a series of emails you will receive between now and the event's start that includes helpful information for your National Seminar experience. We look forward to seeing you in July at the Sharonville Convention Center! |
Event Check-In
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Event check-in is open from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You will get your welcome bag (filled with goodies!), nametag (which needs to be worn throughout the event), and your personal schedule of classes.
- Handbell Commons (our exhibit space) opens at 1:00 PM.
- The first Tuesday class session starts at 2:00 PM.
- The Welcome Reception starts at 4:45 PM.
- The Opening Concert starts at 6:00 PM.
Wednesday, July 15 - Saturday, July 18, 2026
Event check-in opens at 8:00 AM. You will get your welcome bag (filled with goodies!), nametag (which needs to be worn throughout the event), and your personal schedule of classes.
- Handbell Commons opens at 8:00 AM.
- The first class each day starts at 9:00 AM.
Event Check-in Location
Sharonville Convention Center
11355 Chester Road, Cincinnati, OH 45246
Please follow signage in the venue. |
First Time at National Seminar?
A note from HMA Executive Director, Linda Onorevole
If this is your first time attending National Seminar, it can feel a little overwhelming, and sometimes may look like everyone already knows each other. Please have no fear - I speak from experience when I say that you will be ok! It may look like a giant family reunion, which in some ways it is, since many people from around the country (and world!) only see each other at this annual summer event. However, there are lots of folks who will be there for the first time right along side of you. I assure you that our long-time attendees are happy to see you, too, and we are all excited to see our HMA family grow!
If you are a "first-timer," you will be given a ribbon when you check-in to put on your nametag. I'll be on the look-out for First Time ribbons, and so will members of the HMA national board and staff. We'll be there to welcome you and help you ease into the event.
As an introvert myself with an extroverted job, I understand the anxiety that can come with events like these, and I invite you to find me if you're feeling overwhelmed at any point. We don't even have to talk if that's your preference - we can just stand in silence until you're feeling more at ease. Or, feel free to come by the HMA national staff or board table. At either of these places you will find friendly folks who can help connect you with people to join for meals and strolls through Handbell Commons. We're here for you! |
Grab & Go Breakfasts & Lunches
There will be Grab & Go breakfast and lunch items for sale at the Sharonville Convention Center. The Convention Center is a cashless facility.
Breakfast Concessions: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Available 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- Breakfast sandwiches to include: sausage, egg & cheese biscuit, egg & cheese biscuit, bacon, egg & cheese on an English muffin: $7.00
- Breakfast wraps to include: scrambled egg & cheese in a tortilla, egg & cheese in a tortilla: $7.00
- Assorted muffins & pastries: $3.00
- Fruit cup, yogurt, granola bars: $3.00
- Coffee, hot tea, bottled juices: $5.00
- Bottled water, soft drinks, energy drinks, Bubbly: $4.00 - $7:00
Lunch Concessions: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Available 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
- Salads - veggie and deli: $12.00
- Deli sandwiches w/chips (ham, turkey, vegetarian): $10.00
- Jumbo hot dog w/chips: $6.00
- Cheeseburger w/chips: $7.00
- Chicken sandwich w/chips: $8.00
- Pulled BBQ chicken sandwich w/chips: $11.00
- Mac 'n' cheese: $10.00
- Mac 'n' cheese topped w/BBQ chicken: $12.00
- Chips, candy, granola bars: $3.00
- Coffee, hot tea, bottled juices: $5.00
- Bottled water, soft drinks, energy drinks, Bubbly: $4.00 - $7:00
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Casual Meet & Greets
Meet the HMA National Board & Staff
Wednesday, July 15 at 8:00 AM
Come to Handbell Commons to purchase your "grab & go" breakfast items, then join the HMA National Board and Staff for a casual meet and greet. We'll be chatting and caffeinating right along side you to start off the day!
Meet the Performing Ensembles Committee
Wednesday, July 15 at the 4:45 PM Happy Hour
Stop at the Performing Ensembles Committee table during Happy Hour to meet the committee and members of fellow ensembles. Previously referred to as "Community Ensembles," HMA is embracing the term "Performing Ensembles." Our definition of Performing Ensembles includes groups of various sizes and levels that perform for the public. This is a self-identified group and if you perform with an ensemble, you are welcome! Learn more about the Performing Ensembles Committee in the Tuesday, June 9 edition of "This Week at HMA."
Meet Area Leaders
Thursday, July 16 at 8:00 AM
Come to Handbell Commons to purchase your "grab & go" breakfast and spend some time connecting with Area leaders. For those new to HMA, we have 12 regional Areas. Learn more about them here. |
Evening Activities
Unpublished Reading Session
Wednesday, July 15, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Room 101/102
This is a fun evening of handbell camaraderie where you can read through new, unpublished works. Conductor Brian Childers will lead this event. There will be representatives from publishing companies sitting in to hear these new handbell works and meet the composers. Participation is limited to National Seminar attendees who are registered for the full event or Wednesday only. There is no sign-up for this event, it is first come, first served.
Diversity Conversation
Thursday, July 16, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Handbell Commons (Portune Hall)
The Handbell Opportunities Committee* will be hosting a series of interactive discussions over the coming months, some in-person and some online, each focusing on a different aspect of diversity, all with the goal of learning from each other. These conversations will be welcoming, safe places for people to share their experiences and ideas, and we will utilize this guide: "Principles for How We Treat Each Other: Our Practice of Respect and Community Building." The first conversation is being hosted in-person at National Seminar, and will focus on People of Color. If you are attending National Seminar, we invite you to join us and engage in the discussion.
*You can learn more about the Handbell Opportunities Committee in the June 2 edition of "This Week at HMA." |
Keep An Eye Out Next Week for...
- An email with instructions on how to choose your entree for the banquet luncheon on Saturday, July 18 and how to purchase an extra lunch ticket if needed. You will receive this email if you are registered for the full event or Saturday's activities, or you are an Exhibiting Partner.
- An email with bus information for the Hymn Festival on Monday, July 13. You will receive this email if you chose the transportation option when registering for classes.
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Reminders
- If you have not registered for classes yet you may do so by CLICKING HERE.
- Please remember that class choices began months ago and some sessions are full. However, there are still many great sessions to choose from!
- See what each day's class session schedule, and which are full by using these links:
Tuesday Sessions
Wednesday Sessions
Thursday Sessions
Friday Sessions
Saturday Sessions
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