The 2026 CMN Conference is our “Lead with Love”.

2026 CMN Conference in Philadelphia!

LEAD WITH LOVE 

Exploring social justice in children's music through Healing, Hope and Harmony in Philadelphia! 

Lead with Love in the City of Philadelphia this September! 

Join us in Philadelphia—for the 2026 Children’s Music Network Conference. Together, our children’s music community will rise up in Philadelphia, exploring the power of music, creativity, and connection as tools for social justice and positive change. How can we harness our artistry to empower the next generation of change-makers to build a brighter future filled with hope, healing, and harmony?

Leading with love, we’ll gather to learn from one another, make music together, and connect in community with friends old and new at the Sheraton Suites Philadelphia Airport.

To kick things off, the 2026 conference begins with virtual programming from Sunday, September 20 through Wednesday, September 23, making it possible to join us from anywhere in the world. Then, beginning Friday, September 25, we’ll gather in-person to celebrate the work of children’s music artists, educators, and advocates while building meaningful connections and joyful memories in an inspiring environment that sparks creativity and action.

Conference Highlights:

Keynote Presentation by Guest Speaker, Kaitlin Becker

Magic Penny Award presented to Greg & Steve

Fred Rogers’ Look for the Helpers Award presented to Kathy O’Connell

Virtual and In Person-Workshops, Songswaps and Panels

Virtual and In Person Round Robin

Special Events: ”Songs of Our Founders” 

PIO! Scholars' Award 

A Special Philly Add-On Day - Sep 25, 2026 at the Parkway Central Library (10 AM - 3 PM)

Books and Beats! - Enhancing Literacy and Equity Among Early Readers through stories, music and movement

The Opening Session, Keynote, Magic Penny and Closing, and all virtual programming will be recorded and available to all attendees through March 31,2027.

All You Need to Know before Registering-Members.pdf

All You Need to Know before Registering- Non-Members.pdf

Please note -  All posted ROOM rates are EARLY BIRD AUGUST 15 at which time they will increase by $50.

JOIN US!

We’re excited to offer a number of registration options so that as many of our members and extended community can participate in 2026 "Lead with Love" as possible. Making the conference accessible and affordable for our CMN community is a top priority. The Pete Seeger Scholarship Fund was designed to help foster community and access for teachers, musicians and librarians and is funded through generous donations. We want you at the conference. If a full or partial scholarship will allow you to attend, please submit your scholarship request by August 1, 2026 for consideration through this form. 

And if you are able, please contribute to the Pete Seeger Scholarship Fund at childrensmusic.org/donate.  Thank You!

We can also offer an installment payment plan. Reach out to joshf@cmnonline.org to set this up. All registrations need to be paid in full no later than September 15. Please use the "All You Need to Know Before Registering" doc above to help guide you through the process!