Where Is The Nceca Conference In 2023?

The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) hosts an annual conference focused on the ceramic arts community. The conference brings together artists, educators, students, curators, collectors, gallery owners, suppliers, and ceramic arts enthusiasts for several days of learning, networking, inspiration, and celebrating the field of ceramic arts.

Thousands attend the conference each year which features exhibitions, demonstrations, lectures, panel discussions, tours, and workshops led by renowned ceramic artists, educators, and industry experts. The conference location changes each year in order to showcase different parts of the ceramic arts community across North America.

About NCECA

The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing ceramic arts and education. NCECA was founded in 1966 during the first National Clay Conference held at the Kellogg Center at Michigan State University (https://nceca.net/about-us-1). The organization began with the mission to promote and improve the ceramic arts through education. Throughout its history, NCECA has worked to fulfill this mission by providing educational resources, hosting an annual conference, and supporting ceramic artists and educators.

Over the past 50+ years, NCECA has grown into an influential organization in the ceramic arts community. Some key milestones in NCECA’s history include establishing a yearly conference beginning in 1974, publishing Ceramics Monthly magazine starting in 1980, and opening the NCECA Gallery at Penn State University in 2006. NCECA now has over 6,500 members spanning 53 countries and provides over $50,000 in member grants each year (NCECA 25 Year History).

NCECA brings together leading ceramic artists, students, teachers, and professionals through its annual conference, student programming, membership resources, and ongoing education initiatives. As the premier nonprofit organization for ceramic arts education and engagement, NCECA continues to pursue its founding mission of advancing ceramic arts around the world.

Past Conference Locations

The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) holds its annual conference in a different North American city each year. Some notable past host cities and years include:

San Diego, California (2022)

Minneapolis, Minnesota (2021)

Richmond, Virginia (2020)

Minneapolis, Minnesota (2015)

Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2014)

Houston, Texas (2013)

Seattle, Washington (2012)

Tampa, Florida (2011)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (2010)

Phoenix, Arizona (2009)

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (2008)

New Orleans, Louisiana (2007)

Portland, Oregon (2006)

Baltimore, Maryland (2005)

Indianapolis, Indiana (2004)

According to the NCECA website, the conference has been held in almost every major city in the United States and Canada over the past 50+ years (About Us, nceca.net).

2023 Host City

The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) announced that Cincinnati, Ohio will host the 2023 conference from March 15-18 ^[1]. The conference will take place at the Duke Energy Convention Center located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. The Duke Energy Convention Center has over 200,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space which will provide ample room for NCECA’s exhibits, demonstrations, lectures, and hands-on workshops ^[1].

Cincinnati is an exciting host city for the 2023 conference. Known for its art and culture scene, Cincinnati is home to several world-class museums including the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The city also boasts a burgeoning culinary landscape with award-winning restaurants and craft breweries. Attendees can look forward to exploring Cincinnati’s arts, culture, food, and nightlife during the conference.

Conference Details

The NCECA Conference 2023 will take place from March 15-18, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. Registrations opened in August 2022 on the NCECA website. Early bird registration rates are available until December 31, 2022. Registration fees vary depending on your NCECA membership status. Current rates are $425 for NCECA members and $525 for non-members. Student rates are also available.

NCECA expects over 6,500 attendees at the 2023 conference. The conference will feature presentations, panel discussions, exhibitions, and hands-on workshops from renowned ceramic artists and educators from around the world. There will also be a trade show with hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest pottery equipment, supplies, and publications.

Conference Highlights

The 2023 NCECA conference in Columbus, Ohio will feature many exciting highlights attendees won’t want to miss. Some of the notable speakers and presentations at this year’s conference include:

The keynote address will be given by Andrea Zittel, an internationally renowned sculptor and installation artist known for her artistic explorations of domestic living.

There will also be a lecture by Sonya Clark, a groundbreaking fiber artist, on the relationship between hair, identity, and culture.

This year’s conference features the Multicultural Fellowship Exhibition, a juried showcase of work by talented multicultural artists.

In addition, attendees can view the Student Juried Exhibition displaying exceptional work by the next generation of ceramic artists.

With so many inspiring speakers, presentations, and exhibits, the 2023 NCECA conference will have something exciting to offer ceramic arts enthusiasts of all kinds.

Getting to the Conference

Most attendees will fly into the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), which is located about 13 miles south of downtown Cincinnati where the conference is being held. The airport offers flights from most major domestic airlines including American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United.

There are several transportation options to get downtown from the airport. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft offer the most convenient option with rides taking around 20 minutes. Taxi cabs are also readily available for a similar 20 minute ride. In addition, TANK (Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky) bus line 2X provides direct service to downtown Cincinnati with rides taking around 40 minutes. Finally, rental cars are available from all the major car rental agencies if attendees prefer to drive themselves.

Once in downtown Cincinnati, NCECA provides a free shuttle service between the main conference hotels and venues within the downtown area. Attendees can also take advantage of Cincinnati’s streetcar system which has a stop right at the Duke Energy Convention Center, one of the main conference locations.

Accommodations

NCECA has secured discounted room blocks at several hotels in Cincinnati for the 2023 conference. According to the official NCECA hotel list, the recommended hotels closest to the Duke Energy Convention Center are:

• Hyatt Regency Cincinnati – Rates from $169/night
• The Westin Cincinnati – Rates from $189/night
• AC Hotel Cincinnati Downtown – Rates from $189/night

These hotels are located within just a few blocks of the convention center and offer discounted group rates for NCECA attendees. The Hyatt Regency Cincinnati is the primary conference hotel and closest option.

There are also several other recommended hotels on the list that are under 1 mile from the convention center and offer shuttle service. These include hotels like the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, Hampton Inn & Suites, and SpringHill Suites Cincinnati Midtown.

To receive the special NCECA rates, attendees should book their hotel room through the NCECA website. Discounted rates are available until February 10, 2023, or until the room blocks sell out.

Things to Do

The 2023 NCECA conference will take place in Host City, USA, a vibrant cultural hub with plenty to see and do. Visitors should take advantage of the many local attractions and activities during their stay.

The Host City Museum of Modern Art (https://www.hostcity.com/events/2023-agenda) is a must-see, with a renowned collection of contemporary and modern art. The museum frequently features special exhibits coinciding with major events happening in town. Conference attendees can check the museum website for exhibits happening during their stay.

Host City is also home to a thriving local arts scene, with several arts districts featuring public art, galleries, street performers, and more. The Downtown Arts District and Funkytown Art Community are two popular destinations for experiencing the local art and culture.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the many urban hiking and biking trails throughout Host City. The Riverwalk Trail offers scenic views of the river as it winds through the city center. Mountain bikers can hit the trails at Ridgeview Park, just 30 minutes outside of town.

Visitors should also sample the diverse local culinary scene in Host City, with farm-to-table restaurants, food halls, ethnic eateries, and craft breweries. The city’s signature dish, the spicy chipotle burrito, can be found at taquerias around town.

With vibrant arts, culture, cuisine, and outdoor activities, Host City offers many memorable ways for NCECA attendees to experience the destination.

Conclusion

The 2023 NCECA Conference will be held in Sacramento, California from March 15-18. This annual ceramics conference brings together thousands of ceramic artists, educators, students, and ceramic enthusiasts for presentations, exhibitions, and networking.

Sacramento offers great accommodations, dining, and entertainment options for conference attendees. Highlights of the conference include the mug wall, exhibitions, and presentations covering topics like technical innovations, art history, and conceptual approaches.

With early registration opening soon, those interested should start planning their trip to Sacramento for this can’t-miss conference. Attending NCECA is a wonderful way to connect with the ceramic arts community, find inspiration for your own work, and support ceramic arts education and advancement.