2026 ATOS Convention Info
To review the ATOS 2026 Convention video, click on HERE.
The button to the right is linked to a PDF of the Convention Pocket Schedule. It contains exact times for each of the many activities.
This 2026 ATOS Convention is documented in a PDF Booklet (cover image to the right) which can be viewed and downloaded by clicking on the link to the right.
A Welcome from our Chairpersons…
On behalf of ATOS (American Theatre Organ Society) and RTOS (Rochester Theater Organ Society) welcome to the 2026 Annual Convention website. This year’s Convention has brought together some of the best touring theater organists on the finest theater organs in the area. Welcome to the land of Wurlitzer. When this web site first went live, we told you the economy, declining number and increased age of our membership will force this convention to be different than the past and to please work with us to keep this tradition going as it must evolve. So, let’s summarize what has changed:
• The overall convention is shorter and more compact. Hopefully, this will save you a night or two on your hotel charges. However, there is very little free time.
• The Dinner Buffet and Awards Presentation is included in the general price as time limitations forced it to be one of our meal stops on our day in Buffalo.
• Buses are the most expensive part of the convention resulting in the need for staggered shuttles to local concerts. There will be two shuttle groups, A and B and you will be assigned to one or the other. The runs will be alternated so that Group A will leave early for some events, and later for others. Group B will be the opposite. The wonderful people at Rochester Broadway Theatre League will have the concession area and bar open at the arrival of the first group of shuttle busses and the start of a concert. It will also be open while you wait to board the second group of shuttles after a concert. The Russell Shaner Piano will also be played and enjoyed while you wait. Our famous “Yellow Shirt” volunteers will be on hand to guide you and answer any questions.
• The full color multipage magazine that you are used to will not be printed this year. A trifold guide will be distributed to you at registration outlining times of concerts, events and bus departures. The website contains information on the Organs, Venues and Organists as the brochure did in the past. (Any last-minute changes will be posted on the website). You can access this live anytime and a download link will be available for you prior to the convention for a PDF version if you prefer to have it locally on your phone and/or tablet.
• We have been unable to find volunteers willing to take on the task of running the record shop, so unfortunately there will not be one this year at the convention. However, we have added a Buy and Sell option to the Facebook group 2026 ATOS Convention HERE.
We hope everyone uses this for relevant exchanges and we can keep it running for you even after the convention.
Great organists, wonderful organs at venues thriving in their communities, we look forward to seeing you all here the first full week of July.
Chris Van Stean and Bob Bower
If you wish to contact the RTOS Chairpersons of the 2026 ATOS Convention Committee, go to the page link HERE.
(All content is subject to change. Registration is now open HERE.)