Seminar.HandbellMusicians.org

We look forward to seeing you in July at the Sharonville Convention Center in Cincinnati for National Seminar! 

This is the third in a series of emails you will receive between now and the event's start that includes helpful information for your National Seminar experience.

Silent Auctions

We invite you to donate an item (or many!) for the two silent auctions associated with National Seminar - one held on-site at the event and the other online. The silent auctions are filled with unique items and auction proceeds help support Handbell Musicians of America programs and operations. 

The on-site silent auction can be found in Handbell Commons, our exhibit space. The items in this auction will only be available to bid on at the event. The on-site auction is comprised of donated items that event attendees bring to Cincinnati and the winning bidder takes home with them. Please be cognizant of this as items must be travel-friendly. 

The online silent auction provides an opportunity to those who are not attending to still be part of the excitement! The online auction's prizes are sent directly from the donor to the winning bidder. These items will only be available to bid on via the online platform. 

Examples of Auction Items
Here are just some of the examples of the many wonderful items that have been donated for HMA silent auctions. 

• Treats and swag from your town or state
• Homemade food goodies like jams, pickles, and honey
• Handmade art and crafts such as stained glass, quilts, blankets, greeting cards
• Items with musical themes including shirts, socks, tote bags
• Registration gift certificates for local, regional and national handbell events
• Commissions by leading handbell composers
• Musical instruments and related equipment 
• Jewelry
• A getaway with a vacation rental or timeshare

How to Submit An Auction Donation
We kindly ask that you complete one auction form for each item you are donating. This helps us have everything prepared in advance for both auctions.

The deadline to submit forms is June 30, 2026. 

Hymn Festival Transportation

HMA has arranged for buses to transport attendees on Monday, July 13 between the Sharonville Convention Center and the Hymn Festival at Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church (1345 Grace Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208). The event hotels are both located in walking distance to the Convention Center. Pre-registration is required to take the HMA bus. 

Question: How do I know if I booked a reservation for the bus?

When you registered for your Seminar classes you noted whether you were attending the Hymn Festival and if you would be using the provided transportation. You received a confirmation email that showed your class choices and Hymn Festival information.

Note: if you left the field blank, you received an email this week from Linda Onorevole asking for your decision about the bus. Please reply with your answer if you have not already done so.

Question: When is the bus leaving?

The bus is departing the Sharonville Convention Center at 6:00 PM. The bus will be waiting at the church for the return trip, which will be right after the Hymn Festival ends.

Question: What if I have a travel companion who's not registered for National Seminar but wants to ride the bus?

HMA will accommodate non-event registrants only if space permits. Please email Linda Onorevole by Friday, June 19 if you have additional people in your party who are not registered for National Seminar.

Question: What if my plans changed and I do NOT need to ride the bus?

Please email Linda Onorevole by Friday, June 19 so we remove you from the bus list.

Question: What if my plans changed and I DO want to ride the bus?

Please email Linda Onorevole by Friday, June 19 so we can add you to the bus list.

Saturday Luncheon

On Saturday, July 18 at 12:00 PM, Handbell Musicians of America is hosting a luncheon for National Seminar attendees. This is a special event where we will honor our outgoing National and Area board members, and announce the newest recipients of Handbell Musicians of America's most prestigious designation, Honorary Life Membership. This distinction is reserved for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the art of handbell ringing. In HMA’s 70-year history, only 41 people have received this honor!

If you are registered for the full event or have a Saturday daily registration, you will be receiving an email during the week of June 15 with instructions on how to make your lunch entree choice and how to purchase additional lunch tickets.

Reminder - Special Offer for Airport Transfers Available

HMA has arranged for a reduced rate for airport ground transportation from CVG (Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport) with Executive Transportation. $50 one-way per person/$75 round-trip per person

How to Reserve

1. Go to www.executivetransportation.org
2. Click "Reserve Now"
3. Enter "Handbell Musicians" in the Promo Code field
4. Select "Shuttle (shared ride)" in the vehicle type required

Upon arrival at the CVG airport, go to the Executive Transportation desk located in the baggage claim area at the end of luggage carousel 4 where their staff will greet you.

Delta Hotel by Marriott 

We are aware that there have been challenges with booking at the Delta Hotel by Marriott, located at 11320 Chester Road. We have worked with the team at the property and ensured that there are rooms available in our block ($149 per night). King rooms are unavailable now, but there are ample Queen/Queen doubles available.

To book at the Delta, follow this link.

Class Registration

It is necessary to pre-select your classes for National Seminar. If you have not yet selected your classes, you may do so by CLICKING HERE.

You can see which classes are full by clicking the links below.

• Tuesday Class Schedule
• Wednesday Class Schedule
• Thursday Class Schedule
• Friday Class Schedule
• Saturday Class Schedule

To help you select your classes, you may download a printable Daily Schedule and Class Selection Planner.