Join Us for the 56th National Athletic Directors Conference in Tampa: A Premier Event for High School Athletic Administrators!
Tampa Welcomes the 56th National Athletic Directors Conference
Tampa, FL – The vibrant city of Tampa is set to host the 56th National Athletic Directors Conference (NADC) from December 12 to 16, marking a significant milestone as it is the first time the conference has taken place in this bustling locale. This year’s gathering, co-sponsored by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), is expected to attract over 2,500 high school athletic administrators, guests, and exhibitors.
The conference kicks off on Friday with a series of NIAAA committee meetings and registration starting at 2:30 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in professional development through the NIAAA Leadership Training Institute (LTI), which will offer 59 courses throughout the event. The first session begins at 5:30 p.m. EST, with the final class wrapping up on Tuesday morning.
Saturday marks the official start of the conference festivities, with registration opening at 8:30 a.m. and the first workshop session commencing at 2:15 p.m. A total of 48 workshops will cover a diverse range of topics, including budgeting for athletic programs, ethical concerns surrounding AI, and the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) on high school athletics.
The Opening General Session on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. will feature remarks from Dr. Karissa Niehoff, CEO of the NFHS, and Phil Rison, NIAAA executive director. Attendees will also hear from keynote speaker Pandit Dasa, a former monk and expert in workplace culture.
As the conference progresses, participants can look forward to the Conference Luncheon on Sunday, where eight distinguished athletic directors will receive NFHS Citations for their outstanding contributions to interscholastic athletics. Notable recipients include Brian Avery from Indiana and Emily Barkley from Oklahoma.
The Conference Banquet on Monday will honor ten athletic administrators with NIAAA Distinguished Service Awards, alongside the presentation of three additional awards recognizing excellence in athletic administration. The evening will culminate with the induction of seven new members into the NIAAA Hall of Fame, celebrating their lifelong dedication to the field.
For those unable to attend in person, the Conference Luncheon and Banquet will be streamed live on the NFHS Network, allowing fans and supporters to join in the celebration from afar.
As Tampa prepares to welcome athletic leaders from across the nation, the 56th NADC promises to be an enriching experience filled with networking, learning, and recognition of the vital role athletic directors play in shaping the future of high school sports.