The NMA Annual Conference is approaching fast, and preparations are underway. Join NMA members from across the nation September 27-30 at the Westin La Paloma Resort in Tucson, Arizona! Tucson is well-known for its desert landscapes, including the iconic Saguaro cactus, as well as its vibrant Mexican-American culture and delicious cuisine. Tucson is home to the University of Arizona’s Mt. Lemmon Sky Center, one of the largest astronomical observatories in the southwest. Biosphere 2, also managed by the university, is the world’s largest self-contained ecosystem with biomes from desert to ocean and everything in between – all in one place!
Speakers include Suzy Siegle, George Campbell, Jason Schechterle, Harvey Alston, and a presentation by the 2023 Wilbur McFeely Awardee Jack Canfield, author of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series.
The conference will kick off Wednesday, September 27 with a welcome mixer. On Thursday, we will honor our Member of the Year at breakfast followed by the keynote address. At lunch we will hear from Jack Canfield followed by a couple of educational sessions.
Friday will feature the Hall of Fame breakfast, educational sessions, a roundtable, and Recognition Lunch. We will also announce the 2024 conference site.
On Saturday, after an inspiring opening session, the NMA Speech Contest will follow. Saturday afternoon, attendees will have a block of time to attend the spa, pool, or one of five off-site activities that NMA has arranged through the hotel. The conference will conclude with the Executive of the Year Banquet.
Shorey Silent Auction
The Shorey Silent Auction will be held during the conference and online. Please consider donating items for the silent auction which directly supports the speech contest. Items can be mailed directly to the hotel—information is on the conference web page.
Conference Charity
Every year the NMA Annual Conference strives to leave a positive footprint in the host community by donating to a local charity. In 2023, NMA has chosen Make Way for Books, a Southern Arizona charity that provides books to build a literacy-rich environment. You can learn more about them on their website.
Please consider bringing a donation to the conference. A presentation will be made to a representative of Make Way for books on Saturday. In addition to a cash donation, please bring a new or gently used book for children/teens to the conference. A book drop will be located in the registration area and the books will go directly into the hands of those that Make Way for Books serves.