The 75th NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo, June 25-28 in New Orleans, is approaching – and registration is now open. As athletic trainers look forward to this iconic annual event in AT history, NATA Now is highlighting “75 Things To Know About Convention.”
While celebrating 75 years of milestones, this NATA Now article series will capture members’ convention experiences, personal stories from ATs of various career stages, fun facts about New Orleans and other nostalgic moments from the NATA convention.
To kick it off, here are five ways to celebrate with fellow attendees while at convention this year.
1. The 75th NATA Convention Anniversary Celebration
Guests of all ages are welcome to celebrate the NATA convention 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 26.
“Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime event as we celebrate the convention’s diamond anniversary,” said NATA Director of Meeting Management Lori Marker.
More information about the event’s location and details will be provided in the coming weeks.
2. NATA Happy Hour
The NATA Happy Hour, happening 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. June 25 at the Morial Convention Center, is attendees’ first chance to network after arriving in New Orleans. Pick up your convention badge at registration and kick off your convention experience by grabbing a complimentary drink (beer, wine, or non-alcoholic) at the NATA Happy Hour.
“[NATA 2024] registrants can also connect with friends, colleagues and peers at a personal level before we fully kick off the next morning during the first of the daily opening sessions,” Marker said. “We will also have designated meetup spots for groups to allow people to find their tribe, intentionally seek out others in another group of interest to them or just mingle in the ‘middle’ with the masses.”
The groups include ATs in the collegiate setting, ATs in the secondary school setting, ATs in the emerging settings, young professionals and students.
After the NATA Happy Hour, head to your District Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Morial Convention Center to connect at a local level with district friends and receive important updates before heading out to enjoy the city.
3. AT Expo Opening & Closing Celebrations
Taking place 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 26-27 at the Morial Convention Center is the AT Expo. The world’s largest showcase of products and services for the athletic training profession, the AT Expo will celebrate convention with a new twist: opening and closing ceremonies and unrestricted exhibit hours.
Celebrate the opening of the AT Expo and the exhibitors supporting the athletic training profession from 8:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. June 26. Don’t miss the opportunity during the closing ceremony from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. June 27 to thank our exhibitors.
Also, open to all registered attendees, the AT Expo will have unopposed exhibit hours each day.
With dedicated AT Expo time, the tradeshow is the focus, allowing you to walk the show knowing that the AT Expo is the main event,” said Chad Cranford, NATA exhibits manager.
With more than 250 exhibitors and more than 425 exhibit booths, the AT Expo will feature giveaways and ample time to explore the show floor and conduct business.
“The exhibitors are a key cog in the ‘convention wheel;’ come and support the companies that support you and your profession!” Cranford said.
More information on the AT Expo’s opening and closing celebrations will be provided in the coming months.
4. The Day 2 Party
Join us for an unforgettable evening in the Big Easy at our Day 2 Party from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 27! At our exclusive venue, enjoy live entertainment, delicious savory and sweet foods, and an open bar with beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages – all included in your ticket cost. Toast your New Orleans adventure with friends, old and new, with an evening of music, dancing and lifelong memories! Tickets will be available for purchase during the convention registration process.
“The Day 2 Party is a new social engagement opportunity to meet the growing needs of attendees wanting more social, networking and engagement opportunities,” Marker said. “After enjoying the 75th convention celebration Wednesday night, the Day 2 Party is the place to be Thursday night before hitting the town afterward."
5. Daily Breaks
Reconnect with your peers and recharge during the daily breaks throughout NATA 2024. Be sure to keep an eye out for fun activities and surprises!
Where?
“Anywhere, really,” Marker said. The fun and excitement will be scattered in NATA Connect or high-traffic areas.”
Most of the breaks are 30 minutes long, allowing attendees to catch up with friends and make new ones.
“Attendees can connect, while enjoying the exciting and fun surprises we have in store for them,” Marker said. “The connections and discussions that take place in the hallways are some of the most memorable moments per previous convention attendees.”
Dedicated end-of-the-day breaks are also planned to take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This will be an oasis for attendees to rest, socialize, grab dinner or just enjoy free time in what Marker calls the “foodie town” of NOLA, after which they will reconvene at NATA’s evening social event.
For more ways to celebrate convention and to register for NATA 2024, visit the NATA convention website.
