Special Events
NATA 2024
Keynote Speaker
8 to 8:45 a.m. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26
Justin Wren is a 10-time state champion, five-time All American, two-time national champion wrestler, UFC veteran and Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame member. His MMA record stands at 15-2. Despite his success, he battled never-ending injuries, which led to addiction, depression and attempted suicide. A champion on the outside, but broken within.
After a life-changing experience with Pygmy people of the Congo and Uganda, Wren founded the nonprofit Fight For The Forgotten in 2013, which has provided 52,000 indigenous people with access to clean drinking water, replanted thousands of trees and acquired more than 3,000 acres of land in the name of the tribe spread across 10 villages for 1,800 previously enslaved people. Current projects include housing, education, health care and sustainable livelihoods through community empowerment.
Today, Wren shares his remarkable personal journey of evolution into an astonishing force for good in the world on stages across the country and around the world, teaching others the tools, tactics and techniques to navigate any adversity, find passion and purpose and achieve meaningful impact in life.
75th Convention
Anniversary
Celebration
Anniversary
7:30 TO 9:30 P.M. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26
Join us at Mardi Gras World for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the NATA convention’s diamond anniversary!
This event has everything! Enjoy the grandeur of the Mardi Gras parade float den and beats by DJ OH2, with entertainment from local performers. Stop by the ballroom to enjoy live music from the NOLA Dukes. That’s not all: Don’t miss the epic 75th Convention Anniversary Celebration’s custom drone show at 8:45 p.m.! After the drone show, the fun continues until 9:30 p.m.
Enjoy complimentary sodas and water, with snacks from food trucks, beer and wine available for purchase. Food trucks will feature New Orleans staples, American favorites and sweet treats, too!
The Day Two
Party*
7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 27
Join us for an unforgettable evening in the Big Easy at our Day Two Party at the Fillmore! At our exclusive venue, enjoy live entertainment, delicious savory and sweet foods and an open bar with beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages – all included in the ticket price. Plus, hear from our live entertainment, “The Mixed Nuts”!
The Fillmore is easy to get to- located just one block from our key hotel (Hilton Riverside) at the new Caesars New Orleans (formerly Harrah’s Hotel & Casino).
Your New Orleans adventure awaits, filled with music, dancing and lifelong memories with friends both old and new, so purchase your ticket today!
Adults only (ages 18 and older).
State Leadership Forum (invitation only)
1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 25
The purpose of the State Leadership Forum is to provide state leaders from across the country the opportunity to network with one another, receive training and education specifically tailored to leadership within their state associations, and connect with other states facing similar issues.
NATA Happy Hour
5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 25
Pick up your convention badge at registration and kick off your convention experience by grabbing a drink at the NATA Happy Hour attendee reception from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. June 25 at the Morial Convention Center.
NATA District Meetings
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 25
Hear from your district leadership and connect with peers from your area during the NATA District Meetings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 25.
AT Expo Opening & Closing Celebrations
8:45 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 26
Celebrate the opening of the AT Expo and the exhibitors supporting the athletic training profession from 8:45 to 9 a.m. June 26. Don’t miss the opportunity from 4:30 to 5 p.m. June 27 to thank our exhibitors.
Pickleball and Pints
7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, June 25
The Exchange Pickleball+Bar
Join us for a fantastic night filled with food, drinks and the excitement of pickleball, all while supporting the NATA Foundation. Enjoy food, drinks, open bar with beer/wine and open play pickleball with all necessary equipment.
Purchase your tickets when you register for NATA 2024. Deadline to purchase tickets is June 10.
Learn more on the NATA Foundation website.
NBATA/NATA Blood Drive & National Marrow Donor Program Drive
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, June 26-27
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 28
(Note: Be the Match is now the National Marrow Donor Program)
NATA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 26
The NATA Hall of Fame is the pinnacle of recognition for members, honoring a select group of athletic trainers who have shaped the athletic training profession and exemplified what it means to live a life of service. Join us as we celebrATe the NATA Hall of Fame Class of 2024!
Face Time '24
10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 27
Face Time is a chance for members of NATA to ask questions of leadership. Attend this event and learn more from the leaders of NATA.
Chuck Kimmel Memorial NATAPAC Lunch*
Noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27
The NATA Political Action Committee’s biggest annual fundraiser is now the Chuck Kimmel Memorial NATAPAC Lunch. The event is always one of the most sought-after tickets at the annual convention. Attendees will enjoy a served lunch, a great opportunity to network with peers and an inspiring keynote address, this year delivered by NATA Hall of Fame member and former District Nine Director Marisa Brunett, MS, LAT, ATC.
Daily Opening Sessions
8 to 8:45 a.m. Wednesday through Friday, June 26-28
Each day will kick off with everyone coming together to learn about important association updates from leadership and hear from special guest speakers and entertainment.
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!
*To add an event to your existing registration record, go to https://nata2024.expotracker.net/home.aspx and log in with the email address and password you used to register. Hover over the blue “edit” button across from Registration Fees and click on Sessions & Events. Click the Next button at the bottom of the page to the Special Activities page, add desired event(s), then click Next until you reach the payment page. Note: Selections are not confirmed until paid in full.
Town Halls
3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 26
Council on Practice Advancement Town Hall
Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee Town Hall
Intercollegiate Council for Sports Medicine Town Hall
2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27
LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee Town Hall
Government Affairs Committee Town Hall
Early Professionals’ Committee/Career Advancement Committee Town Hall
ATs Care Town Hall
3 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27
AT EducATionalist Town Hall
Secondary School Athletic Trainers’ Committee Town Hall
Level Up! Theatre
Opportunities exist throughout the day to enrich your convention experience with the return of the popular Level Up! Theatre. During 30-minute breaks in convention programming, the Level Up! Theatre will feature 10-minute presentations by thought leaders in the profession on hot topics in athletic training.
Wednesday, June 26
11:05 to 11:15 a.m.
“NATA Beat: The Pulse on AT Advocacy”
NATA Government Affairs Director Amy Callender and NATA State Government Affairs Senior Manager Deanna Kuykendall
2:20 to 2:30 p.m.
“AI: What Does It Mean for Future of AT?”
Michelle Odai, PhD, LAT, ATC, and Daniella Eiroa, DAT, LAT, ATC
3:45 to 3:55 p.m.
“The Roadmap to Leadership: How To Get Involved as a Volunteer”
Dani Moffit, PhD, LAT, ATC
Thursday, June 27
10:05 to 10:15 a.m.
“Leading With Civility and Kindness”
Matthew Kutz, PhD, ATC, CSCS
1:50 to 2 p.m.
“Generational Leadership”
NATA District Six Director Scott Galloway, MBA, LAT, ATC
3:15 to 3:25 p.m.
“Membership Has Its Perks”
NATA Association Project Manager Katie Scott, ATC, CAE
Friday, June 28
10:05 to 10:15 a.m.
“Why Third Party Reimbursement Matters to Me”
NATA Third Party Reimbursement Initiative Facilitator Joe Greene, MS, ATC
11:30 to 11:40 a.m.
“AT4Me and You”
NATA External Marketing Manager Gina Hethcock