Special Events & Receptions
53rd Annual NFA Convention
August 7-10, 2025 | Hyatt Regency Atlanta
Special Events & Receptions
Don't miss these opportunities to mix, mingle, and celebrate.
The convention schedule is subject to change. Click here to view the full convention schedule.
Myrna Brown Dine-Around
Thursday | 5:45–7:30pm | Meet at NFA Registration Desk (Hyatt Regency Atlanta)
Are you looking to extend your social connections during the NFA convention? Join us for the Myrna Brown Dine-Around, a special opportunity for convention attendees to network and meet new friends. These community meals are open to all convention guests—first-timers, regular attendees, students, and professionals—and allow flutists from all walks of life to connect over dinner. Meet at the NFA Registration Desk at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Hotel/Convention Center.
FluteCONNECT: Flutists Mixer
Friday | 10:15pm-12am | Twenty-Two Storys Lobby Bar (Hyatt Regency Atlanta)
Meet and mingle with other flutists in the bar at Hyatt Regency Hotel Atlanta. Cash bar, light bites.
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Gala Awards Reception
Saturday | 5:30-7:30pm | International Ballroom, LL1
Ticket Required - Purchase in Advance
July 24 Update: This event is filling up quickly! If you plan to attend, please purchase your ticket in advance by July 29. Walk-up tickets in Atlanta will be extremely limited.
The NFA Annual Gala Awards reception honors this year’s 2025 award recipients: Lillian Burkart and Sheryl Cohen, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Zart Dombourian-Eby, receiving both the Lifetime Achievement and Distinguished Service Awards. The celebration will include hors-d'oeuvres, a southern-themed buffet, a cash bar, and live music.
This is a ticketed event. Tickets must be purchased when you register for the convention. Admission is NOT included with your convention registration. Prices available here. Please contact Mily Harrod with questions.
The NFA Lounge
Exhibit Hall | Booth 255
Drop by the NFA Lounge to chat with special guests from the NFA! This is the perfect opportunity to meet our staff and volunteers and learn more about how to get involved with the organization.
Thursday
11am - 12pm | Jennifer Grim, NFA President12 - 1pm | Francesca Arnone, NFA Vice President
1-2pm | Mariana Gariazzo and Cristina Ballatori, 2025 Program Chair and Assistant Program Chair
2-3pm | Kim Goodman, NFA Board member/secretary; flutist and arts administrator
3-4pm | Michael Williams, NFA Development Manager - learn about the NFA's fundraising efforts and how you can get involved!
4-5pm | Jenny Clarke, NFA Executive Director
Friday
10-11am | Patti Adams, visual artist and flutist, designer of NFA "Flute Family" poster. Get your poster signed and learn about how Patti balances a double career as an orchestral flutist and visual artist.11am - 12pm | Daniel Pardo and Ana Paola Rincones, 2026 Program Chair & Assistant Program Chair
12 - 1pm | Hal Ide - Get your 2025 convention poster signed by the artist himself!
1-2pm | Michael Williams and Jennifer Elliott, NFA Development Manager and incoming Chair of the Development Committee - learn about the NFA's fundraising efforts and how you can get involved!
2-3pm | Karissa Krenz, Chat with the NFA Publications Director about your ideas for Flutist Quarterly
4-5pm | Francesca Arnone, NFA Vice President
Saturday
10-11am | Michael Williams and Jennifer Elliott, NFA Development Manager and Chair of the Development Committee - learn about the NFA's fundraising efforts and how you can get involved!11am - 12pm | Jennifer Grim, NFA President
1-2pm | Robert Rabinowitz -- Talk to Robert about how you listen (as a follow-up to his Flutist Quarterly article!)
2-3pm | Julee Kim Walker, past NFA Secretary, drop by for career mentorship in performance, arts admin, teaching/higher ed, and more!
3-4pm | Mariana Gariazzo and Cristina Ballatori, 2025 Program Chair and Assistant Program Chair
4-5pm | Katherine Borst Jones, NFA Past President, Life Member
Sunday
10-11am | Karissa Krenz - Chat with the NFA Publications Director about your ideas for Flutist Quarterly11am-1pm | Daniel Pardo and Ana Paola Rincones, 2026 Program Chair & Assistant Program Chair
1-2pm | Jennifer Grim, NFA President