Empowering Leadership: Professional Development at the 55th National Athletic Directors Conference

Empowering Leadership: Professional Development at the 55th National Athletic Directors Conference

Get all the NADC Presentation Materials in this Article:

The 55th National Athletic Directors Conference (NADC), co-hosted by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA), took place December 13-17, 2024, in Austin, Texas. The event highlighted an extensive array of professional development opportunities tailored for athletic directors striving to enhance their leadership skills and administrative practices.

Unparalleled Learning Opportunities

The conference provided an exceptional lineup of 58 Leadership Training Institute (LTI) courses. These courses covered essential topics such as legal issues, marketing, technology integration, sports medicine, and mental health awareness. Designed to meet the evolving needs of athletic administrators, the LTI sessions served as a cornerstone for professional growth.

Additionally, the NADC featured 48 dynamic workshops, addressing challenges and opportunities in interscholastic athletics. Key topics included:

  • Navigating NIL Legislation: Understanding the implications and strategies for high school athletics.
  • Emergency Action Plans: Developing proactive protocols for student-athlete safety.
  • Parent Partnerships: Strengthening collaboration between athletic departments and families.
  • Title IX Updates: Ensuring compliance and fostering equitable athletic programs.
  • Middle and High School Program Alignment: Creating seamless transitions for student-athletes.
  • Leveraging AI in Operations: Exploring innovative tools to enhance efficiency.
  • Mental Health and Wellness: Prioritizing the well-being of student-athletes and staff.

Inspiring Keynotes

The conference featured two motivational keynote speakers who emphasized leadership and character development. Kenyon Salo, a renowned speaker in the fields of inspiration and adventure, opened the event with his energetic address, encouraging attendees to lead with purpose and passion. The Closing General Session showcased Stephen Mackey, founder of 2Words Character Development, who shared actionable insights on fostering resilience and character in sports.

Access All Presentation Materials

For those who attended or missed the conference, all workshop presentation materials are accessible online. Athletic directors are encouraged to visit this link to review and download the invaluable resources shared during the event.

Professional Excellence Recognized

The NADC also celebrated the achievements of athletic directors nationwide, highlighting their contributions to interscholastic athletics and providing a space for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of best practices.

Explore More with Bound

Conference attendees were introduced to Bound, the NIAAA's official scheduling partner. This platform offers solutions to streamline athletic scheduling and department management, enhancing operational efficiency. Click here to learn more about Bound the Official Scheduling Partner of the NIAAA


The 55th National Athletic Directors Conference proved to be an unparalleled platform for professional development, fostering innovation, leadership, and collaboration among interscholastic athletic administrators. By accessing the wealth of presentation materials available online, attendees and their peers can continue to build on the insights and strategies shared at this landmark event.