Champions for Transformation
September 11–12, 2023 Pre-Conference
September 13–14, 2023 Main Conference
September 15, 2023 Post-Conference
You help students navigate their unique paths to success. We help you navigate yours!
This year's conference theme Champions for Transformation: Innovating, Growing, Enrolling...Together! is a rallying cry for us to celebrate you, our Members, and the important role you play in independent schools. As true champions in our industry, you serve as a collective commitment to societal change through education.
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to come together and advance our profession and industry. Network with your enrollment management colleagues, boost your professional acumen and get new innovative ideas to elevate your strategic plans in the new academic year ahead.
Together, let's champion transformational education journeys. Join over 1,000 of your enrollment management colleagues live and in-person in September — secure your spot today!
.webp)
New Schedule for 2023!
The days of the week for the Annual Conference have shifted slightly from past years. The opening reception is now Tuesday evening with the main conference taking place Wednesday and Thursday.
AC23 Speakers
Driving Sustainable Growth: Transforming Your Enrollment Management Strategy
Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Heather Hoerle will kick off AC23 by sharing the Enrollment Management Association's latest industry research, the national trends shaping the independent school landscape, and the work we must do now as enrollment management professionals to achieve our strategic goals and achieve success in the new year and beyond.
How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times
Mónica Guzmán is a bridge builder, journalist, and author who lives for great conversations sparked by curious questions. Her new book, “I Never Thought of it That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times” was featured on the Glenn Beck Podcast and named a New York Times recommended read. A Mexican immigrant, Latina, and dual US/Mexico citizen, she lives in Seattle with her husband and two kids and is the proud liberal daughter of conservative parents.
The Importance of Mattering
Jennifer took a hard look at the rising rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide that we are facing today. She concluded that mattering is shockingly absent from our society – from individual households, schools, workplaces, and entire communities. Throughout her book, Never Enough: When Achievement Pressure Becomes Toxic – and What We Can Do About It, she explores everyone's innate desire to matter.
.png)
Musician, Author, Internationally Acclaimed Conflict Navigator, Compelling Unifier, and Klan Whisperer
How do you build understanding, calm fear, and put an end to hate and racism? One conversation at a time! Daryl Davis is a renowned blues and rock musician who’s toured the world playing with musical greats including 32 years as Chuck Berry’s piano player. But Daryl’s obsession is more serious. He’s a bridge-builder who’s engaged leaders of the KKK and White supremacist groups face to face to ask a question: “How can you hate me when you don’t even know me?”
Early Bird Registration is Now Open!
Attend in person to learn from inspiring keynotes, transformative breakout sessions, meetups, affinity spaces, and more.
Pre-Conference Workshops
Monday, September 11 & Tuesday, September 12
Admission Training Institute (ATI)
Are you a new admission associate with 0-3 years of experience?
Now more than ever before it will be critical to make sure the whole admission team is equipped with the best network, knowledge, and skills to help meet your school’s enrollment goals. New associates will have the chance to connect with peers from other schools, learn from industry experts, and benefit from the wisdom of experienced directors.
ALL-STAR FACULTY INCLUDE:
- David Baker, Director of Admission & Financial Aid at St. Mark’s School of Texas (TX)
- Jeffrey Beaton, Chief Enrollment Manager at Choate Rosemary Hall School (CT)
- Anne E. Behnke, Director of Admission at St. Mark’s School (MA)
- Steve Brown, Director of Financial Aid & Institutional Research at The Lovett School (GA)
- David Darby, Assistant Head: Enrollment Management at Lakefield College School (ON)
- Molly Dorais, Director of Admission and Financial Aid at Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CO)
- Amy Graham, Dean of Enrollment Management at Stevenson School (CA)
- Jasmine B. Harris, Ed.D., Head of School for Academics and Programs at TMI Episcopal (TX)
- Donnie Smith, Director of Admissions, Redwood Day (CA)
FUTURE LEADERS (FL)
The Future Leaders program will focus on strategic leadership and building a career based on your goals and interests. Essentially a leadership bootcamp, Future Leaders will help you decide what your next step will be in your career. A director of financial aid? A director of admission or perhaps even a head of school? We're here to help you take the next step!
Join us in September and then continue the strategic learning all year through our mentor program.
ALL-STAR FACULTY INCLUDE:
- Christian Donovan - Head of School, Baltimore Friends School (MD)
- Quentin McDowell - Head of School, Mercersburg Academy (PA)
- Jill Thompson - Director of Admission at Phillips Academy (MA)
Admission Director Institute (ADI)
Are you a new admission director with 0–3 years of experience?
On average, tuition revenue accounts for 79%* of the operating budget of independent schools. And now everyone is looking to you as the new leader of the office responsible for that. You’ll need advanced skills, perspectives, data, and connections to move your school forward.
Partnering with your head of school and board, forecasting and projecting with your CFO, and building long-term enrollment management and financial strategies are key skills you will begin to develop at ADI. Over two days, you will hear from industry keynote speakers, learn from seasoned admission directors, and collaborate with fellow new directors. *National Business Officers Association
ALL-STAR FACULTY INCLUDE:
- Brad Brown - Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management at Trinity School (GA)
- Matti Donkor - Senior Associate Director of Admission, Phillips Exeter Academy (NH)
- Peter Frew - Director of Admissions at The Taft School (CT)
- Andrew Weller - Dean of Enrollment and Strategic Marketing at St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School (VA)
- Wellesley L. Wilson - Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, Lakeside School (WA)
Post-Conference Workshops
NEW this year! Join your peers for rich content, action-oriented learning in one of our Post-Conference 3-hour workshops. Some of our topics include Secondary School Counseling, Tuition and Financial Strategy, Culture and Belonging (DEIJB) and Making the Most with Your Data. Learn from your peers, network with colleagues and bring back actionable strategies for your team and school.
Stay tuned for the announcement coming soon of our recipients for the Bretnall Gourley, Rising Star, and Change Maker EMA Awards.
.webp)
Thank You to Our Conference Sponsors
.png){kind=logo}
.png){kind=logo}
Interested in Becoming a Sponsor?
Viva Las Vegas!
Planning on attending EMA's Annual Conference 2023? Our transformational journey extends beyond the conference hall into lively Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Red Rock Resort is nestled amongst the gateway and stunning views of Red Rock Canyon and yet just 14 short miles from the Strip, offering you the best of both worlds! The resort also has access to a range of entertainment and restaurants to choose from, making AC23’s conference location possible to take both learning and fun seriously!
The Red Rock Spa will offer EMA Annual Conference attendees a 20% discount off spa treatments. If you would like to book an appointment, please email the following spa managers directly.
Isabella Casanova: icasanova@rr-spa.com
Janae Marzan: jmarzan@rr-spa.com