Champions for Transformation

September 11–12, 2023 Pre-Conference

September 13–14, 2023 Main Conference

September 15, 2023 Post-Conference

September 11–12, 2023  |  Pre-Conference
September 12–14, 2023  |  Main Conference
September 15, 2023  |  Post-Conference

EMA's 2023 Annual Conference

You help students navigate their unique paths to success. We help you navigate yours!

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.

Monday 9/11 & Tuesday 9/12
Pre-Conference Workshops
Tuesday 9/12
Opening Reception
Wednesday 9/13 & Thursday 9/14
Main Conference
Friday 9/15
Post-Conference Workshops
Champions For Transformation Innovating, Growing, Enrolling… Together!

AC23 Speakers

Heather Hoerle: Opening Remarks
Heather Hoerle

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.

Mónica Guzmán: Keynote Speaker
Mónica Guzmán

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.

Jennifer Wallace: Keynote Speaker
Jennifer Wallace

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.

Daryl Davis: Keynote Speaker
Daryl Davis

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?”

Registration is Now Open!

Attend in person to learn from inspiring keynotes, transformative breakout sessions, meetups, affinity spaces, and more.

Member Rate
September 13-14

$1395
Includes:
In-Person Attendance
Receptions & Networking
Live Keynotes
Concurrent Sessions
Award Presentations
Sponsor Hall
Meetups
Affinity Spaces
Breakfasts & Lunches
Add-Ons Available:
Additional In-Person Attendee
Pre-Conference Workshop (Sep 11-12)
Post-Conference Workshop (Sep 15)

Note: Conference hotel is sold out.
See more info about overflow hotel.

Get Social

Stay in the loop with all things #EMAAC23 by following us on LinkedIn.

AC23

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, CEO/Founder, Steve Brown Academy (GA)
  • David Darby, Assistant Head: Enrolment 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.

2023 Recipients of the Bretnall Gourley, Rising Star, and Change Maker EMA Awards

Thank You to Our Conference Sponsors

Interested in Becoming a Sponsor?

The Red Rock Resort is now sold out.

Please contact A Room With A View for information about the official designated EMA overflow hotel.

They will secure the lowest available rates at the best available hotels within a short distance to The Red Rock Resort.

A Room With A View can be reached at 1-800-780-4343.

817-453-8038 (International & Canada) or online at reservations@aroomwithaview.net

(Always include your arrival & departure dates)

This is a FREE service for all EMA attendees.

Should rooms become available in the EMA group block at The Red Rock Resort, A Room with A View will be contacting attendees to see if they would like to transfer back.