2025 NAfME Eastern Division Conference

Advocate! Elevate! Celebrate!

2025 NAfME Eastern Division Conference

April 24-27, 2025

Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT

Keynote Speakers

Dr. Miguel Cardona – Friday, April 25th

Dr. Miguel Cardona most recently served as the 12th U.S. Secretary of Education under President Biden. With over 27 years in education, he has championed equity and access, from teaching fourth grade to leading America’s education system. Cardona’s key initiatives include academic recovery post-pandemic, mental health support, global competitiveness, and making college more affordable. Under his leadership, U.S. schools reopened successfully, $185 billion in student debt was forgiven, and student loan systems were reformed. His tenure saw record growth in student reading achievement, expanded apprenticeships for aspiring teachers, and increased school mental health resources. A first-generation college graduate, Cardona’s journey from bilingual educator to national leader exemplifies the power of public education. He holds multiple degrees from the University of Connecticut and Central Connecticut State University. Secretary Cardona and his wife Marissa, also an educator, are proud parents of two college students.

Susan L. Smith – Saturday, April 26th

Susan L. Smith has taught general, choral, and instrumental music at the elementary through collegiate levels in Florida, Virginia, and Alabama and has served as an author, clinician, conductor, and adjudicator across the United States. She is the Southern Division President of the National Association for Music Education and was formerly an Assistant Professor of Music Education at Troy University. She is the Past President of the Alabama Music Educators Association and the current faculty advisor for the Troy cNAfME Chapter. Smith is the current Chair of the NAfME Collegiate Advisory Council and a member of the Professional Development Committee. Her previous appointment was as Director of Bands at the Saint James School in Montgomery AL. The Saint James Band consistently received Superior ratings in Concert, Jazz and Marching Band events including the Alabama Music Performance Assessment, Smoky Mountain Music Festival, and Bands of America Super Regional and Grand National Championships. Currently Smith is the President/CEO of RWS Music Company – an educational music publisher created by her late husband, Robert W. Smith. Smith has presented clinics at many state, national, and regional NAfME conferences. Smith has presented at the Midwest Clinic multiple times and performed as a member of the Alabama Winds, an adult community band comprised of Alabama music educators. As its first coordinator, she launched the Chamber Music National Festival at the Music for All National Festival, presented by Yamaha, and is a co-founder of the Mind the Gap Webinar and Podcast for young and preservice music educators. Her professional affiliations include Phi Beta Mu, The National Association for Music Education, Alabama Music Educators Association, Florida Music Educators Association, Alabama Bandmasters Association, Sigma Alpha Iota, Phi Beta Kappa, and the National Band Association. Smith is in demand as a clinician, conductor, and adjudicator throughout the country. She has conducted honor bands in multiple states including University of Alabama Honor Band, Samford University Honor Band, Marshall University Honor Band, and Midfest at UGA as well as District Honor Bands in Alabama, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, and Kentucky.

---

2025 Tri-M Day

The Tri-M Music Honor Society Student Leadership event promises a day of inspiration and skill-building. The day features leadership training with Scott Sheehan, advocacy guidance from Deb Confredo, and a closing session with Hannah Cole. In between, students will participate in breakout sessions focused on chapter organization, service opportunities (including MIOSM), and creating service project videos, focusing on practical advocacy skills. Join us for a day of connection!

Registration for Tri-M Day is required (conference registration NOT required)

Tri-M Students and Advisors Register HERE – $20!

Register for Tri-M Day

---

2025 Eastern Division Conference Registration

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

REGISTRATION TYPES AND PRICING

REGISTRATION TYPE	MEMBER	NON-MEMBER
Early Bird (Before March 1, 2025) Full Conference	$250	$350
Full Conference (After March 1, 2025)	$275	$375
One-Day Conference Registration	$175	$275
Retired Members	$40
Collegiate Members	$40

Exhibitor registration also open through March 30, 2025.

Please direct any questions to the Eastern Division Conference Chair, Hannah Fraser, at easterndivisionconference@cmea.org.