Preparing for the National Flute Association Convention

Founded in 1972, the National Flute Association (NFA) is the largest community for flutists in the world. It boasts around 3,000 members from all fifty states and over forty countries, provides numerous online events throughout the year, publishes the acclaimed magazine The Flutist Quarterly, maintains a repertoire guide and flute music database, continually commissions new music, runs a young artist mentorship program, and offers numerous scholarships for its members. The largest offering of the NFA, however, is their annual four-day convention held at various locations across the United States. The convention, which is the largest gathering of flutists in the world, celebrates all things flute, hosts numerous competitions for all ages, and offers participants opportunities to hear a variety of new music, standards, and old treasures of the repertoire. This year, the 52nd Annual NFA Convention will be held in San Antonio, Texas from August 1-4, 2024.  

This will be my third NFA Convention, and I’m excited to catch up with friends, hear new music, learn more about our instrument, and hopefully make some new connections! If you’re also going this year, here are some tips I’ve learned to best prepare to get the most out of your experience! 

Plan Ahead

1. Before you arrive, decide for yourself what you want to get out of the convention. Do you want to start looking for a new instrument? Do you want to find repertoire ideas for your next recital? Do you want to make new connections? Whatever you decide, make a plan as to how you’ll accomplish those goals. 
2. There are 60 exhibitors that will be at the NFA Convention this year. I highly recommend reviewing the exhibitors and making a list of what you’d like to purchase. Make sure to leave room in your luggage so you have enough space to bring back what you buy! (P.S. Many exhibitors offer discounts on music at the Convention, making it the perfect time to stock up.)
3. Review the program book and download the NFA Guidebook App. Getting an overview of all the events before you arrive and selecting which ones you want to attend can save you a lot of time once you get to San Antonio. I’ve found the app especially useful as you can access the program book, view maps of the venue, and create your own personal itinerary all in one place. 
4. Speaking of maps, I also recommend familiarizing yourself with the convention center before you arrive. I personally like knowing where I’m going before I get there – it reduces my stress levels! 

What to Pack

1. Professional Dress – You never know what opportunity might come out of meeting someone new or chatting with an old friend. As such, it’s important you always present yourself professionally! 
2. Layers – Even though the convention is in Texas in August, the convention center might be really cold. It never hurts to bring a light sweater you can throw on while inside and take off while outside! 
3. Comfortable Walking Shoes – Walking from event to event and perhaps from your hotel to the convention center can start to put stress on your feet! 
4. Water Bottle – Stay hydrated and avoid spending money on bottled water by bringing your own water bottle. Most convention centers have water stations and fountains throughout that you can use to refill. 
5. Snacks –  Bring your favorite snacks along with you for quick on-the-go energy! 
6. Portable Charger – A portable charger is always good to have on long days! 
7. Portable Music Stand – If you participate in any open group playing opportunities, stands will likely not be available. 
8. Notebook – Using a physical notebook to take notes can have a lot of benefits. Using a pen and paper helps you stay more focused as opposed to using your phone, which can easily become a distraction. You can also jot down repertoire you enjoyed (or didn’t enjoy), write down names of people you meet (tip: if you pair a name with a distinguishing fact about the person, it may help you remember their name more easily!), and it can serve as a souvenir down the road to help you remember how much fun you had at the Convention ;). 

Other Tips

1. Consider Volunteering at the Convention – Volunteering is a great way to get to know people and give back to the organization. As an added bonus, the NFA offers a $15 voucher for every three shifts or each competition you volunteer for, with no limit as to how many events you can serve. 
2. Practice your Elevator Pitch – You’ll meet a lot of people in elevators, waiting outside of rooms, in the exhibit halls, etc. Some convention-goers are super chatty and excited to meet as many new people as possible, and you’ll want to have your elevator pitch practiced and ready to go to make some new connections. I also recommend having a few conversation starters ready to go when it gets *slightly* awkward. Questions like “is this your first NFA convention?,” or “how long have you been playing the flute?” are two of my favorites! 

If you’re also headed to San Antonio this year, let me know! I’d love to meet you!