Thrive 2025 Program

This schedule is subject to change and will be updated with additional programming. All times listed are Central Time.  

  • Pre-registration Required (): Attendees must purchase or reserve a ticket for this programming through registration. Some events that require tickets have an additional cost (); some don't have an additional cost. Tickets may be available on-site if space is available.
  • Sign-up Required: This programming is free for conference attendees, but you must sign up using the online form on the website or in the app to attend.
     
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26
7:00 AM–6:00 PM

Registration Open
8:15 AM–3:30 PM

Heads’ Summit

(Pre-registration required)
8:30 AM–12:30 PM

School Visits

(Pre-registration required)
10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Optional Group Activities

  • 2-hour guided tour of the National Museum of African American Music (FULL)
  • 2-hour self-guided tour of the Country Music Hall of Fame
  • 1-hour guided tour of Hatch Show Print
(Pre-registration required)
1:00–4:00 PM

Three-Hour Workshop Block

  • Three-Hour Workshops
  • Leading With Experience Workshops
  • Klingenstein Seminar 
(Pre-registration required)
4:00–5:15 PM

Pre-Conference Workshop Block
5:15–6:15 PM

First-Time Attendee Meet & Greet
6:30 PM

Dine-Arounds

(Sign-up required)
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27
7:00–8:00 AM

Run/Walk/Yoga
7:00 AM–6:00 PM

Registration Open
7:30–8:45 AM

President’s Breakfast

(Pre-registration required)
8:00–8:45 AM

Signature Experience Breakfast

(Signature Experience attendees only)
9:00–10:30 AM

Opening General Session with Sekou Andrews

  • 9:15–9:25 AM: Student Performance
  • 9:25–9:40 AM: NAIS Welcome
  • 9:40–10:30 AM: Keynote Speaker
10:30–11:15 AM

The Quad Opening Ceremony

  • Free Coffee and Snacks
  • Performances
  • Giveaways
10:30 AM–4:30 PM

The Quad Open

  • Teach with Tech (10:30–11:00 AM, 11:15–11:45 AM, 12:00–12:30 PM, 12:45–1:15 PM)
11:15 AM–12:30 PM

Workshop Block A
11:15 AM–1:30 PM

Signature Experiences

  • Day 1 Session with Lunch Included
(Pre-registration required)
12:30–1:30 PM

Lunch

  • Complimentary Lunch in The Quad
12:45–1:30 PM

Book Signing with Amanda Ripley

  • NAIS Central in The Quad
1:30–2:45 PM

Workshop Block B
2:45–3:15 PM

Afternoon Coffee Break in The Quad
3:15–4:30 PM

Workshop Block C
5:00–7:00 PM

President’s Welcome Reception
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28
7:00–8:00 AM

Run/Walk/Yoga
7:00 AM–3:00 PM

Registration Open
9:15–10:30 AM

General Session with Shankar Vedantam

  • 9:15–9:25 AM: Student Performance
  • 9:25–9:40 AM: NAIS Welcome
  • 9:40–10:30 AM: Keynote Speaker
10:30–11:15 AM

The Quad Open House

  • Free Coffee and Snacks
  • Performances
  • Giveaways
  • Idea Exchange Poster Session
10:30–11:15 AM

Book Signing with Shankar Vedantam

  • NAIS Central in The Quad
10:30 AM–3:00 PM

The Quad Open
11:15 AM–12:30 PM

Workshop Block D
11:15 AM–1:30 PM

Signature Experiences

  • Day 2 Session with Lunch Included
(Pre-registration required)
12:30–1:00 PM

Book Signing with Rob Evans and Michael Thompson

  • NAIS Central in The Quad
12:30–1:30 PM

Lunch

  • Complimentary Lunch in The Quad
  • Idea Exchange Poster Session
1:30–2:45 PM

Workshop Block E
3:00–3:45 PM

NAIS Thrive Talks: Closing Ceremony

  • Brenda Leaks
  • Grant Lichtman
  • Liza Talusan