The Convention will take place at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, TX (900 East Market Street) from August 1st - 4th, 2024. 

The Convention is for anyone who loves playing, studying, listening to, or being around the flute. Flutists of all ages and performance levels attend the convention year after year to hear their favorite performers, learn new music, and meet like-minded friends. 

An NFA Membership is required to register for the convention. 

The NFA is committed to meeting the accessibility needs of all convention participants. We have compiled accessibility information on the convention on nfaonline.org/accessibility (link opens in new window). 

Each year, hundreds of NFA members propose to give a performance, lecture, or workshop at the convention. Proposals are reviewed with a number of criteria in mind, including potential interest to convention attendees and alignment with that year's convention theme. 

The 2024 proposal process closed in October, 2023, and we are no longer accepting submissions. We encourage you to consider submitting a proposal for our 2025 Convention in Atlanta, GA. Announcements will be made on social media and through our email list. 

There are a few options:

We offer a lower-income registration rate. This rate is available to anyone who holds a lower-income NFA membership.

All NFA members are invited to take advantage of our payment plans; these allow you to pay off your registration fee in installments over several months.

If you are unable to afford registration, you are invited to apply for a Convention Registration Scholarship (applications open in March). These scholarships are awarded based on financial need and interest (regardless of age or playing ability), and recipients will not be made public. 

We also have some part-time paid work at convention registration to help offset expenses. Information will be available soon. 

Yes, you can sign up for playing opportunities in the opening and closing event flute orchestras or the adult amateur flute choir. Sign up when you register for the convention (limited slots - register early!).

A cherished NFA tradition takes place on Sunday at the closing ceremony. Bring your flute and join thousands of flutists playing the Bach Air. 

There are also some open masterclasses and other sessions where you can play. Check out the full schedule for details - coming soon.

Yes! The 2024 and 2025 Assistant Program Chairs will welcome first-time attendees at a Welcome Orientation on Thursday at 11am. 

Also plan on joining the Myrna Brown Dine-Around on Thursday to connect with other flutists over a community dinner a local restaurant.

Yes - The Gala Awards Cocktail Reception will be a wonderful celebration of flutists who have contributed so much to our field. At this event, we will present the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Awards to Trudy Kane and David Straubinger, and the Distinguished Service Award to Leonard Garrison. 

This ticketed event will feature light refreshments, a cash bar, live music, and the awards presentation. Tickets are $60 (regular), $40 (students & NFA lower income members), and $100 (sponsor). Purchase your tickets in advance when you register, as they will sell out. 

The program book and schedule is now available here. 

Please check this page or the Guidebook Convention App when you are in San Antonio to make sure you have the most accurate schedule. 

We're here to help. Please contact Mily Harrod, NFA Membership Manager, at mharrod@nfaonline.org, or call our office at 312-332-6682. 

To ensure that all participants in the NFA convention have a positive and collaborative experience, the NFA expects that community members will:

• Be considerate and respectful to all community members.

• Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, abusive, or harassing behavior, materials, and speech.

• Speak up if they observe anything at an event that conflicts with this Code of Conduct. If you are being harassed or feel uncomfortable, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact the Executive Director at jclarke@nfaonline.org or another member of the NFA staff or Board of Directors immediately. Possible consequences of violation of the code of conduct include removal from the convention or notification to the authorities.

RULES AND POLICIES

• The first two rows of each convention room are designated priority seating for attendees with disabilities. Please consider refraining from using these rows, and if you are seated in this area, please be prepared to offer your seat if another attendee requires it.
• Please be courteous to the performers and those around you when taking photographs at concerts or presentations. Ensure that your camera’s flash and any associated sounds (e.g., from a cell phone) are turned off.
• Audio and video recording of convention concerts and presentations is discouraged, unless the person recording:
  • a) will not block the view of any person in the audience, create noise, or otherwise interrupt, disturb, disrupt, or delay the performance or presentation being recorded
  • b) will not use said recording for any copyright infringing or other illegal purpose or for any purpose that would be detrimental to the NFA;
• Please silence all electronic devices before performances or presentations.
• In accordance with NFA policy, refrain from applause at all competition events.
• Rehearsals will take place in the performance halls between events. Please do not disturb them. Doors will open 15 minutes prior to the event.
• Observe any COVID safety protocols posted at the convention locations, including the exhibit hall.
• Please refrain from practicing in hotel rooms after 9:00pm.
• Please observe policies as a courtesy to all the performers and attendees.

Yes! Logo files and use guidelines are available for download here. 

If you have questions about using our logo, please contact Noah Cline at ncline@nfaonline.org

Yes - an NFA membership is required to register for the NFA convention. Become a member at nfaonline.org/membership

Online registration ended on Friday, July 26th. We welcome on-site registrations at the NFA Registration Desk in San Antonio. Registration hours and other information can be found here. 

Yes! We offer a lowered registration rate for non-flutist guests. You add your guest directly onto your registration.

If your guest is under 8, then they are free. Please contact Mily Harrod (mharrod@nfaonline.org), to process under 8 registrations.

If your presentation/performance includes a non-flutist, they will receive a complimentary single-day registration for the day they will be participating at the convention. Please email Mily Harrod (mharrod@nfaonline.org) to process this.

You can register your group using this form (note there are no discounts for group registrations, but we have a 50% discount for group memberships): https://www.nfaonline.org/convention/HomePage/registration/group-registration

The Convention Program Book, including the complete schedule, is available here. Be sure to consult the list of addenda on that page for schedule changes. 

You can also download the Guidebook Convention App, which includes the most up-to-date schedule, performer bios, recital programs, and more. 

Reach out to Mily Harrod, NFA Membership Manager, at mharrod@nfaonline.org

Go to the registration area in the main lobby and pick up your convention badge. You need a badge to enter any convention activities, including the exhibit hall.  While at the registration desk, you can also pick up a printed convention program book - the information is also available on the Guidebook app.

The exhibit hall is right next to registration, so you can easily visit any time you enter the convention center. It's also right next to the escalator going to all other NFA sessions for easy access throughout the day. Experts from 60+ flute-related companies will be available to show you their products and answer any questions.

Yes - come and visit the "NFA lounge" to pick up merchandise and give-aways. Hang out in the NFA lounge and attend some of our special "office hour" sessions with special guests.

The NFA Bulletin Board is a place for you to post individual advertisements and notices. There will be two bulletin boards this year - one at the registration area and one in the Exhibit Hall (in the NFA Lounge). Bring your notices, of any kind, to either or both locations.

The exhibit hall is open from 10am - 5:30pm Thurs/Fri/Sat, and 10am-3pm on Sunday. The hall is closed to everyone (except exhibitors) outside of these hours. 

Yes, there is an instrument security room with a security guard where you can leave your instrument. It is open 24 hours. Note that all instruments must be collected by 9pm on Sunday, August 4th.

Yes! They are available at the registration desk. A digital copy of the program book is available here.

Yes - The Gala Awards Cocktail Reception will be a wonderful celebration of flutists who have contributed so much to our field. At this event, we will present the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Awards to Trudy Kane and David Straubinger, and the Distinguished Service Award to Leonard Garrison. 

This ticketed event will feature light refreshments, a cash bar, live music, and the awards presentation. Tickets are $60 (regular), $40 (students & NFA lower income members), and $100 (sponsor). Purchase your tickets when you register, as they will sell out. 

Saturday, 5:15pm - 7:15pm

Yes - room 2137 of the Henry B. González Convention Center can be used for nursing. 

Many of our guests choose to come to the convention alone - and leave feeling closer to their flute community. The convention is what you make of it, but there are a few events that might be of special interest to those arriving solo:

Our first piece of advice is to review the schedule and seek out events and sessions that interest you. We especially encourage you to consider participatory events, such as joining our opening and closing flute orchestras (sign up when you register, or email Mily Harrod at mharrod@nfaonline.org).

There is a welcome orientation (Thursday, 11-11:50am, Room 214D) for both new guests and returners alike. The orientation will be an overview of this year's convention and a chance to meet other guests. 

If you'd like to share a meal with fellow convention guests, consider attending the Myrna Brown Dine-Around on Thursday evening. This community meal is open to all convention guests - meet at the registration desk at 5:45pm, and the group will walk to an off-site restaurant. 

Yes - opening hours are as follows (*subject to change - closing times will be determined by volume of business. Please check with individual restaurants for their hours):

Wednesday, 7/31

Market - 7:30am
El Puente - 7:30am
Grab and Go - 9am
Mural Café - 10am – 2nd floor near Room 213/Park View Registration
Broken Crust - 10am   

Thursday, 8/1

Market - 7:30am
El Puente Cafe - 7:30am
Grab and Go - 9am
Mural Café - 10am - 2nd floor near Room 213/Park View Registration
Broken Crust - 10am  

Friday, 8/2

Market - 7:30am
El Puente - 7:30am
Grab and Go - 9am
Mural Café - 10am - 2nd floor near Room 213/Park View Registration
Broken Crust - 10am  

Saturday, 8/3

Market - 7:30am
El Puente - 7:30am
Grab and Go - 9am
Mural Café - 10am - 2nd floor near Room 213/Park View Registration
Broken Crust - 10am  

Sunday, 8/4

Schedule TBD

You can find all the information here.

Start by reading the Rules and Regulations document for information. You can find the forms to reserve your spot on our website here. Note the deadlines for each step of the process.

If you have any questions, contact the Convention Director, Daniel Pozzebon: dpozzebon@nfaonline.org.

The loading dock comes right to the exhibit hall on street level.

For small exhibitors with one booth and limited material, you can walk your materials into the hall from the main lobby.

You must have a convention badge to enter the exhibit hall so you must visit registration first (open on Wednesday from 9:00 am).

No - you can bring your own folding table and chairs, table cloths, small rug, etc. It will save a lot of money if you bring these items yourself (note the pricing costs for load-in of materials).

Information on how to purchase will be in the exhibitor kit. Note that these services are provided by the convention center and prices are not negotiable.

We recommend, for small companies, that you do not use electricity at your booth and use a wifi hot-spot from your phone, if possible. This will reduce your costs significantly.

NO. There will be carpeting in the aisles. If you require carpeting at your booth, you will need to rent it from the decorating company or bring it with you (note the pricing costs for load-in of materials).

Your booth will be listed on a sign at the entrance of the exhibit hall, in the convention program book, and in the Guidebook app.

You can also advertise in the program book, in the NFA newsletter, or you can send out a dedicated e-blast. You can find the information and submit an order for your advertisement online at nfaonline.org/advertising. If you have any questions, contact advertising@nfaonline.org.

The deadline for ad reservations and art was on May 1st, 2024. If you are still hoping to promote your booth, we encourage you to consider our other advertising options. 

NFA Commercial Membership accounts have to be setup by our staff and linked to at least one individual account. Please contact our Convention Associate, Aydan Hensley, at ahensley@nfaonline.org to setup an account and login. Once you are logged in, you will be able to toggle between your personal NFA profile and your company profile. Exhibitors will need to be acting from their company profile to purchase commercial membership and complete the exhibitor contract. Please note, your personal profile does not need to have an NFA membership in order for you to exhibit; only the company profile needs a membership.

Daniel Pozzebon, Convention Director: dpozzebon@nfaonline.org

Yes! We've created logo files, use guidelines, and Canva social media templates for you to download at this link (.zip file).

Yes, in order to perform or present at the convention you need to be registered and have a badge, and your membership must be active. 

If you have questions regarding this please contact Mily Harrod @ mharrod@nfaonline.org

Yes, everyone attending the convention needs to be registered. If a member of your group is not a flutist, they will be registered for free and will receive a badge. Please contact Mily Harrod @ mharrod@nfaonline.org for further information.

Yes, everyone attending the convention needs to be registered. A composer whose work is being performed will be registered for free and will receive a badge. Please contact Mily Harrod @ mharrod@nfaonline.org for further information.

Contact Mily Harrod @ mharrod@nfaonline.org or visit NFA registration.

No. When setting up the budget for the convention, we took under consideration all the information listed in the proposals. We are not able to make any changes at this time.

Yes. The NFA will not provide laptops. The production team from Crescent Productions will have the necessary connectors to go from your laptop to their system. However, the NFA suggests that you bring your own connectors as a backup plan.

Yes, at the beginning of your rehearsal, there will be someone from Crescent Productions available in your room to set you up and get you going. If no one is there, there will be a card with a contact number you can call and they will be right over to help. Please note that the technicians will not remain in the room for the entirety of your program and they are not running your program. It is your responsibility to run your own electronics or presentations.

Yes. Our convention runs on a very tight schedule. By clearing the stage immediately after your performance, you will be helping us keep the events on schedule. Thank you!

If you are part of the Flute Ensemble Festival, YES, bring your own music stand. 

If not read below: 

Yes, the following rooms will be available. PLEASE NOTE that there will be sign up sheets outside the room for a max time slot of 1 hr at a time. 

• General warm up room (no piano) - room 218

• General Piano practice room  - room 213 B

No. The NFA does not print presenter/performer materials at the convention. FEDEX and UPS stores are located in the hotels and convention centers. Hours vary so check ahead of time - note that stores are open for business hours Monday - Friday, have limited hours on Saturday and most are closed on Sunday.

No. The convention center offers free Wifi (1mbps) in every room other than the exhibit hall and it is open to access.) If you are doing a presentation and need more than 1mbps, you should plan to use your cell data by creating a hotspot on your phone.

See question 3 above regarding technical assistance in your event room. For other technical questions, contact the Convention Director, Daniel Pozzebon by texting the following information to 949-274-3658: 

Name: 

Room: 

Session time: 

Needs: 

Consult the Code of Conduct statement displayed in the lobby and exhibit hall, program book and convention app. Report an incident immediately to the Executive Director,  jclarke@nfaonline.org or a member of the NFA staff or board. 

Code of Conduct

To ensure that all participants in the NFA convention have a positive and collaborative experience, the NFA expects that community members will:

• Be considerate and respectful to all community members.
• Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, abusive, or harassing behavior, materials, and speech.
• Speak up if they observe anything at an event that conflicts with this Code of Conduct. If you are being harassed or feel uncomfortable, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact the Executive Director at jclarke@nfaonline.org or another member of the NFA staff or Board of Directors immediately. Possible consequences of violation of the code of conduct include removal from the convention or notification to the authorities.