Special Events

Opening Reception

Step into the excitement of New York City at the Annual Meeting Opening Reception in the Westside Ballroom at the Marriot Marquis. Enjoy a variety of New York-inspired dishes, mingle with fellow attendees, and strike a pose at our Net Assets photobooth – back by popular demand! Embrace the energy and vibrancy of the Big Apple as you set the stage for a transformative week!

Boarding Schools Breakfast

Attendees from schools with a boarding component are invited to kick off the meeting with a morning of networking and discussion with their peers. This breakfast offers a unique chance to gather perspectives on common challenges and explore best practices with fellow boarding school professionals. Begin your day with valuable conversations and connections that will enhance your conference experience.

Opening Session

Keynote from Kyle Scheele and Presentation of the 2025 Jeffrey Shields Innovation in School Business Operations Award

Join us Monday morning for opening remarks from NBOA President and CEO, Jeff Shields, and an inspiring keynote by Kyle Scheele, whose inventive approach to creativity has earned him the title of “Patron Saint of Crazy Ideas.” With a unique blend of humor and heart, Scheele will share practical tools to elevate your team’s creative potential and drive groundbreaking outcomes. Additionally, we’ll announce the recipient of the Jeffrey Shields Innovation in School Business Operations Award, recognizing a school that has demonstrated outstanding innovation in school business operations.

Business Solutions Showcase

NOW OPEN MONDAY AT LUNCH THROUGH TUESDAY AT LUNCH
Discover a world of strategic partnerships and cutting-edge resources at the Business Solutions Showcase, open Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon. Dive into an exclusive array of leading service providers dedicated to enhancing your school’s operational excellence. The Showcase will host Monday’s lunch, afternoon break and evening reception, as well as Tuesday’s breakfast, morning break and lunch.

Back by Popular Demand in the Business Solutions Showcase, the NBOA Solutions Theatre, promises dynamic micro-learning sessions delivered by handpicked industry innovators. Elevate your skills, expand your knowledge and explore practical solutions that empower your school's business and operations on both Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning.

General Session

Keynote from Crystal Washington and Presentation of the 2025 Ken White Distinguished Business Officer Award

Discover how to navigate and leverage technological change with Crystal Washington’s keynote, “Future Proof Yourself: Thrive Through Uncertainty.” As one of Forbes’ 50 Leading Female Futurists, Washington’s session will reveal how to identify hidden potentials and create frameworks to future-proof your career and organization. During the keynote, we will also honor the recipient of the Ken White Distinguished Business Officer Award, celebrating a chief business officer who has significantly impacted the field and inspired others through exceptional dedication and leadership. Don’t miss this opportunity for inspiration and celebration.

General Session

Keynote from Duncan Booth and Jeff Shields and Presentation of the 2025 Sarah Daignault Outstanding Support of Independent Schools Award

As the conference draws to a close, join NBOA President and CEO, Jeff Shields and NBOA Board Chair, Duncan Booth for the closing general session, “Partnering for Success: NBOA’s Role in Advancing Your School,” where they deliver key updates on the association’s initiatives and future goals. The session will also include the presentation of the Sarah Daignault Outstanding Support of Independent Schools Award, given to those who have consistently shown generous support and advancement of NBOA and independent school business officers.