Welcome to the 2024 AMEA Conference official webpage. Discover all you need to seamlessly navigate your registration process and plan your participation in this year’s exciting event. Explore the links below to access essential information and begin your journey with us.
Hello Alabama Music Education Family,
The AMEA Governing Board met this evening (1-16-24) at 8:00 pm and unanimously voted to cancel the 2024 AMEA Professional Development Conference in Huntsville, AL. Unfortunately, the road conditions have neglected to improve over the past 24 hours and do not look favorable through the duration of the conference.
Please understand that the Governing Board weighed all options in making this difficult decision. Ultimately, we decided that the safety of our membership was paramount. We ask your patience and understanding in weeks ahead as we navigate the logistics and repercussions of canceling the conference. We will release details about refunds in the near future.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or Dr. Rusty Logan, the AMEA Executive Director. In the meantime, you will need to call and personally cancel your hotel reservations.
Thank you for allowing us to serve you.
Sincerely,
Rob Lyda, PhD
President
Alabama Music Educators Association
Click the bars below to renew membership, register for the conference, get a hotel room, or learn more!
In order to join or renew your NAfME membership you will need to go to the NAfME website. Keep in mind all previous year NAfME memberships expires on June 30, 2023.
Need help? Email NAfME or call 800-336-3768 on Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm.
Select tickets, fill out form, if possible use a personal email address.
- The AMEA Conference hotels are the Embassy Suites Huntsville, which is attached to the Von Braun Center, and the Springhill Suites Huntsville Downtown, which is a short walk from the Von Braun Center.
- AMEA’s room block is offered at a reduced rate.
- Book a room at one of the conference hotels.
- The deadline to reserve a room in the AMEA block is December 27, 2023.
AMEA Lobby Group Performance
Teachers are encouraged to submit applications for small informal setting ensemble performances in the lobby during the annual AMEA Professional Development Conference. Submissions are due by November 1st and teachers will be notified by November 15.
Click on the apply button to see further guidelines for these performances.
AMEA Lightning Round
The Lightning Round Session is a series of short, concentrated presentations about single topics. The 1.5 hour session will include seven to eight lightning presentations, each ten minutes or less. Presenters are limited to one 10-minute presentation.
Lightning round session is scheduled for 10:30am – 12:00pm on Saturday, January 20th, 2024. Deadline to register is November 1, 2023.
General Information
Q: When and where is the AMEA Professional Development Conference
January 18-20, 2024 (Thursday through Saturday) at the Von Braun Center (VBC) in Huntsville, Alabama.
Q: Who should attend the AMEA Professional Development Conference?
This conference is intended to fuel your passion and increase the volume of your music teaching knowledge! Band directors, choir directors, elementary educators, general music specialists, string music teachers, music program leaders, administrators, classroom educators, collegiate students, college professors, and private studio teachers will benefit from over 90 sessions and performances. All attendees will learn new skills and techniques that they can use immediately upon returning to the classroom. We are balancing intensive learning with special events that will recharge your battery!
Family and friends are welcome also! There are dozens of activities in and around Birmingham that will keep your guests busy and happy!
Q: Why should I attend?
You will be surrounded by attendees from across the state who share your passion for music education. We have also created a professional development line-up that is the best of the best clinicians and specialists from all interest areas. If networking, learning, and being inspired are essential, you cannot miss this!
Q: What can I do in my free time in Huntsville?
CLICK HERE to find out what Huntsville has to offer!
Q: I have high school students interested in pursuing careers in music education. Is there anything for them at the conference?
Yes! The FAME (Future Alabama Music Educator) program includes many important topics for students considering a career as a music educator. AMEA provides a $1000 scholarship opportunity to a FAME participant who plans to major in music education at an Alabama college or university. Learn more!
Q: What are the registration fees; are there any discounts?
All registration rates are listed on the registration pages. Save by pre-registering by January 12, 2024. Don’t wait! Retired members receive complimentary registration.
Q: What does my registration fee include?
Conference registration includes access to more than 90 Professional Development sessions and performances, General Sessions, Keynote, conference exhibits, social events, and much more!
Q: Where and when is registration?
Everyone should pre-register on the registration section of this page. Before registering, take a moment to renew your membership with NAfME and AMEA. Visit nafme.org to join or renew.
Q: What is the registration cancellation/refund policy?
You can cancel your registration and receive a full refund up to 2 weeks before the conference.
Q: Do I need to be a NAfME/AMEA member to register?
Yes, you’ll need to provide your NAfME membership number to register. Members may register a guest who is not a music educator. Non-members may register for an additional fee. Visit nafme.org to join or renew.
Q: What app will the conference use this year?
The AMEA uses Guidebook as the official app of the conference. Use the guide to navigate the sessions, concerts, exhibits, luncheons, and other events included in this year’s conference. Check out the presenters and performing groups, view the facility and downtown maps, and interact through social media.
Q: How can I provide feedback about the conference?
The Guidebook app for the conference includes surveys for participants to comment on various aspects of the conference.
Q: What content is covered in the sessions? Who is presenting? When are the sessions?
The entire conference can be previewed online through our Guidebook App! Download this today!!
Q: What materials should I bring?
Yourself and a thirst for knowledge! If special materials are needed for a session, that information will be provided in the session description in the conference program.
Q: What is the dress code for the meeting?
We want you to relax and be comfortable while participating – so whatever you are comfortable in is what you should wear! (Within reason, of course)
Q: When should I arrive and depart from the AMEA Professional Development Conference?
We suggest attendees arrive by 7:00 pm on Wednesday and check in to the conference. Then take Thursday to take in sessions, the exhibit hall grand opening, and performances, which start early Thursday. All events will be finished around noon on Saturday.
Q: Where do I make my hotel reservation?
The AMEA Conference will be at the —– Huntsville Alabama. We have a special rate for conference attendees at the convention hotel. Reserve your room at the conference rate as soon as possible. This will be available until these rooms are sold out and then will be booked in the —-, also in the VBC. The deadline to reserve a room in the AMEA block is December 29, 2023.
