CLEVELAND — The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and its Affiliate Associations announced the 2021 NACDA & Affiliates Convention, originally scheduled to take place at the World Center Marriott Resort in Orlando, Florida, will now be conducted virtually. The virtual event will take place later in the summer than traditional Convention dates, with programming slated for July 27 and 28.
 
"Due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and keeping the health and safety of our members in mind, moving our 2021 Convention to a virtual format was a difficult, but necessary choice," said NACDA Chief Executive Officer Bob Vecchione. "Through these challenging times, NACDA has made it a priority to continue to provide premier professional development opportunities while we are unable to gather together in person. We are looking forward to continuing this trend by enhancing our virtual Convention."
 
"Athletics administrators at all levels across the country will benefit from everything that will be offered through the 2021 NACDA & Affiliates Virtual Convention," said NACDA President Warde Manuel, Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics at The University of Michigan. "On behalf of all of my college athletics colleagues, I want to thank NACDA for their flexibility and understanding of the tough decisions many of us in the industry have had to make this year. Moving the Convention to a virtual platform allows us the chance to maintain connections and grow in our positions both personally and professionally, that we may have had to forego otherwise due to travel or budget constraints."
 
NACDA will be utilizing the Pathable virtual event platform to host the Convention. In addition to educational sessions, the agenda will feature a virtual Exhibit Hall, networking opportunities and recognition of award winners. More information on topics, featured speakers, sponsorships and registration will be announced by the NACDA Office in the coming months.
 
While there will be sessions from each Affiliate Association over the two-day span of July 27-28, additional programming opportunities may still take place at other times during the summer for specific associations that have previously held separate Conventions over the course of the NACDA & Affiliates Convention Week.
 
Registration for the virtual Convention will be free for NACDA & Affiliates members who have paid for their 2021-22 membership dues prior to the event, and will open in early spring of 2021.
 
About NACDA: NACDA, now in its 56th year, is the professional and educational Association for more than 15,700 college athletics administrators at more than 1,700 institutions throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. More than 6,500 athletics administrators annually attend NACDA & Affiliates Convention Week. Additionally, NACDA manages 17 professional associations and three foundations. For more information on NACDA, visit www.nacda.com.