Dear NACMA Members,
On July 16 and 17, the NACMA Board of Directors gathered for our annual board retreat to reflect on where our association stands today and, more importantly, where we're headed next.
Those conversations were thoughtful, honest and energizing, and were based on feedback you provided in the annual membership survey. We challenged ourselves to ask difficult questions about how NACMA can continue to evolve alongside an industry that is changing faster than ever.
Throughout every discussion, one theme remained constant. Our responsibility is to ensure that NACMA continues to provide meaningful value to every member, every day.
As we look ahead to the 2026-27 year, I'm excited to share the direction that will guide our work:
Elevating Marketing. Advancing Leaders.
This isn't simply a tagline. It's our commitment to you.
College athletics marketing has never been more dynamic. New technologies, evolving fan expectations, changing revenue models and emerging leadership opportunities continue to redefine our profession. NACMA is committed to ensuring our members are not simply keeping pace with change, but leading it.
Over the coming year, our Board has identified three priorities that will shape every program, resource and initiative we deliver.
Provide exceptional member value. We want every member to confidently say that NACMA makes them better at their job today while helping prepare them for the opportunities ahead. Whether through education, networking, mentorship or best practices, our goal is to invest in your professional growth at every stage of your career.
Grow our collective influence. We will continue positioning NACMA as one of the premier resources for college athletics marketing professionals like you. Through innovative content, year-round programming, member spotlights and industry-leading education, we'll amplify the expertise that exists within our membership and ensure NACMA remains the first place people turn to for ideas, inspiration and professional development.
Continue to lead from the front. As the role of external teams continues to expand, so does our responsibility to lead conversations around revenue generation, fan engagement, branding and innovation. We'll continue equipping members with practical strategies, real-world case studies and meaningful connections that help drive results on their campuses.
The strength of NACMA has always been its members. Every idea shared, every presentation delivered, every Best Of Awards submission and every conversation at Convention contributes to an organization built by marketers, for marketers. Your willingness to collaborate and share what works is what makes this community so special.
I'm incredibly grateful to our Board of Directors for the time, thought and passion they brought to this year's retreat. You can learn more about this group by reading this release. Together, we've built an ambitious roadmap for the year ahead, and I couldn't be more excited about what's next.
Thank you for your continued investment in NACMA and for everything you do to advance our profession. I look forward to connecting with you throughout the coming year as we continue Elevating Marketing. Advancing Leaders.
Sincerely,
Lauren Belisle
President, NACMA
Senior Associate AD, Fan Experience and Sales, Vanderbilt
