The NAACO 2025 Annual Conference will take place February 9-12, at the Hyatt Regency, Long Beach, CA!

Plan to join us in person for quality education, networking opportunities, and lots of time to share ideas and gain inspiration. Additionally, plan to celebrate 25 years of NAACO excellence at this conference. More details to come!

Virtual Pass

We are pleased to offer a virtual pass option for this year’s content. Most sessions will be recorded and available for viewing after the event. The virtual pass is available a la carte to both attendees and those not coming to Long Beach. The pass will be available as an add-on to your registration. 

Join us in celebrating NAACO’s 25th anniversary by supporting the LA84 Foundation’s Play Equity Fund!

Each year, NAACO selects a local organization for which we fundraise in appreciation of our conference’s host city or region. For NAACO’s 25th anniversary, we are proud to partner with the LA84 Foundation and Play Equity Fund. The Play Equity Fund’s mission is to break down barriers to ensure all children have access to the benefits of sports. Now more than ever, our support fuels work to create equal, safe access to play opportunities for every child regardless of race, gender, zip code or socioeconomic status.

By contributing to this initiative, we’re aligning with NAACO’s mission of supporting and celebrating student success. Your donation—no matter the size—will create opportunities for local youth and help level the playing field for kids everywhere.

With over 300 attendees, a small donation can go a long way to meeting our modest goal of $2,500. Your gift of $10 can collectively turn into $3,000, and a $20 donation can become $6,000.

Let’s make a difference together!

Save The Date

The NAACO 2026 Annual Conference
will take place February 22-25, at the Westin Boston Waterfront (Seaport), Boston, MA!

Details Coming Soon!

Session 1

• Working with a State-Run Convention Center
  • James Vitagliano, Anna Cottrell, and Gretchen Carney
• Flipping the Script: A Bold New take on Annual Ceremonies
  • Sarah Lawrence
• Pomp, Circumstance, and Posthumous Degree
  • Kristin McDaniel and Jeff Housman
• Digital Programs: Streamlining Commencement for a Modern Audience
  • Angela Grant and Serena Williams

Session 2

• Message in Motion: Setting Communication Goals and Measuring Impact
  • Regina Drew and Anna Fetter
• From Burnout to Balance: Thriving During Commencement Season
  • Lacy Dailey
• Accessible for All: Accommodating the Needs of Guests and Students at Commencement
  • Sam Hesler
• Listening Beyond the Stage: How Post-Ceremony Surveys Improve the Graduation Experience
  • April Cordonnier (with Tassel)

Session 3

• Transforming Tradition: Updating the Ceremonial Mace
  • Kim McDonald and Jessica Tran
• All Together Now …An In-Person Celebration for On-line Grads
  • Brianne Frazie
• Teamwork Makes the Tassel Turn
  • Courtney Buzan and Dana Woodward
• Mapping the Graduates Journey: Rethinking Commencement Communication
  • Robin Roup

Session 4

• NAACO 101
• Seating Success: How assigned Tickets Elevated Guest and Staff Experiences
  • Linda Werman and Paige Provost
• Concise Communications Gets the Message Through!
  • Jacqueline Espaillat-Guerrero, Bonnie Duke, Laura Hatmaker, and Dino Rodriguez

Session 5

• Inputs Outputs and Influence: The Registrar’s Role in Convocation Collaboration
  • Rachel Huang, Sarah Mooney, and Hollie Pocsai
• North Carolina A&T State University: This is How We Do It!
  • April Cobb
• Ceremony to Community: Strategic Communication for Graduates and Emerging Alumni
  • Melissa Goita and Fernann Ardis (42 Chat)
• Voices of the Graduates: A Panel on Commencement Traditions and Transitions
  • Jennifer Kidwell and Deana Gilkinson

Session 6

• Countdown to Zero: Delivering Seamless ceremonies Through Strategic Planning
  • Starr Nelson
• Behind the Tassels: Structuring Commencement Logistics for Institutional Success
  • Nicole Luna
• Roles, Recruitment, Recognition &Retention: The 4 R’s of Commencement Volunteer Management
  • Jennifer Tunnicliffe and Marie Thompson
• Now What?! The Hispanic Celebration Edition
  • Marissa Tuchalski

Session 7

• Commencement Reimagined: A 5 year assessment of Major changes to UAlbany’s Commencement Ceremonies
  • Peter Evans, Christy Doyle, and Meghan Wilkinson
• Investing in Legacy: An Introduction to Convocation Sponsorship
  • Santina Arvandi
• From Print to PDF to Mobile App- Transforming the Commencement Program Experience
  • Ester Boloix-Chapman
• Arie Gee: Answering Before They Ask: Rethinking Graduate Communications to Reduce Email and Phone Traffic
  • Arie Gee

2026 CONFERENCE EDUCATION SESSIONS

Education Session Block 1 
Monday, February 23, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. 

Working with a State-Run Convention Center

In this session, we will discuss the process of booking, working with Convention Center Staff, understanding all service needs, and will present a tour of our facility – The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, which is connected to our Conference location. Our tour will show you how we effectively use the space of the Convention Center to create a smooth and memorable experience for our graduates.

Presented by: James Vitagliano, Anna Cottrell, and Gretchen Carney, MGH Institute of Health Professions

Flipping the Script: A Bold New Take on Annual Ceremonies

This session explores how Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine is reimagining convocation and commencement to be more meaningful, efficient, and student-centered. Traditionally, these ceremonies have highlighted institutional formality through lengthy scripts, keynote speakers, and platform parties. By shifting the focus, we aim to celebrate students more authentically while strengthening connections with families.

Presented by: Sarah Lawrence. Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine

Pomp, Circumstance, and Posthumous Degree

In 2024, the decision was made to offer posthumous degrees at commencement for the first time in Texas State University’s history. Hear how Texas State implemented this new special presentation, while providing a meaningful and celebratory experience for all in attendance.

Presented by: Kristin McDaniel and Jeff Housman, Texas State University

Digital Programs: Streamlining Commencement for a Modern Audience

Commencement is a milestone event that requires precision, flexibility, and accessibility for graduates and their families. Traditional printed programs often create logistical challenges, from high costs and waste, and the stress of unfixable print errors. Digital graduation programs offer a modern alternative that reduces complexity while enhancing the experience for all attendees. This session will explore the tangible benefits of digital programs, including real-time updates, customizable formatting, and mobile-friendly accessibility. Attendees will learn how institutions can streamline planning, unlock significant cost savings, and support sustainability initiatives without compromising tradition or recognition.

Presented by: Angela Grant and Serena Williams, University of Maryland Global Campus

Education Session Block 2
Monday, February 23, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. 

Message in Motion: Setting Communication Goals and Measuring Impact

New York University’s Office of University Events will review how it built its All-University Commencement communications efforts into a coordinated strategy, and share approaches your team can use. Regina Drew (Director of University Events) and Anna Newton Fetter (Communications Specialist) will discuss how they identified communications gaps, developed goals, and utilized key tools across traditional, digital, and interactive communications channels. Communications responsibilities were expanded from a part-time role to a dedicated full-time role, and style guides and playbooks helped standardize Commencement’s visual identity and terminology. After a major issue at their 2024 ceremony, the office refocused on the critical need to better inform its guests about the Commencement experience. Metrics will show how their comprehensive efforts yielded a calm pre-event workflow and a smooth guest experience in 2025.

Presented by: Regina Drew and Anna Fetter, New York University

From Burnout to Balance: Thriving During Commencement Season

Commencement season is the ultimate paradox: the culmination of months of planning, countless details, and intense emotions-all packed into one high-stakes event. For many of us, it’s also the time we’re stretched thinnest both professionally and personally. This session explores practical strategies for maintaining energy, focus, and well-being while delivering seamless, memorable ceremonies. Through candid insights, real-world examples, and interactive reflection, participants will leave with tools to prevent burnout, embrace balance, and rediscover joy in the work we do.

Presented by: Lacy Dailey, American Public University System

Accessible for All: Accommodating the Needs of Guests and Students at Commencement

At Siena University, our graduates are welcome to bring as many guests as they would like to Commencement. While this is something that we pride ourselves on, it also poses logistical challenges when it comes to providing accessible seating for guests with mobility challenges. With a limited number of accessible seating options available, Siena has implemented an innovative Google Form system to keep track of countless inquiries and help better explain to students the options that are available for their guests. We’ve also focused on improving our communication to make the process easier and clearer for graduates and their families.

Presented by: Sam Hesler, Siena University

Listening Beyond the Stage: How Post-Ceremony Surveys Improve the Graduation Experience

Commencement may conclude when the last name is called, but the opportunity to learn and improve continues. Post-ceremony surveys give institutions a clear view of what graduates and guests value most, helping organizers prioritize investments that matter to their communities. This session will explore how post-ceremony surveys provide a graduate- and guest-focused lens for planning, ensuring ceremonies not only celebrate achievements but also deliver memorable experiences. We will discuss best practices for survey design, data collection, and analysis to identify what resonates most-whether that’s ceremony length, seating, stage experience, or program delivery.

Presented by: April Cordonnier, Florida Gulf Coast University (with Tassel)

Education Session Block 3 
Tuesday, February 24, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. 

Transforming Tradition: Updating the Ceremonial Mace

In October 2024 Toronto Metropolitan University unveiled its “new” ceremonial mace at convocation. After the university changed its name in 2022, TMU’s senior leadership began discussing how that would affect traditions at the university, including the mace – it either needed to be replaced entirely or updated to reflect the new name and values of the institution. Traditions are oftentimes so long established that the idea of updating them can seem unnecessary; “It’s just what we do”, or in this case, “It’s just the mace we use”. It’s important to continually reflect and ensure those traditions still serve the purpose they were intended for and evolve as needed. Because the mace held historical significance for the institution and was a beautiful piece of handcrafted artwork, the decision was made that rather than see it disused, it would be made relevant once again. This presentation will take attendees through the various steps of the decision making and ideation processes, the stakeholders involved, challenges encountered and the final outcome.

Presented by: Kim McDonald and Jessica Tran, Toronto Metropolitan University

All Together Now …An In-Person Celebration for Online Grads

This presentation will share with the NAACO attendees how ASU Online (Arizona State University) utilized student feedback (and some things learned from others at past NAACO conferences) to create an in-person graduation event to celebrate online grads the way they wanted to be celebrated.

Presented by: Brianne Frazier, ASU Online (Arizona State University)

Teamwork Makes the Tassel Turn

Every semester, the University of South Carolina transforms into a stage for one of the most meaningful traditions in higher education-Commencement. While graduates and families see the pageantry and celebration, what they don’t see is the incredible collaboration it takes to make the day unforgettable. From facilities crews, dozens of staff and student volunteers, and even a pyrotechnic crew, planning Commencement is the ultimate “group project.” At South Carolina, no one office “owns” Commencement, and this has made the event a special example of the power of strong collaboration. This presentation will highlight how cross-campus teamwork fuels the success of such a complex event. Through stories, examples, and behind-the-scenes insights, we will explore the strategies and practices that make large-scale collaboration possible and a necessity at South Carolina. Participants will learn how communication, shared vision, and trust across departments create not just a ceremony, but a celebration worthy of our students’ achievements. The lessons extend far beyond Commencement, offering practical takeaways for any project that requires many hands, voices, and talents working together.

Presented by: Courtney Buzan and Dana Woodward, University of South Carolina

Mapping the Graduates’ Journey: Rethinking Commencement Communication

What if commencement planning started with the graduate’s perspective? Too often, students experience the road to graduation as a maze of deadlines, emails, and policies. This session introduces a fresh approach: mapping the graduate’s journey to design communications that are clear, consistent, and meaningful. Through the lens of journey mapping and paired with a communication audit, participants will learn how to step into the shoes of their students to uncover gaps, reduce noise, and highlight the moments that matter most. From eligibility reminders to regalia pick-up, from ticketing to ceremony day logistics, every touchpoint is an opportunity to build excitement and confidence for graduates and their families. Attendees will leave with a framework to map their own institution’s commencement journey and a set of practical tools-like content calendars and message alignment strategies-that can immediately improve clarity and engagement. Get ready to rethink commencement communication not as a checklist of deadlines, but as a carefully crafted experience. By centering the graduate’s journey, we can deliver ceremonies that feel seamless, memorable, and worth celebrating from the very first email to the final walk across the stage.

Presented by: Robin Roup, University of Tampa

Education Session Block 4
Tuesday, February 24, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Spilling the Tea on All Things NAACO

Are you new to NAACO or are you a long-standing member that needs a refresher? Whether this is your first conference or you want to learn more about how to get the most out of your NAACO membership, this session is for you! Join us to hear from existing members, see demonstrations on helpful NAACO resources, and participate in open discussion, and a chance to win a prize!

Seating Success: How Assigned Tickets Elevated Guest and Staff Experiences

What if the simple act of choosing a seat could transform the entire event experience for both guests and staff? Since 2016, our institution has experimented with different venues and ticketing formats, from open seating chaos to the smooth efficiency of assigned seats. Along the way, we faced challenges unique to our setting-a temporary tent with folding chairs on campus-and learned that the right technology can make all the difference. In this session, we’ll share the twists and turns of our journey: the trial-and-error of ticketing systems, the lessons learned from formats that didn’t quite work, and the breakthrough that finally elevated our operations. You’ll discover how assigned seating not only reduced stress and improved flow but also enhanced customer satisfaction and staff efficiency. We hope you’ll leave with practical insights, lessons learned, and ideas you can apply to your own events. Join us to learn how finding “the recipe that works” turned a logistical headache into a better experience for all.

Presented by: Linda Werman and Paige Provost, Wentworth Institute of Technology

Concise Communications Gets the Message Through!

At the onset of the 2023-2024 academic year, FIT employed changes to streamline communications to students, faculty, and staff. Presenters will discuss the reason for the change — wanting to get through to all audiences and setting up tools, including an expanded FAQ page on the commencement webpage, that would reduce the number of calls and emails with similar questions, and clear up misinformation. The student ticket reservation system was streamlined using Google Forms to provide a user-friendly step-by-step process for the students and faculty, and producing Google Sheets with pertinent information concerning the number of attendees and type to expect at each ceremony.

Presented by: Jaqueline Espaillat-Guerrero, Bonnie Duke, Laura Hatmaker, and Dino Rodriguez, Fashion Institute of Technology

Education Session Block 5
Tuesday, February 24, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Inputs, Outputs, and Influence: The Registrar’s Role in Convocation Collaboration

Convocation planning is a campus-wide effort, but the Registrar’s Office sits at the heart of it – balancing what we need from senior leaders with what planners need from us. This session explores how the Convocation Team, embedded within the Registrar’s Office, navigates obtaining approvals, delivering critical data, and building collaborative relationships across departments. Learn practical strategies for managing timelines, influencing decision-makers, and fostering mutual accountability to ensure convocation runs smoothly and meaningfully.

Presented by: Rachel Huang, Sarah Mooney, and Hollie Pocsai, McMaster University

North Carolina A&T State University: This is How We Do It!

Join us for practical strategies, clear visuals, and lessons learned to make your own ceremonies unforgettable. We will take an inside look at how we make graduation ceremonies run smoothly, efficiently, and memorably for students and their guests. In this session, we will walk through our step-by-step process for organizing graduates by their academic college using a simple yet highly effective numbering system. You’ll see how this system helps streamline the movement of graduates from staging areas into the arena, ensuring they are seated quickly and with ease. We’ll also explore strategies for balancing ceremony length and flow, including why splitting graduates into multiple ceremonies can create a more meaningful and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. From there, we’ll cover how we carefully process graduates off the arena floor at the conclusion of the ceremony, maintaining both order and celebratory energy. To bring it all together, we’ll share the floor diagram that serves as our central planning tool-one that not only guides our staff but also provides clarity for graduates and their guests on where each college will be seated. Whether you’re new to commencement planning or seeking ways to refine your process, this session will offer practical insights, tested strategies, and visual tools to help you elevate your ceremonies.

Presented by: April Cobb, North Carolina A&T State University

Ceremony to Community: Strategic Communication for Graduates and Emerging Alumni

In an era where students expect instant, mobile-first communication, Arizona State University has successfully transformed its engagement strategy using 42Chat’s SMS-based platform. This session explores how ASU leverages text messaging to connect with students, graduates, and alumni throughout the entire student lifecycle-from initial application through commencement and into their alumni journey. Discover the measurable impact of SMS communication on campus, including enhanced emergency messaging capabilities, improved information delivery, and significant increases in event attendance and participation rates. Through real-world examples and data-driven insights, you’ll see how ASU has overcome common communication challenges and created more responsive, accessible touchpoints with their community. Attendees will leave with actionable best practices and implementation strategies for deploying SMS-based communication at their own institutions. Whether you’re looking to improve commencement coordination, strengthen alumni engagement, or simply meet students where they are, this session provides a practical roadmap for leveraging text messaging to build stronger, more engaged university communities.

Presented by: Melissa Goita, Arizona State Univeristy and Fernann Ardis, 42 Chat

Voices of the Graduates: A Panel on Commencement Traditions and Transitions

Commencement is one of the most significant milestones in a graduate’s life-but what makes the experience truly meaningful, especially in an era where ceremonies can be held both in person and virtually? In this engaging panel discussion, Boston-area alumni from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) will share their personal experiences attending Commencement, whether in-person or virtually. Through thoughtful, guided questions, panelists will reflect on what made their ceremonies impactful, memorable, and emotionally resonant. They’ll speak to the sense of connection, celebration, and recognition they felt-and what, if anything, was missing. Join us for this candid conversation and leave with new ideas and inspiration for making Commencement truly unforgettable for every graduate.

Presented by: Jennifer Kidwell and Deana Gilkinson, Southern New Hampshire University

Education Session Block 6
Wednesday, February 25, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. 

Countdown to Zero: Delivering Seamless Ceremonies Through Strategic Planning

Commencement officers face the communal challenge of producing large-scale events in diverse venues while balancing stakeholder needs, meeting strict deadlines, and creating meaningful experiences for graduates and their guests. Join a producer of Western Governors University’s “traveling commencement” as she pulls back the curtain on how the team balances the moving parts and delivers consistent, high-quality events. Attendees will explore strategies for using project management software to build event plans from the ground up, standardize realistic timelines, and implement effective communication systems that keep staff, vendors, and partners aligned throughout the planning process. The session will also cover approaches to training employee volunteers to maximize their confidence, as well as lessons learned from last-minute pivots during production. Whether responsible for one ceremony or many, attendees will leave with a framework that accounts for structure and flexibility, thereby helping reduce stress, streamline planning, and create seamless commencement experiences that leave lasting impressions on graduates and their families.

Presented by: Starr Nelson, Western Governors University

Behind the Tassels: Structuring Commencement Logistics for Institutional Success

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the UTRGV organizational logistics and planning structure that supports successful commencement execution of over 6000 students per year. The session will also highlight the critical roles of supporting units such as the University Registrar, Degree Audit Systems and Support, University Marketing and Communications, and Faculty Affairs. These areas ensure students meet graduation requirements, manage communications and day-of logistics, and coordinate faculty participation. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of how to build a scalable, efficient planning framework that supports a seamless commencement experience for students, families, faculty, and administration.

Presented by: Nicole Luna, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Roles, Recruitment, Recognition &Retention: The 4 R’s of Commencement Volunteer Management

This presentation provides a comprehensive, four-part framework for effective volunteer management, from initial planning to post-event recognition. We begin with the critical steps of needs assessment and role definition, ensuring every position is clearly defined with specific responsibilities. Next, we delve into recruitment and training, outlining a strategy to engage diverse groups within the university community and detailing robust training protocols and communication materials. The third section covers execution and on-site management, including how to create detailed schedules, provide necessary equipment, and establish clear communication channels for real-time updates. Finally, we discuss how to build a lasting volunteer program through appreciation, feedback mechanisms, and community-building efforts. This presentation is designed for event organizers and managers, providing actionable strategies to cultivate a supportive and engaged volunteer team for a seamless and memorable ceremony.

Presented by: Jennifer Tunnicliffe and Marie Thompson, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine

Now What?! The Hispanic Celebration Edition

When it comes to live events, change isn’t just possible-it’s inevitable. Over the past four years, I’ve learned this firsthand as the sole manager responsible for Arizona State University’s Hispanic Celebration, the largest multicultural ceremony on campus with 1,500+ graduates and 15,000 guests. Every semester has brought a new curveball: last-minute venue changes, high-profile anniversary demands, faculty complaints, missing emcees, political pressures, and more. Through each disruption, I’ve had no choice but to pivot quickly while ensuring the celebration remains seamless for students and their families. In this session, I’ll walk through real scenarios of challenges faced and solutions implemented, highlighting both successes and lessons learned. Attendees will gain practical insights on flexibility, problem-solving, and resilience skills that apply not only to multicultural ceremonies but to any high-stakes event. Expect a candid conversation about what it means to balance tradition, politics, and logistics while still putting on an event larger than most college convocations.

Presented by: Marissa Tuchalski, Arizona State University

Education Session Block 7
Wednesday, February 25, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Commencement Reimagined: A 5-Year Assessment of Major changes to UAlbany’s Commencement Ceremonies

Commencement has been reimagined at the University at Albany (SUNY), and we will assess the changes made and share our success story with you! Our event plans had already been evolving as we saw shifts in graduate and audience behavior, institutional priorities, and event trends… then the global pandemic forced us to switch gears… and the combined result is an extraordinarily unique, intimate, and flexible experience focused on the grads and their families that combines innovative ideas with traditional pomp and circumstance.

Presented by: Peter Evans, Christy Doyle, and Meghan Wilkinson, University at Albany

Investing in Legacy: An Introduction to Convocation Sponsorship

Discover how York University secured its first convocation sponsorship in Spring 2025. This session will share the journey from idea to partnership secured, highlighting key strategies, lessons learned, and future opportunities for sponsorship growth and enhancing your event.

Presented by: Santina Arvandi, York University

From Print to PDF to Mobile App- Transforming the Commencement Program Experience

This presentation will share with participants how LLU transitioned from a 200-page printed program in 2020 (thank you pandemic!) to a user-friendly mobile app commencement program. We will review the rationale for moving in this direction, data that informed decisions, institutional vetting process and “buy in,” steps followed, teams assembled, tools used, response from stakeholders/users, and strategies for continuous Quality Improvement. We will share our “editorial” management of this process, content submission, and final review in preparation for “going live.”  We will also share the perspective of content contributors in our schools on how they have adapted to the process and their experience transitioning into this delivery format.

Presented by: Ester Boloix-Chapman, Loma Linda University

Answering Before They Ask: Rethinking Graduate Communications to Reduce Email and Phone Traffic

Commencement professionals know the flood of emails and phone calls that arrives each season. This session explores how a proactive communications strategy can shift the graduate experience from confusion to clarity while easing the burden on staff. Using Microsoft Sway as a dynamic, user-friendly platform and ChatGPT to refine messaging, UNC Wilmington has developed a just-in-time approach that anticipates graduate and family questions before they reach the inbox. Participants will leave with practical ideas for reducing inquiry volume, tips for incorporating AI to improve clarity and consistency, and an introduction to a free tool that makes newsletters interactive and easy to navigate. Whether you’re seeking to streamline operations, improve the student experience, or simply free up time during your busiest season, this session provides strategies you can adapt to your own institution.

Presented by: Arie Gee, UNC Wilmington