Below find the preliminary schedule for the 2024 NATJA Conference & Marketplace. The schedule is subject to change.
Sunday, May 14
Pre-Conference Press Trips
Media will be departing for the following press trips:
- Arctic Circle Fly Drive Adventure
- Approximately 8:45 am
- The Lodge at Black Rapids Tour
- Approximately 11 am
- Arctic Circle Fly Drive Adventure
Meet at The Westmark’s lobby to depart for your tour.
Monday, May 15
Pre-Conference Press Trips
Media will be departing for the following trips:
- Arctic Circle Midnight Sun Drive Adventure
- Approximately 8:45 am
- Chena Hot Springs
- Approximately 11:30 am
- Arctic Circle Midnight Sun Drive Adventure
Meet at The Westmark’s lobby to depart for your tour.
Media will be returning from the following trips:
- The Lodge at Black Rapids Tour
- Approximately 5 pm
- Arctic Circle Fly Drive Adventure
- Approximately 6 pm
- Chena Hot Springs
- Approximately 9:15 pm
- Arctic Circle Midnight Sun Drive Adventure
- Approximately 1 am
- The Lodge at Black Rapids Tour
Tuesday, May 14
9:00am - Registration Opens
Location: Pre-Function area of Floral Ballroom (Convention Center, via 2nd floor)
Come check-in with the NATJA team to pick up your conference badge and other items.
10:30am - Coffee Mixer for Attendees
Location: Floral Ballroom Pre-Function Area (Convention Center, via 2nd floor)
Join our NATJA team and Advisory Board members for a mid-morning cup of joe. All members are welcome!
11:30pm to 1:00pm - Luncheon
Location: Floral A (Convention Center, via 2nd floor)
The NATJA Conference officially kicks off with our Opening Luncheon.
1:00pm to 2:30pm - Opening General Session
Location: Floral A (Convention Center, via 2nd floor)
NATJA and Galveston Island welcomes attendees to the 21st Annual Conference & Marketplace.
2:30pm to 2:45pm - Break
2:45pm to 4:00pm - Professional Development, Session 1
Breakout Rooms: Vine & Ivy at Moody Gardens
4:00pm to 4:15pm - Break
4:15pm to 5:30pm - Professional Development, Session 2
Breakout Rooms: Vine & Ivy at Moody Gardens
5:30pm - Sessions End/Downtime
Sessions are over for the day! Take a quick break and we will see you in the Hotel Lobby for our departure to the welcome reception & dinner.
:50pm - Departures begin for Welcome Reception
Meeting Location: Hotel Lobby
7:00pm - Welcome Reception and Dinner
Location: TBD
9:00pm - Return to Moody Gardens
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Wednesday, May 15
8:00am to 9:30am - Breakfast
Location:
Join us for the breakfast buffet and general session, which will include various announcements for the day, as well as our keynote speakers.
8:30am to 9:30am - General Assembly
Location: Floral A (Convention Center, via 2nd floor)
9:30am to 9:40am - Break
9:40am to 10:55am - Professional Development, Session 3
Breakout Rooms: Vine & Ivy at Moody Gardens
10:55am to 11:05am - Break
11:05am to 12:20pm – Professional Development, Session 4
Breakout Rooms: Vine & Ivy at Moody Gardens
12:20pm to 12:45pm – Downtime
1pm – Depart for Afternoon Tours
Location:
5:00pm – Arrive back at Moody Gardens
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7pm – Dine-Around
Departure Location:
- Option 1
- Option 2
- Option 3
Click here for more information on each restaurant.
Make sure to check the back of your badge for your dine-around restaurant’s name to get on the correct bus!
9pm – Return to Moody Gardens
Thursday, May 16
8:00am – 9:30am – Breakfast
Location: Salon ABC at Moody Gardens
Breakfast will be available for the early birds!
8:00am to 9:00am - Marketplace Setup for Exhibitors
Location: Moody 2 at Moody Gardens
Look for the table with your organization’s name or find a NATJA team member to assist you to your table.
9:00am to 12:00pm - Marketplace
Location: Moody 2 at Moody Gardens
Media and destination marketing organizations meet for one-on-one chats. Make sure to bring your business cards!
12:00pm to 12:45pm - Downtime/Marketplace Breakdown
You will have the opportunity to return to your room and prepare for your Afternoon Tour.
1:00pm - Afternoon Tours w/ Lunch
Location: Hotel Lobby
Suggested Attire for all Tours: Comfortable waterproof walking shoes and clothing.
Click here for the afternoon tour options.
5pm – Arrive back at Moody Gardens for Downtime
5:45pm - Depart for Closing Reception
Meeting Location: Hotel Lobby
7pm – Closing Reception/Dinner
Location: TBD
9pm – Attendees return to Moody Gardens
Friday, May 17
Breakfast
Vouchers will be provided.
Press Trip Departures
Meet in the Hotel Lobby to depart for your post-conference press trip.
- Option 1: 0:00am
- Option 2: 0:00am
- Option 3: 0:00am
Transfer to the Airport
Details for transfers to the airport will be provided.
Saturday, May 18
Post-Conference Press Trips
Media will be returning from the following trips:
- Option 1
- Approximately _ pm
- Option 2
- Approximately _ pm
- Option 3
- Approximately _ am
- Option 1
