The winners of the annual NASMD Bocce Ball tournament. From left: Bertrand Music’s Wendy Stackhouse, Maple Leaf Strings’ Erin Kessler, Dansr’s Stephanie Murphy and The Music People’s Ana Dobrian, with Cannonball’s Tevis Laukat and NASMD board member Tristann Rieck. B&O Fun in the Sun! NASMD shook up Bonita Springs, Florida, for its annual convention featuring four days of networking mixers, education sessions — and a whole lot of pool time. — By Katie Kailus Outgoing NASMD president CJ Averwater (center) is presented an award by NASMD vice president John Tarpley (left) and incoming NASMD president Cris Behrens (right).
NASMD President CJ Averwater (left) presents an award to Andy Supinie, the husband of the late Lori Supinie, for her dedication to the industry.
S chool music dealers across the country took a little “spring break” from April 3–6 as they descended upon the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in sunny Bonita Springs, Florida, for the 62nd annual National Association of School Music Dealers (NASMD) convention. More than 350 attend- ees took part in the four-day event which saw a slew of educational sessions and networking mixers, as well as the convention’s annual golf and bocce ball tournaments. “I want to give a huge thanks to the board, our presenters and our sponsors for putting on another fantastic NASMD,” said CJ Averwater of Amro Music in Memphis, Tennessee, and outgoing NASMD president. “Every year, the bar gets raised, and this year was no exception. The willingness of our members to share never ceases to amaze me. What an incredible group
of members and sponsors.” During the event’s closing night party, Aver- water passed the on role of NASMD president to Cris Behrens of Bert Murdock Music, who previ- ously served as the organization’s vice president. “I couldn’t be happier for Cris Behrens and the membership — the organization is in great hands for the years ahead,” Averwater shared. “This year’s attendees were treated to thought- provoking sessions, workshops and panel dis- cussions led by industry experts,” Behrens said. “We look forward to continuing to bring that same excellence to future NASMD conventions.” Next year’s NASMD convention will be held from March 19–22, 2025, at the Ritz Carlton in New Orleans. Flip through the following pages for a few of the best sessions Music Inc. attended during the event. MI
42 I MUSIC INC. I JUNE 2024
NASMD President CJ Averwater addresses the lunch crowd.
Powered by FlippingBook