Preparing for the NFA Convention – Atlanta 2025

by Alex Xeros, Senior Sales Manager

The annual NFA Flute Convention is quickly approaching, and it’s time to start preparing! Here at the Flute Center, we’re busy taking inventory of all our flutes, sheet music, accessories, and everything we need to put together our booth in the exhibit hall. So, how should attendees get ready for the big event? Here are some pointers on how to make the most of your convention experience from our Resident Flutist, Alex Xeros.

General Advice

Be prepared to be on your feet and walk A LOT!
Pack comfortable sneakers. Whether you are attending with an ensemble, planning on finding your flute, or hoping to see every recital possible, you will be on your feet a lot! It really helps to alternate shoes each day to distribute pressure differently, so I’d recommend packing at least two comfortable pairs.

Review the program and make a game plan.
Scan through the schedule and highlight the events, concerts, and sessions you don’t want to miss. Be prepared to make tough choices - a lot is going on, and overlap is inevitable.
Also, pay attention to the locations of each event so you can factor in walking time. While everything is generally within the same venue, it can still be a trek!

Carry your gear wisely.
Depending on how much you’re carrying, a good backpack should do the trick. (Check out our selection of backpacks and gig bags!) Over the years, I’ve grown to appreciate the folks who bring small roller bags—it’s a smart way to avoid back and shoulder fatigue.

Visit the Exhibit Hall

It takes each exhibitor a lot of time, money, and effort to bring their products to the convention, whether that means shipping them or driving across the country. Even if you’re not shopping, visiting the exhibit hall is a great way to see what’s out there.

Bring earplugs!
The exhibit hall can get pretty loud, depending on the venue. If you’re planning to spend a lot of time there, it might help to bring ear protection to avoid fatigue.

Shopping for a New Instrument? Here Are Some Pointers:

• Budget, budget, budget!
  Set a realistic budget. This helps our Resident Flutists guide you to the right instrument for your needs.

• Not sure where to start?
  Check out our article on Planning Your Budget.

• Use the testing areas
  These are usually located a little farther from the main booths so you can better hear yourself play.

• Consider taking a trial
  If the exhibit hall is too noisy or overwhelming, consider taking an overnight trial to your hotel room to play test instruments in a quieter environment.

• Be considerate and aware
  The hall can get crowded. Be mindful of space to avoid bumping into others or damaging instruments. If someone is testing right next to you, maybe save playing Prokofiev Sonata at full volume or the Tchaikovsky 4 piccolo excerpt for a less crowded time or the testing area.

• Not seeing what you’re looking for?
  Just ask us! Sometimes we can’t display everything we brought and may have additional stock tucked away. We can also facilitate trying specific instruments directly from the makers, some of whom only sell through flute shops, such as the Flute Center.

And don’t forget the perks - Instruments purchased through Flute Center come with our Standard Service Guarantee as well as other perks. Read more in our article: Why Flute Center Is Your Ultimate Destination for Flute Shopping.

Don’t Miss Our HUGE Sheet Music Section

• We’ll bring featured works from the convention, competition pieces, and tried-and-true standards.

• Look out for convention-only specials on sheet music!

• We’ll also be hosting influencer meet-and-greets throughout the event.
  
  

Beyond the Convention: Tips for Enjoying Atlanta

As much as we’d love for you to spend every waking moment at our booth, take time to explore the city! I don’t live in Atlanta, but I’ve visited often and used to live in the South. And as someone who loves food, you don’t want to miss out on classic Southern cuisine!

If you have time to venture out, Atlanta has so much to offer! Here are a few local favorites and ideas to make the most of your trip:

1. Southern Food Must-Tries

• Busy Bee Café – A legendary soul food spot. Fried chicken, mac and cheese, cornbread... you’ll thank me later.

• Mary Mac’s Tea Room – A historic, home-style Southern restaurant with all the classics.

• Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q – For a smoky, savory barbecue experience, don’t skip the ribs.

• For anyone who knows me, I don’t shy away from having a little fast food on occasion so I recommend checking out Bojangles Chicken and Biscuits as well as Cookout (especially for their milkshakes).

• Spots a little closer to the venue:

• Polaris – Located on the 22nd floor of the Hyatt, this iconic rotating restaurant offers panoramic city views. Known for steak Oscar, wagyu strip, and a signature “blue dome” chocolate mousse
  

• Sway – Just downstairs in the Hyatt, Sway serves Southern cuisine with locally sourced ingredients for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  

• Alma Cocina – A short walk away, offering modern Mexican dishes—tacos, ceviche, margaritas, and churros in a vibrant atmosphere
  

• Ray’s In the City – A refined downtown seafood and steakhouse serving crab cakes, gumbo, and fresh catches—ideal for business dinners or a special night out
  

• Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery – Casual and friendly, this spot offers wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and tasty craft beers brewed on-site
  
  

2. Parks and Culture

• Piedmont Park – A beautiful green space in Midtown with skyline views, perfect for a post-convention stroll.

• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Located next to Piedmont Park, it's great for a peaceful afternoon surrounded by stunning plants and art installations.

• High Museum of Art – If you’re looking to cool off indoors and get inspired beyond music.
  
  

3. History and Attractions

• The National Center for Civil and Human Rights – An impactful and moving museum downtown.

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – Visit Dr. King's childhood home and the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world—it’s not just for kids!
  
  

4. Getting Around

• Atlanta can be spread out, so rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are helpful. If you’re staying near the convention center, many spots are accessible on foot or by MARTA (Atlanta’s public transit system).

Reconnect, Network, and Have Fun!

Each convention is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues, teachers, classmates, and friends—and to meet new people in the flute community. Whether you're attending concerts, browsing the exhibit hall, or grabbing a coffee between sessions, you never know who you’ll run into or what conversations might lead to new opportunities.

In fact, I might not have my job in this industry had I not attended the NFA Convention! It's a place where relationships are formed, ideas are shared, and careers can take shape.

So smile, say hello, and don’t be shy; this is your chance to be part of something bigger than just the schedule of events.