2027 NAIS Leading Assistant Institute
About the Event
Elevate your administrative expertise at the premier professional development opportunity designed for executive assistants and assistants to heads in independent schools. Join colleagues from across the United States for two days of skill-building, strategic learning, and meaningful networking. The NAIS Leading Assistant Institute is part of the Leading Your Growth track of the NAIS Leadership Academy.
- Date / Time
- April 19-20, 2027
- Location
NAIS Headquarters, Washington, DC
Program Overview
Grow first, then celebrate. Join us at the NAIS Leading Assistant Institute, right before Administrative Professionals Day, to build your skills and your network. Learn alongside peers who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of supporting heads and boards in independent schools.
Topics Covered
-
Master the intricacies of board support, meeting coordination, and confidential communications that drive institutional effectiveness.
-
Keep current with emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of independent education.
-
Discover how artificial intelligence (AI) can streamline your workflow, enhance productivity, and create new possibilities for strategic support.
-
Develop advanced skills in professional correspondence, stakeholder engagement, and diplomatic communication across all organizational levels.
-
Learn to anticipate needs, manage complex projects, and provide executive-level assistance that advances institutional goals.
-
Get up to speed on the legal issues affecting independent schools, and learn how to support your head and your school with confidence.
Audience
The NAIS Leading Assistant Institute is designed for executive assistants, chiefs of staff, and assistants to heads of schools.
Outcomes
Join us in Washington, DC, where professional growth meets meaningful collaboration. The NAIS Leading Assistant Institute represents an investment in both your career and the continued excellence of independent school administration nationwide.
-
Refresh...
...your foundational skills with cutting-edge best practices. -
Refine...
...your approach to complex administrative challenges. -
Elevate...
...your strategic thinking and professional impact. -
Connect...
...with a nationwide network of accomplished peers.
2027 Faculty
-
Debra P. Wilson
PresidentNAIS -
Erica Zematis
Special Assistant to the President’s OfficeNAIS -
Evan Harris
PresidentPathos Consulting Group -
Brenna Foley
Research AnalystNAIS -
Justin Perillo
General CounselNAIS
-
![Testimonial]()
What Attendees Are Saying
This was a fantastic institute. I left inspired, motivated, and further equipped to do my job well.Past Leading Assistant Institute Attendee -
![Testimonial]()
What Attendees Are Saying
This was an incredibly worthwhile program with thoughtful sessions and opportunities to meet and learn from peers.Past Leading Assistant Institute Attendee -
![Testimonial]()
What Attendees Are Saying
When I left the institute, I was recharged and ready to come back with some thoughtful ideas to discuss with my manager. It was wonderful to meet others to add to my network, to discuss joys and pain points, and to get thoughtful solutions.Past Leading Assistant Institute Attendee
Registration Information
Registration prices include a day and a half of programming, with lunch on both program days (April 19–20), and a light breakfast on Tuesday (April 20).
*Contact us for more information about the benefits of NAIS membership, including discounted event pricing.
-
Registration TypeMember Price*
-
Early-Bird Pricing (Through 12/21/26)$950
-
Standard Pricing (On or After 12/22/26)$1,200
-
Registration TypeNonmember Price
-
Early-Bird Pricing (Through 12/21/26)$1,375
-
Standard Pricing (On or After 12/22/26)$1,525
Hotel Accommodations
NAIS has reserved a block of rooms at a discounted rate of $289/night (plus current local ~15.95% tax) at the One Washington Circle DC hotel located at 1 Washington Circle NW, Washington, D.C. 20037. We will email registrants with a link for booking. Please wait until you receive that link to book your room so that you can access our discounted rate. The institute takes place at NAIS Headquarters, a short walk from the hotel.
Schedule
The program begins at 11:00 AM ET, April 19, and concludes at 3:00 PM ET, April 20, with an optional school visit that afternoon. Watch for a more detailed schedule coming soon. Sessions include The Leading Assistant: Turning Everyday Skills Into Strategic Influence; The Trusted Liaison: Bridging Leadership & Governance; Research-Based Insights on Trends in Independent Schools; Legal News That EAs Can Use; Executive Communication for Assistants: Influence, Clarity, and Confidence; and Agents and Deepfakes: What Every Assistant Needs to Know.
Contact Information and Cancellation Policy
Please contact instituteshelp@nais.org or 202-973-9700 with any questions.
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to instituteshelp@nais.org (on or before March 22, 2027: full refund, less a $75 processing fee; March 23–April 5, 2027: 50% refund; on or after April 6, 2027: no refunds will be issued). Refunds will be issued to the original form of payment.
We understand that unexpected circumstances may arise. Requests for exceptions due to medical or bereavement circumstances may be submitted to instituteshelp@nais.org, and they will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis following the event.