Georgia Athletic Directors Association

GADA Membership Commendation

9 Takeaways from the 2025 GADA Conference

In this episode of GADA Today, presented by the BAND Communication App, we take you inside the 2025 GADA State Conference with a powerful highlight reel of insights, takeaways, and leadership lessons from key sessions and speakers. Whether you missed the event or want a refresher, this episode gives you direct access to the voices shaping Georgia athletics today.

Session Highlights Include:

  • Branding & Publicizing Your Program: Real-world examples on building a recognizable and respected identity.

  • Legal Year-in-Review: What every AD needs to know to protect their program.

  • Managing the Media: How to set expectations and maintain control on game day.

  • Unruly Fans & Emergency Preparedness: Proven approaches to elevate safety and civility in every environment.

  • First-Year AD Tips: Do’s and don’ts for navigating the early stages of athletic leadership.

  • Single School District Roles: Perspectives on balancing expectations and building culture in smaller systems.

  • Student-Led Sportsmanship & Event Culture: Tactics to unify your community and uphold high standards.

You’ll also hear from Dustin Smith, NIAAA President-Elect, and Phil Rison, Executive Director of the NIAAA, who share wisdom on staying true to your leadership style and advocating for your role.

Bonus Takeaways:

  • Budgeting strategies for revenue vs. non-revenue sports.

  • Why storytelling and visibility inside your building matter.

  • How to use the Profile of Athletic Administration as a tool for evaluation and advocacy.

Special thanks to the BAND Communication App for supporting this episode and for helping us connect ADs across the state.

Share this post

Skip to content