Scott Rife, Regional Sales Manager, Eastman Strings | NAMM Young Professionals
“Advocating for music education was an invaluable experience, and I came home with lots of knowledge that will help me continue advocating at home. My only regret is not attending sooner!”
NAMM Members Advocate for Music Education on Capitol Hill
On May 5–8, 2025, NAMM member delegates will gather at the U.S. Capitol to serve as powerful advocates for music education. This exclusive, high-impact experience offers delegates the chance to meet directly with members of Congress and share firsthand why continued federal funding for music education is essential.
Equipped with personal stories and professional insight, delegates receive intensive advocacy training and the full support of NAMM staff and seasoned lobbyists. Together, members engage in meaningful conversations that can shape national education policy.
Join the delegate interest list for the 2026 NAMM Advocacy D.C. Fly-In— and help champion the future of music education.
Illuminating Careers in the Music Industry for Local Students
The NAMM Advocacy Fly-In always begins with a Day of Service put on by The NAMM Foundation, providing members an opportunity to give back to students at a local school. This year, The NAMM Foundation hosts Network With the Pros at Eastern Senior High School, where members will share about their careers and answer student questions about job opportunities in the music industry. Engaging with students and highlighting the diverse career paths in music supports the broader mission of delegates urging Congress to fund music education.
Did You Know?
2018
NAMM honored Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici for her staunch support for music and arts education.
2019
2019
was our biggest year with over 100 delegates.
2020
2020
we held a virtual advocacy summit due to the pandemic.
2023
2023
had 85 delegates representing 41 states and had the highest number of first-time delegates in 15 years!
2024
was an election year and so we focused on our policy priorities and planned for an epic 2025 Fly-In!
2025
is the 19th NAMM D.C. Fly-In!
NAMM 2025 D.C. Fly-In Schedule
May 5
Day of Service and Welcome Dinner
May 6
Advocacy Training and Dinner Overlooking the Capitol
May 7
Meetings with Members of Congress, Capitol Reception and NAMM Jam!
May 8
Breakfast Wrap-up and Depart
Highlights from the 2023 D.C. Fly-In
In 2023, delegates from 41 states represented their businesses by meeting directly with 147 Members of Congress and their staff to ask for funding to allow for equitable access to music education. Of those meetings, 52 were held with with offices that have members on crucial committees or subcommittees. In addition, delegates dropped off 281 Best Communities for Music Education packets to notify Representatives of designees in their districts.
Rep. Frost Delivers Keynote
The first member of Generation Z to be elected to Congress Maxwell Frost represents the people of Central Florida (FL-10) in the House of Representatives. Congressman Frost inspired NAMM Fly-In delegates on November 14 with his journey to Congress as well as with personal anecdotes from growing up in a musical household.
The D.C. Advocacy Experience in Photos
The D.C. Fly-In invites NAMM members to advocate for federal funding for music education. This signature NAMM event kicks off with a Day of Service and training and cultivates a real sense of community among attendees!
Amplifying Impact: My First NAMM D.C. Fly-In by Ana Dobrian
In the weeks leading up to the Fly-In, NAMM staff presented webinar training sessions, built a comprehensive materials website, and made themselves available to delegates every step of the way as we prepared to meet in D.C.
Fly-In FAQs
- How do I register for the Fly-In?
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Registration for the Fly-In will open the last week of February 2025. NAMM works in consultation with our lobbying firm in Washington, D.C. to give priority to registrants who work or live in key states and districts. Please make sure to fill out the interest form at the top of this page and to include your nine-digit zip code, which is what we use to match delegates with representatives.
- Can I attend if I am not a NAMM member?
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Representatives from NAMM partner organizations may register to attend the Fly-In by invitation. We do request those eligible for membership join NAMM before registering for the Fly-In. Learn more about the benefits of NAMM membership.
- Can I bring a guest or spouse?
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Please note that the Fly-In is a music industry business event. However, guests may attend select meals and special events with a guest registration fee.
Participation in briefing day on and Congressional visits are limited to delegates.
- How much does registration cost?
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Delegate: $400 Guest: $250 The registration fee for delegates has been increased to address rising costs while maintaining a high quality event with professional and intensive training and networking opportunities.
- Does NAMM cover travel?
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Fly-In participants are responsible for their own round-trip travel to and from Washington, D.C., as well as ground transportation and hotel costs. Meals are provided. All NAMM events are included in the registration fee.
- What is the nearest airport?
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We suggest Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Dulles International (IAD).
- What is the dress code for the Fly-In?
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The dress code for all Fly-In events is business attire.
Please remember to bring business cards, phone and laptop chargers, warm outwear/raincoat and umbrella, cash for tips, medications and comfortable walking shoes.
- Is there anything I can do to prepare before meeting with Members of Congress?
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Virtual and in-person training will prepare you for your meetings, and NAMM Fly-In team leaders will coordinate communication between delegates and Senate and House education staffers. Since NAMM delegates often share the same representatives, outreach coordination is necessary to avoid duplicate requests.
- Is there a Fly-In app?
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Yes! Materials and information will be accessible via our app.
- How do I leverage social media?
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When posting about the Fly-In, please use the hashtag #NAMMFlyIn.
- Have a question we didn't answer?
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Please contact us.