From the Exhibit Hall to the Boardroom to the Classroom
As the 2025 National School Boards Association (NSBA) Annual Conference draws near, thousands of school board members and district leaders will gather in New Orleans. The exhibit hall will be packed — a high-energy space filled with tools, technologies, and services designed to reimagine public education.
For exhibitors and organizations looking to engage school board leaders, the key question isn’t how many badges you scan or have one-off conversations with. It’s how you move beyond the event to create real value — and build lasting partnerships.
Why School Boards Matter More Than Ever
Local school boards aren’t just carrying out policy. Increasingly, they’re setting it. More often, we see that school board policies go beyond education; they are a pulse of what’s happening in our communities.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen board decisions:
- Spark statewide legislation
- Shift national narratives
- Redefine district priorities
Consider these examples:
- Temecula Valley Unified (CA) rejected a state-approved curriculum over LGBTQ+ content. The decision prompted direct action from the governor and fueled a national debate over local control.
- Duval County (FL) adopted a secure firearm storage policy following advocacy from students and local safety groups. The move is now being replicated in districts across the country.
- Peninsula School District (WA) developed one of the first classroom AI policies, with input from ChatGPT. That framework is now guiding AI governance in other states.
These aren’t one-off stories. They’re reminders that school boards are where big decisions start — and where mission-aligned partners can have an outsized impact.
For Exhibitors: Turning NSBA Visibility into Strategic Engagement
If you’re exhibiting at NSBA, you already know this audience matters. But to stand out, you need more than foot traffic. You need to turn interest into influence. Here are three ways to maximize your impact at the show this year:
1. Speak to Today’s Priorities
Right now, many boards are focused on:
- Equity and resource gaps
- Student wellness and trauma-informed practices
- Community trust and engagement
- Emerging technologies, especially AI
Your messaging should reflect these priorities — not last year’s pitch.
For example, if you offer a personalized learning platform, explain how it improves access for underserved students. If your product uses AI, be ready to discuss data privacy, bias, and ethical use — not just features. At NSBA 2024, “AI and Life-Ready Learning” sessions filled quickly. Boards are seeking guidance, not buzzwords. Be the partner who helps them connect innovation to outcomes.
2. Don’t Just Sell — Educate
If you start your conversation with a sales pitch, expect booth visitors to move along quickly. Position your team as thought partners. Ideas to consider:
- Host a short session at your booth on a timely topic (e.g., “5 Questions to Ask Before Adopting AI in Classrooms”)
- Share follow-up resources, such as model policies or implementation guides.
- Provide materials tailored to board members — not just district admins — that show how your solution aligns with compliance, equity, or student achievement goals.
Board members must justify decisions in public meetings. Equip them with the right language and tools to make the case.
3. Follow Up with Value — Not Volume
After the conference, inboxes get flooded. Stand out by showing you were listening:
- Reference specific conversations or sessions (detailed conversation or meeting notes will come in handy).
- Share a relevant case study from another school board — not just the district office.
- Invite board members to something useful, such as a webinar with peer leaders, a policy-focused workshop, or a customized district report.
For example, one organization used Quorum School Board to deliver targeted follow-up to over 50,000 school board members across the country — and tracked engagement by click rate. Intelligent, data-informed outreach isn’t just for campaigns anymore.
For Non-Exhibitors: Why You Should Be Watching School Boards
If your work touches education, public health, community equity, or local governance — and school boards aren’t on your radar — it’s time to change that.
Here’s why:
- Boards are setting precedents. From student surveillance to sustainability, board votes are shaping state and federal policy.
- They’re early adopters. School boards are often the first to test new ideas — and they’re looking for help to do it well.
- They need support. Most board members are part-time volunteers making complex decisions. Mission-aligned partners can be game-changing.
Case in point: In Radnor Township, PA, students and nonprofits campaigned for clean energy. The board responded with a 100% renewable energy commitment — now being modeled in other districts.
Tips for Engaging School Boards (Even If You’re Not at NSBA)
Whether you’re a nonprofit, company concerned about local issued, an ed-tech startup, or a community health partner, you can begin building relationships with boards in your region.
Start here:
- Use tools like Quorum School Board or your state school board association to track meeting agendas.
- Connect your work to student outcomes — wellness, safety, equity — not just features or programs.
- Bring community voices to the table. Students, parents, and local experts can make your case stronger.
- Follow through. If your work leads to a new board policy, offer to help implement it. Share training, grants, or recognition in your networks.
This Is the Year to Show Up
If your work intersects with education or local policy, school boards should be included in your engagement strategy. They’re not just gatekeepers—they’re policymakers.
The NSBA Annual Conference gives a glimpse into what matters most to school boards in 2025 — and how organizations can help them move from intention to impact.