LaShawn Duckett, CMP, CAE (she,her,hers) Senior Director of Convention and Strategic Operations

Contact LaShawn about:

  • Strategic planning and organizational initiatives
  • Overall convention strategy and event planning
  • Sponsorship, exhibition, and advertising opportunities
  • Contract negotiations and venue selection

LaShawn Duckett serves as Senior Director of Convention and Strategic Operations, functioning as a key strategic partner to NCA's Executive Director. She oversees convention operations, leads cross-functional strategic initiatives, and coordinates organizational planning efforts. With a passion for creating high-quality, revenue-generating conferences and programs, LaShawn has partnered with senior executives for more than a decade to develop strategic, logistical, and budgetary approaches that ensure organizational goals and objectives are achieved.

Before coming to the National Communication Association, Duckett was the Director of Meetings at the National Science Teaching Association, where she exceeded revenue and attendance goals. Previously, she was the Director of Education, Meetings, and Special Interest Groups at the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, where she was known for improving operational efficiencies and creating high-value experiences for attendees.

Committed to enhancing her knowledge in the field, Duckett earned the Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) and Certified Association Executive (CAE) designations. She served on numerous industry professional committees and groups with the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), Association of Women in Events, Professional Convention Management Association, and Meeting Professionals International (MPI); and served as a facilitator at the MCP Boot camp.

Duckett has received several industry honors, including the American Optometric Association's President's Award, the digitalNow Leaders of Distinction Award, and Connect Association's 40 Under 40. She is an ASAE Diversity Executive Leadership Program Scholar.

Duckett earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Strayer University.

In her free time, Duckett enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.