As ACMA’s president this year, I am very pleased to welcome each of you to ACMA’s 2025 Spring Meeting, held in the southernmost city in the continental United States, beautiful and fun Key West, Florida!

I can think of no better location for ACMA to host its 2025 Spring Meeting. As you may know, ACMA’s Spring Meetings are special as they offer a smaller setting and more personal connection for our Fellows to meet, network and forge life-long friendships and referral networks. I encourage you to take advantage of this by joining us from Sunday through Tuesday, May 18–20, at the Casa Marina Resort in Key West.

Originally constructed in the 1920s by railroad tycoon Henry Flagler, Casa Marina is listed on the National Register for Historic Places as a historic landmark with Old Town Key West elegance. However, after a recent $79 million dollar renovation, this grand hotel now stands fully ready to welcome ACMA Fellows and their guests with a fresh, locally inspired take on the historic property, located on the southern edge of Key West with the largest private beach on the island.

Beginning last year, ACMA leadership changed the format of the Spring Meeting to add greater value through enhanced opportunities for attendees. Once again, ACMA’s Program Committee will offer two (2) hours of elite level CLE at this year’s event. Additionally, the Board of Regents, the State and Provincial Chairs, and the Council of Committee Chairs will hold important administrative meetings. ACMA will also provide times and spaces for other committees to organize important meetings during our stay in Key West.

Our networking receptions will be exceptional, and our dine-arounds will feature exquisite low-country and globally inspired cuisine. ACMA’s new Alternative Competition Committee will provide a variety of fun new opportunities to interact with other Fellows and guests (at no additional cost) by participating in various games, including the new “ACMA Olympics” and a special Key West scavenger hunt!

All Regents, State and Provincial Chairs, and committee chairs are expected to attend in-person, as hybrid participation will not be provided. All other Fellows are encouraged to attend and participate in all meetings and networking functions. For those who are newer to ACMA, your spouse, partner, or guest are ALWAYS welcome and encouraged to attend our conferences.

So, back to the venue—which is terrific: Key West is a charming island paradise that has served as a home base for a diverse group of historic and literary figures ranging from the leaders of the Cuban War for Independence to Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway, Harry Truman, and, of course, Jimmy Buffet. It is easy to explore different parts of the island on foot or using various forms of local transportation, including the hop-on, hop-off trolleys and conch train, as well as by Uber, bike, and even golf carts! Depending on where you elect to go, you can visit historic forts and homes, tropical gardens, bird and butterfly sanctuaries, and beautiful beaches. Up, down, and just off Duval Street, you’ll find a dizzying array of restaurants, cafes, bars, art galleries, boutiques and shops just waiting for you. There are also a wide variety of activities that you can arrange on your own with the assistance of the hotel concierge, including special Hemingway tours, jet ski tours around the entire island, and special fishing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and sailing excursions. Our meeting materials will contain suggestions for your exploration of the vicinity.

My wife, Maggie, and I look forward to exploring Key West with you!

John Murphy
ACMA 2025 President