Held in the jazz rich history city of New Orleans, the 17th annual JEN conference proved to be a smashing success for Billy Strayhorn Songs Inc. and The Billy Strayhorn Foundation. An exhibitor for the 14th year, the annual conference brings together jazz beginners and experts for a once in a lifetime experience. Attracting 3,000+ jazz educators, students and musicians from around the globe, the 2026 JEN conference throughout its 4 days featured over 100 exhibitors, over 100 clinics and research presentations, and 100+ music performances by middle, high school and college bands, as well as world renowned jazz recording artists. As an exhibitor, the Billy Strayhorn Foundation was able to pass along information about its jazz education initiatives which include: 1) Participation in the JEN Conference 2) Collaborating with other JEN participants to promote the music and tell the story of Billy Strayhorn 3) Highlight the student musicians who have been recipients of the Billy Strayhorn Jazz Education Scholarship Award promoting the values to which Strayhorn adhered to—personal integrity, commitment to excellence, and perseverance. Kudos to all at JEN for putting together another tremendously exciting and smooth running conference. We look forward to the 2027 JEN Conference, which will be held in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo: New Orleans native and legendary saxophonist, composer and jazz educator Donald Harrison stopped by the Billy Strayhorn exhibitor booth to talk with Strayhorn nephew Galen Demus about the Strayhorn legacy and a few other jazz tidbits.)