Be part of advocacy in action when you attend SNA’s Legislative Action Conference in the nation’s capital.
March 3-5, 2024 | Washington, D.C.
Event Details
Change. Challenge. Opportunity.
The Legislative Action Conference (LAC) is one of SNA’s most highly anticipated and informative conferences. LAC allows attendees to experience firsthand the inner workings of the democratic process, learn about current legislative and regulatory challenges facing school nutrition and advocate directly with their legislators.
Need help convincing your supervisor to send you to #LAC24? Click here to download a customizable letter sharing the benefits of attending the conference.
SNA Political Action Committee Booth
With your help, SNA’s Political Action Committee (SNA PAC) works to support, educate and thank Congressional members who are involved and passionate about SNA issues. Bring your questions and stop by the PAC table at LAC to learn more about how crucial your support is in helping to meet the PAC goals.
Courtesy Policy
Please be courteous to other attendees and speakers. Turn off all cellular phones and electronic devices during conference sessions.
Registration is closed!
REGISTRATION FEES:
- EARLY BIRD RATE—EB (RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE 2/2/24)
- REGULAR RATE—RR (RECEIVED BETWEEN 2/3/24 and 2/23/24)
- ON-SITE RATE—OS (RECEIVED AFTER 2/23/23)
Do not mail/fax registrations. Registrations will only be accepted online.
Membership Categories | EB | RR | OS |
FS Member/Retired Member | $595 | $645 | $675 |
FS Nonmember | $645 | $695 | $725 |
Government Rate (Federal or State) | $595 | $645 | $675 |
Family/Guest* | $535 | $585 | $615 |
Patron (1st Attendee) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Industry Member | $680 | $730 | $790 |
Industry Nonmember | $780 | $820 | $890 |
*Family/Spouse qualification applies to those individuals who are not in the foodservice industry.
Registration Details
- Full registration includes access to all General and Educational Sessions, Luncheons and access to the digital content on the #LAC24 app for up to 30 days post-event. It does not include access to the Pre-Conference Workshop or any ticketed events.
- Confirmation of registration will be sent via email immediately upon processing.
- If you registered others, each individual will receive their own confirmation.
- If you are interested in being invited to the Executive Leadership Program on Saturday, March 2nd, please see the FAQ section for details.
Refunds/Cancellations
We’d hate for you to miss the conference, but if you must, cancellations and requests for refunds must be received in writing by February 25, 2024. Refunds will be processed less a $75 administrative fee. No refunds will be made after February 25, or for NO SHOWS. Requests may be submitted via email to meetings@schoolnutrition.org.
Transfers
Registrants who are unable to attend the conference may transfer their registration to another individual within the same organization, provided advance written notice is forwarded to meetings@schoolnutrition.org. Please provide your name and the individual’s name whom you are transferring your registration. All transfers must be received by February 25, 2024, and will not be accepted onsite.
Need to Make a Change?
To make any changes, such as your registration type, contact information, or to purchase tickets to an event or register a guest/family member, please contact meetings@schoolnutrition.org or (800) 877-8822.
Hotel Rooms Update
Due to the overwhelming response and high demand, there is extremely limited availability at the conference hotel and we anticipate being fully booked. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and understand the importance of comfortable and convenient lodging during the event.
The DC area has an abundance of hotel options and frequently, you can find more affordable rates in Virginia, such as Crystal City. There is easy access to downtown via the metro. We encourage you to explore online booking platforms for options that may suit your preferences and budget.
If you are trying to be as close as possible to the JW, some of the nearby hotels are:
- The Willard Intercontinental
- The Hotel Washington
- The Riggs Washington, D.C.
Whatever you decide, we recommend contacting these hotels as soon as possible to secure your reservation.
If you encounter any challenges or require assistance in finding suitable accommodations, please don't hesitate to reach out to our conference support team at meetings@schoolnutrition.org. We are here to assist you and make your conference experience as smooth as possible.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you to the LAC24.
Empowerment Through Advocacy: A Policy Navigation Workshop
1:00 pm—4:00 pm. Saturday, March 2
Broaden your knowledge about school nutrition advocacy to make the biggest impact when meeting with your legislators and beyond. This engaging pre-conference workshop will:
- Introduce participants to the three components of policy decisions: the people who participate in the decision, the decision-making process, and the information used to justify the decision.
- Demonstrate how these components are found in personal decisions, school districts, and government regulatory and policy decisions.
- Provide in-depth discussion and analysis of the people, process and substance component of government decisions as applied to SNA members’ policy interests.
- Illustrate key points with case studies using recent and relevant federal regulations and state legislation.
- Engage participants in several interactive, group exercises to practice the material and to hone their individual advocacy skills.
Speaker: Jonathan Gledhill, Policy Navigation Group
A separate registration fee is required ($130). Space is limited.
Opening General Session
1:15 pm—2:30 pm Sunday, March 3, 2024
Roadmap to the 2024 Election
Keynote Speaker: David Wasserman
David Wasserman is the Senior Editor and Election Analyst for the nonpartisan newsletter, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, and a contributor to NBC News.
Wasserman has served as an analyst for the NBC News Election Night Decision Desk since 2008 and has also appeared on Fox News, CNN, and NPR. His commentary has been cited in numerous publications including the Wall Street Journal, the Economist, POLITICO, and the Washington Post.
He has shared insights into the latest political trends with audiences at Harvard's Institute of Politics, the Dole Institute of Politics, and the University of Chicago Institute of Politics – where he was named a resident Pritzker Fellow in 2019.
First General Session
3:00 pm—4:30 pm Sunday, March 3, 2024
Keynote Speaker: PP&L Committee
Members of the SNA Public Policy and Legislation Committee (PP&L) will provide an extensive overview, talking points, relevant background information and more on the SNA 2024 Position Paper. Attendees will leave with the tools necessary to advocate for child nutrition programs with their elected officials.
Second General Session
8:30 am—10:00 am Monday, March 4, 2024
USDA 2024 Update
Speakers: USDA representatives
Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be on hand to deliver their annual update on child nutrition. Areas of primary focus will be ongoing and upcoming research, USDA Foods, school nutrition standards and other late-breaking news and updates.
Third General Session
10:15 am—12:00 pm Monday, March 4, 2024
Advocacy to Implementation: Healthy School Meals for All
Speakers: Diane Golzynski, Emily Honer, Jennifer Lemmerman and Robert Leshin
This session brings together the collective wisdom of school nutrition professionals and allied partners who will share concrete strategies that have led to the successful advocacy and implementation of healthy school meals for all. Attendees will gain invaluable insights from these pioneers, learning how to navigate the complexities of advocacy, secure buy-in, and implement trailblazing programs that ensure no student goes hungry.
Closing General Session
2:15 pm—3:30 pm Monday, March 4, 2024
Speaker: Ann Selzer
Ann Selzer's life as a pollster spans more than three decades, launched from her doctoral work in communication theory and research at the University of Iowa in 1984. Previously, she ran the Des Moines Register's prestigious Iowa Poll and help support the advertising department with original quantitative research.
In 1994, she decided to devote herself full-time to running her own company, Selzer & Company. Their track record for accuracy in election polls – in Iowa and beyond – has contributed to the firm's A+ rating from Nate Silver's influential website FiveThirtyEight.com. It was one of six such grades in a 2016 analysis of more than 350 polling firms.
Selzer is politically unaligned, which distinguishes her from most competitive polling firms.
David Wasserman
David Wasserman is the Senior Editor & Election Analyst for the nonpartisan newsletter, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, and a contributor to NBC News. Founded in 1984, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter provides analyses of U.S. presidential, Senate, House and gubernatorial races.
Wasserman analyzes the current political environment in lively and entertaining presentations that he can tailor to his audiences’ specific interests or locales. His data-driven forecasting looks at both national and local trends (if requested, he can even do a district-by-district outlook), the relationship between consumer brand loyalty and voting, and what the future holds for American elections.
Wasserman has served as an analyst for the NBC News Election Night Decision Desk since 2008 and has also appeared on Fox News, CNN and NPR. His commentary has been cited in numerous publications, including the Wall Street Journal, the Economist, POLITICO and the Washington Post. Wasserman also serves as a contributing writer to the Almanac of American Politics.
Prior to joining the The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter in 2007, Wasserman served for three years as House editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball, a widely respected political analysis newsletter and website founded by renowned University of Virginia professor Larry Sabato. A native of New Jersey, Wasserman is a graduate of the University of Virginia, where he was awarded the 2006 Emmerich-Wright Outstanding Thesis prize.
Ann Selzer
Ann Selzer's life as a pollster spans more than three decades, launched from her doctoral work in communication theory and research at the University of Iowa in 1984. After a few years in a couple of research shops, she joined the staff of The Des Moines Register to run their prestigious Iowa Poll and to support the advertising department with original quantitative research. On March 4th of 1994, she marched forth to devote herself full-time to running her own company.
Selzer & Company's track record for accuracy in election polls – in Iowa and beyond – contributed to the firm's A+ rating from Nate Silver's influential website FiveThirtyEight.com. It was one of six such grades in a 2016 analysis of more than 350 polling firms.
Selzer is politically unaligned, which distinguishes her from most competitive polling firms.
SNS Credentialing Exam: Earn SNA's School Nutrition Specialist Credential
9:00 am—1:00 pm Saturday, March 2, 2024
Ready to earn your School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) credential? Take the exam at #LAC24! Registration, approval and payment must be made in advance and cannot be done on site. Learn more and register or email questions to certSNS@schoolnutrition.org.
Fees
- Member Fee: $225
- Non-Member Fee: $325
School Nutrition Foundation Mix & Mingle Fundraising Reception
Kick-off LAC24 by attending this opening night reception at the National Press Club on Saturday, March 2 from 6-7:30PM. You'll get to Mix & Mingle with friends from across the country while raising money to support the dedicated men and women in the school nutrition profession! Proceeds for this event will support scholarship programs and educational opportunities for SNA members.
To purchase your tickets, click here.
If you are an industry member and would like to be an event sponsor, click here.
Executive Leadership Program
8:00 pm—5:00 pm Saturday, March 2, 2023
Operators and State Agency Members only
Transportation from the JW Marriott hotel to Georgetown University and back will be provided.
Sign-Up Deadline: Friday, December 8
Attend SNA’s highly valued Executive Leadership Program held at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. This event is held prior to #LAC and is open to all school nutrition operator and state agency members this year. SNA is able to offer this high-level training with help from the generous support of our sponsors. Participation is limited to 50 attendees, make sure to secure your spot!
New this year, we are offering all operator and state agency members the opportunity to enter a random drawing for a chance to attend! Please click on the link below and submit your name by close of business on Friday, December 8. A random drawing will be held, and all members selected will be notified on Monday, December 11, 2023, about the opportunity to attend. An email will be sent if you are selected, so please be sure to plan accordingly if you do get selected.
I am interested in attending the Executive Leadership Program!
Sponsored by Heartland School Solutions, ITW/FEG and SFSPac Food Safety & Sanitation System
For additional information on this program, please see the FAQ section for #LAC24.
Hill Visits
8:00 am—5:00 pm Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Bring your expertise, enthusiasm and stories to Washington, D.C., and take advantage of this annual opportunity to get your message across to your state’s Congressional delegation. This day is reserved for visiting U.S. Representatives and Senators on Capitol Hill. If you plan to attend #LAC24, make sure to contact your legislators’ offices now to schedule either in person or virtual meetings for this day.
Hotel Accommodations
J.W. Marriott Washington D.C.
(Headquarters Hotel)
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 393-2000
Check-in: 4:00 pm; Check-out: 12:00 pm
Reservation Information
SNA Discounted Room Rates: $339 single/double, plus tax (currently 15.95%). Each additional person is $30+tax per night.
REMINDER: Conference registration is required before you will be allowed to reserve a room within SNA’s discounted hotel room block. After you’ve submitted your payment and received your order confirmation, you will be given access to the Housing Reservation system with a unique housing registration link tied to your individual registration. If you are having issues booking or updating your room reservation online, please call the JW Marriott Washington, D.C. directly and state that you need assistance with your SNA Legislative Action Conference reservation.
Don’t delay! SNA’s discounted room block will be released February 1, 2024, but may be sold out prior to that date. SNA reserves the right to cancel, without notification, any reservation that does not have a corresponding registration for LAC 2024.
Cancellation policy: Reservations must be canceled three (3) working days prior to arrival date to avoid a penalty of one night’s charge and $25 destination fee.
Hotel Rooms Update
Due to the overwhelming response and high demand, there is extremely limited availability at the conference hotel and we anticipate being fully booked. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and understand the importance of comfortable and convenient lodging during the event.
The DC area has an abundance of hotel options and frequently, you can find more affordable rates in Virginia, such as Crystal City. There is easy access to downtown via the metro. We encourage you to explore online booking platforms for options that may suit your preferences and budget.
If you are trying to be as close as possible to the JW, some of the nearby hotels are:
- The Willard Intercontinental
- The Hotel Washington
- The Riggs Washington, D.C.
Whatever you decide, we recommend contacting these hotels as soon as possible to secure your reservation.
If you encounter any challenges or require assistance in finding suitable accommodations, please don't hesitate to reach out to our conference support team at meetings@schoolnutrition.org. We are here to assist you and make your conference experience as smooth as possible.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you to the LAC24.
School Nutrition Foundation Mix & Mingle Fundraising Reception
Kick-off LAC24 by attending this opening night reception at the National Press Club on Saturday, March 2 from 6-7:30 PM. You'll get to Mix & Mingle with friends from across the country while raising money to support the dedicated men and women in the school nutrition profession! Proceeds for this event will support scholarship programs and educational opportunities for SNA members.
To purchase your tickets, click here.
If you are an industry member and would like to be an event sponsor, click here.
Travel Information
Air Transportation
Travel arrangements can be made by calling Corporate Traveler at (571) 302-7187, by emailing Rachel.Kronlein@corporatetraveler.us or by going to SNA’s online reservations system at https://portal.fcm.travel/SNA. Make sure to book early for the best flight options and lowest fare availability. The closest airport to #LAC24 is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Please be aware that a $35 convenience fee will be included if you decide to book through Corporate Traveler.
For travel tips, visit the Traveler Resource Hub from our partner Corporate Traveler. Resources include handy checklists, FAQs and links to travel providers detailing their health and safety measures.
Ground Transportation
The JW Marriott is located 15 minutes from Reagan National Airport (DCA) and 2 miles from Union Station.
- Ride-shares are available for approximately $30 from DCA and approximately $70 from Dulles International Airport (IAD).
- Taxis are available at a rate of $30 one-way from DCA and $70-$90 one-way from IAD and Baltimore Washinton International (BWI) airports.
- If you are taking the Metro from DCA, use the BLUE line toward Largo Town Center and get off at Metro Center Station.
Parking
Valet parking is available at $63/night; $73 for oversized vehicles.
City Information
Planning Your Evening and Local Visits
When planning your visit to the nation’s capital, it’s always best to plan ahead. For information on Washington, D.C.’s attractions, dining, and interactive maps of the city, visit www.washington.org.
Review and utilize the following resources to maximize your conference experience and make the most of your time in the nation’s capital. Check back later for other valuable tools coming soon!
Utilize the following resources to advocate for SNA’s 2024 Position Paper requests!
- Reimbursement fact sheet
- Standards fact sheet
- Meals for all fact sheet
- Talking points (Word) (PDF)
- Customizable LAC attendee press release
- Infographic
- Customizable social posts
District Profile Worksheet
Download, print and complete a district profile sheet for each school so that you have relevant information ready to share with your lawmakers!
SNA Advocacy Toolkit
This toolkit contains all the information you need to be an effective advocate for school nutrition programs. Be sure to check out pages 14-19 for critical tips on making the most of your meetings with your legislators!
SNA Action Network
Locate your legislator’s biography and contact information! Check if they have voted for or sponsored key school nutrition program bills. Taking a few minutes now to do the research will pay off exponentially during your meetings.
SNA’s Political Action Committee (PAC)
Learn more about PAC and how you can get involved. Your donation is critical to the success of our policy goals, so be sure to stop by the PAC Booth at #LAC24 to learn more. You can also donate online today. And contribute to PAC by texting "meals4all" to 44834.
Getting Around Capitol Hill
Need help getting around for your day on the Hill? Plan ahead—check out this printable map of Capitol Hill.
LAC 2024 Feedback Form Return
Complete your feedback form after you meet with your legislator.
Webinars
Click here for SNA's Event Policies
Where is #LAC24 being held?
The JW Marriott in Washington, D.C. With award-winning service and an exceptional location, the JW Marriott is ready to help you pursue your passions. Situated on Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown Washington, D.C., this luxury hotel places you near many local attractions, including the White House, the National Mall, the Smithsonian Institution, and more.
Will there be an #LAC24 mobile app?
Yes, search “SNA Conferences” in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store once it is made available. There will also be QR codes onsite you can scan to access the app.
Will I get CEUs for attending?
- Yes! 5.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available to earn at LAC 2024. Attendees should download the training tracker (found in the SNA Resources Center on the app) to get credit for their relevant CEUs.
- Registered Dietitians (RDNs/DTRs) can also earn CPEUs but must follow a different process. The instruction document will also be available in the SNA app. More specific questions about CPEUs should be sent to education@schoolnutrition.org.
Will LAC include any meals?
Other than the following, attendees are on their own for meals or other refreshments:
Sunday, March 3, 2024
- #LAC24 Opening Luncheon: 12:15 pm—1:15 pm
- Coffee Break: 2:30 pm—3:30 pm
Monday, March 4, 2024
- LAC Attendee Breakfast: 7:00 am—8:30 am
- Coffee Break: 10:00 am—10:15 am
- Coffee Break: 2:00 pm—2:15 pm
Will there be an opening reception?
Yes, there will be a School Nutrition Mix & Mingle fundraising reception to kick-off LAC24. This opening night reception will be held at the National Press Club on Saturday, March 2 from 6-7:30PM. You'll get to Mix & Mingle with friends from across the country while raising money to support the dedicated men and women in the school nutrition profession! Proceeds for this event will support scholarship programs and educational opportunities for SNA members.
To purchase your tickets, click here.
If you are an industry member and would like to be an event sponsor, click here.
What are the details for the Executive Leadership Program?
Attend SNA’s highly valued Executive Leadership Program held at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. This event is held prior to #LAC and is open to all school nutrition operator and state agency members this year. SNA is able to offer this high-level training with help from the generous support of our sponsors. Participation is limited to 50 attendees, make sure to secure your spot!
New this year, we are offering all operator and state agency members the opportunity to enter a random drawing for a chance to attend! Please click on the link below and submit your name by close of business on Friday, December 8. A random drawing will be held, and all members selected will be notified on Monday, December 11, 2023, about the opportunity to attend. An email will be sent if you are selected, so please be sure to plan accordingly if you do get selected.
I am interested in attending the Executive Leadership Program!
Sponsored by Heartland School Solutions, ITW/FEG and SFSPac Food Safety & Sanitation System
Program:
Be the Leader that People Will Follow: Building Trust and Support for Change (Session 1 & 2)
Speaker: Robert J. Bies, Ph.D., Professor of Management and Founder, The Executive Master’s in Leadership Program, McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University
For SNA and school nutrition professionals to thrive (and not just survive) in the 21st century, they must continually anticipate and adapt to changes in the school, community, political, and economic environments. In these sessions, attendees will focus on two key leadership challenges that they must address to achieve mission success during change—building trust and building support for change. In addition, they will focus on leadership strategies for getting buy-in and support for change. This session will include exercises to apply these leadership strategies to the problems and challenges that the participants are currently facing.
Critical Conversations (Sessions 3 & 4)
Speaker: Evelyn Williams, Teaching Professor, Academic Director for the Masters in Management (MiM) Program, McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University
Effective dialogue is one of the single most important activities of leaders today. Whether you are confronting a team member who is not keeping commitments, critiquing a colleague’s work, disagreeing with a spouse about financial decisions, or telling someone "No." Critical conversations like these are often avoided or handled in clumsy ways. This workshop provides the theory underpinning these conversations, diagrams their structure, and provides specific strategies for approaching them successfully. Participants will practice dealing with real difficult conversations, learn how to structure reflective coaching conversations and hear practical techniques for providing impactful feedback.
What is the attire for #LAC24?
Business attire is appropriate for this event. You should bring appropriate professional attire and dressy, yet comfortable, shoes for your day on Capitol Hill. Washington weather at this time of year can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack for possible chilly or rainy conditions. For current weather forecasts, check www.washington.org.
Thank you to our generous #LAC24 sponsors and Gem Club members. Sponsorship support is vital to SNA’s efforts to provide valuable educational sessions, top-notch speakers and ensure a meaningful and memorable event for all attendees.
Contact Nita Artis, Senior Corporate Sales Specialist, Industry Success & Patron Program, for more details on #LAC24 and other conference sponsorships.
#LAC24 Sponsors
LAC Gem Club Sponsors
Diamond Club
Gem Club
Ruby Club
Heartland School Solutions
Rich Products
Pearl Club
Cool School Cafe
Domino’s SMART Slice
General Mills Convenience & Foodservice
SFSPac Food Safety & Sanitation System
Traulsen, a division of ITW/FEG
Vulcan, a division of ITW/FEG
Winston Foodservice
The Legislative Action Conference (#LAC24) is one of SNA’s most highly anticipated and informative conferences. This event allows attendees to experience firsthand the inner workings of the democratic process, learn about current legislative and regulatory challenges facing school nutrition and advocate directly with their legislators.
Sponsorship opportunities include:
- Conference Tote Bags. As the exclusive sponsor of tote bags, your company will be top of mind throughout the year as all attendees continue to use these attractive, reusable bags during and after the conference in their daily lives.
- Hotel Room Drops. Drop an item or collateral piece in the rooms of school nutrition operator attendees. One company each night: Sunday & Monday.
- Conference Wi-Fi. Give attendees the opportunity to check their email and correspond with family and friends while away from home at #LAC24. Attendees will think of you when they access the complimentary conference wi-fi and look for login information in the conference learning journal.
Visit our sponsorship & advertising page for more information.
School Nutrition Foundation Mix & Mingle Fundraising Reception
Become a School Nutrition Friend and sponsor the Mix & Mingle Reception to kick off LAC24. Through this sponsorship, you will raise money to support the dedicated men and women in the school nutrition profession and have your company logo listed on event signage! For information on sponsorship packages, click here.
Future Meetings
Location | Dates |
---|---|
Washington, D.C. | March 9-11, 2025 |
Washington, D.C. | March 8-10, 2026 |
Washington, D.C. | March 7-9, 2027 |
Washington, D.C. | March 5-7, 2028 |