Be part of advocacy in action when you attend SNA’s Legislative Action Conference in the nation’s capital.
March 5-7, 2023 | Washington, D.C.
Event Details
Right Time. Right Now.
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 #LAC23? 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 (PAC) works to support, educate and thank Congressional members who are involved in 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.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
SNA CEUs are aligned with USDA Professional Standards required annual training. Participants who attend the full conference will earn CEUs toward SNA’s Certificate Program, the SNS Credential renewal and USDA Professional Standards. The Professionals Standards Tracking Grid will be available on the LAC23 app to help you keep track of your training.
CPEU Information for RDs AND DTRs
Registered Dietitians (RDNs/DTRs) can also earn CPEUs, but must follow a different process and the instruction document will also be available in the LAC app. More specific questions about CPEUs should be sent to education@schoolnutrition.org.
Courtesy Policy
Please be courteous to other attendees and speakers. Turn off all cellular phones and electronic devices during conference sessions.
Advocating for your Programs at the State and Federal Level
1:00 pm—4:00 pm. Saturday, March 4, 2023
Successful Legislative Visits: The legislature’s door is open to you. But what are you going to say once inside? This class teaches you how to speak with and what to say to lawmakers in understandable, comfortable, informative, and persuasive ways. You will learn the basics of grassroots face-to-face advocacy, what motivates lawmakers, and how to structure an effective lobbying visit. Preparation and presentation checklists are included.
Speaker: Robert Guyer
Separate registration fee is required ($130). Space is limited.
SNF Dance Party
SNF will let the good times roll again by hosting the 2023 SNF Dance party at LAC on Monday, March 6, 2023. SNA members danced all night to the fantastic sounds of The Rollex Band last year, so we are bringing them back for a full night of dancing, drinks, and delicious food! The School Nutrition Foundation is excited to host this special occasion in support of all SNA members. We expect a sell-out crowd, so buy your tickets today because space on the dance floor is limited.
A separate registration fee is required ($150 for Operators, $250 for Industry).
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, 2023. Refunds will be processed less a $75 administrative fee. No refunds will be made after February 25 or for NO SHOWS. Requests m ay 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, 2023, 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, contact us at meetings@schoolnutrition.org or (800) 877-8822, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Opening General Session
The Current Political and Legislative Environment
Keynote Speaker: Charlie Cook
1:15 pm—2:30 pm Sunday, March 5, 2023
For more than three decades, Charlie Cook has been delivering independent, non-partisan political analysis as the founder of “The Cook Political Report," deemed by The New York Times as “a newsletter that both parties regard as authoritative.” In this talk, Cook will discuss today’s political and legislative environments in a balanced way, providing insights into the latest from the Biden administration, the interplay between Congressional Democrats and Republicans, as well as an expert outlook for what will happen in Washington this year. He’ll also explore how President Biden and the Democratic agenda will play on Capitol Hill and across the country and the impact this may have on the midterm elections.
First General Session
Presentation of the SNA 2023 Position Paper
Speakers: Jessica Gould, PP&L Committee
3:00 pm—4:30 pm Sunday, March 5, 2023
Members of the SNA Public Policy and Legislation Committee will provide an extensive overview, talking points, relevant background information and more on the SNA 2023 Position Paper. Attendees will leave with the tools necessary to advocate for child nutrition programs with the newly sworn-in 118th Congress.
Second General Session
USDA 2023 Update
Speakers: Melissa Rothstein, other USDA representatives
8:30 am—10:00 am Monday, March 6, 2023
Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be on hand to deliver the 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
10:00 am—12:00 pm Monday, March 6
More information is coming soon.
Closing General Session
2:15 pm—3:30 pm Monday, March 6, 2023
More information is coming soon.
SNS Credentialing Exam: Earn SNA's School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) Credential
9:00 am—1:00 pm Saturday, March 4, 2023
Ready to earn your School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) Credential? Take the exam at #LAC23. Registration, approval and payment must be made in advance and cannot be done on site. Click here to register or email certSNS@schoolnutrition.org.
Fees
- Member Fee: $225
- Non-Member Fee: $325
Registration deadline: Monday, February 20, 2023
SNF Dance Party
7:00 pm—10:00 pm Monday, March 6, 2023
SNF will let the good times roll again by hosting the 2023 SNF Dance party at LAC on Monday, March 6, 2023. Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready to party with The Rollex Band, the most-requested dance party band on the entire East Coast. Watch them perform here.
The School Nutrition Foundation is excited to host this special occasion in support of all SNA members. We expect a sell-out crowd, so buy your tickets today because space on the dance floor is limited. Click here and add the SNF Dance Party to your cart. Tickets are just $150 for school nutrition professionals and $250 for industry members.
Hill Visits
8:00 am—5:00 pm Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Bring your expertise, your enthusiasm and your 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 LAC, contact your legislators’ offices now to schedule either in-person or virtual meetings for this day.
SNA’s Legislative Action Conference will be held at the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C., located on Pennsylvania Avenue in our nation’s capital. This prestigious venue provides easy access to Capitol Hill and the area’s sightseeing highlights. The hotel is just three blocks away from Washington’s Metro system (WMATA).
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: $329 single/double, plus tax (currently 14.95%). 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 Washington, D.C., hotel directly at the above number and state that you need assistance with your SNA Legislative Action Conference reservation. Don’t delay! SNA’s discounted room block will be released on February 3, 2023, 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 2023.
Cancellation policy: Reservations must be canceled ten (10) working days prior to arrival date, and a cancellation number must be obtained to avoid a penalty of one night’s room and tax charge.
Hotel Amenities, Services and Cleaning Protocols
Travel Information
Air Transportation
Your travel arrangements can be made by calling Corporate Traveler at (571) 302-7187, emailing Rachel.Kronlein@corporatetraveler.us or by going to SNA’s online reservations system at https://portal.fcm.travel/SNA. Book early for the best flight options and lowest fare availability. The closest airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Please be aware that a $30 convenience fee will be included if you book through Corporate Traveler.
For travel tips, visit the Traveler Resource Hub from our partner Corporate Traveler, which includes helpful resources such as 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.
- UBER is available for approximately $30 from DCA and approximately $70 from IAD.
- Taxis are available at a rate of $30 one-way from DCA and $70-$90 one-way from IAD and 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.
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 and interactive maps of the city, visit www.washington.org.
Click here to register for #LAC23
REGISTRATION FEES:
- EARLY BIRD RATE—EB (RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE 2/1/23)
- REGULAR RATE—RR (RECEIVED BETWEEN 2/2/23 and 2/25/23)
- ON-SITE RATE—OS (RECEIVED AFTER 2/25/23)
Do not mail/fax registrations. Registrations will only be accepted online.
| Membership Categories | EB | RR | OS |
| FS Member/Retired Member | $555 | $605 | $635 |
| FS Nonmember | $605 | $655 | $685 |
| Government Rate (Federal or State) | $555 | $605 | $635 |
| Family/Guest* | $495 | $545 | $575 |
| Patron (1st Attendee) | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Industry Member | $640 | $690 | $750 |
| Industry Nonmember | $740 | $780 | $850 |
| One-Day Registration | $300 | $300 | $300 |
*Family/Spouse qualification applies to those individuals who are not in the foodservice industry.
If you are registering with points or as a non-member government employee, please register here.
Registration Details
Full registration includes access to all General Sessions, Educational Sessions and Luncheons, as well as full access to the digital content on the #LAC23 app for up to 30 days post-event. Confirmation of registration will be sent via email immediately upon processing. If you registered others, each individual will receive their own confirmation. If paid by mail, please allow up to two weeks for processing.
Note: A separate registration fee is required to attend the Pre-Conference Workshop and the SNF Dance Party (Limited availability).
Conference Scholarship
The J.T.M. Food Group “Jack Maas, Jr.” LAC Scholarship will provide members with the opportunity to attend SNA’s Legislative Action Conference (LAC) 2023.
- Recipients of the scholarships will each receive $1,000 to cover registration, airfare, hotels, and meals. Each scholarship recipient must comply with his/her school district’s policy on out-of-district travel.
- SNF will award four (4) scholarships for LAC 2023. Two (2) of the scholarships will be for First Timers only.
To apply, visit the School Nutrition Foundation’s Conference Scholarships.
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 for other valuable tools!
SNA 2023 Position Paper
Reimbursement Rate Fact Sheet
Meals for All Fact Sheet
Nutrition Standards Fact Sheet
Regulatory Burdens Fact Sheet
2023 Position Paper Talking Points
More resources are coming soon!
District Profile Worksheet
Download, print and complete a district profile sheet for each of your legislator meetings so that you have your relevant information ready to share!
SNA Advocacy Toolkit
Your one-stop guide 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 bio 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 LAC. You can also
Getting Around Capitol Hill (Video)
Need help getting around for your day on the Hill? Plan ahead—check out this printable map of Capitol Hill
#LAC2023 Mobile App - Coming in February 2023.
LAC 2023 Feedback Form Return Coming soon!
Complete your feedback form after your meeting with your legislator.
CPEU Information for RDNs AND NDTRs
Registered Dietitians (RDNs/DTRs) can also earn CPEUs, by using the training tracker. SNA no longer offers CPEU certificates for in-person conferences. According to the Commission of Dietetic Registration's (CDR) Professional Development Portfolio Guide, ANC is eligible for CPEU credit, without a CPEU certificate, and the training tracking is sufficient for RDN/NDTR's CDR Activity Log. For additional information on the CDR Professional Development Portfolio, visit this link.
Thank you to our generous LAC conference sponsors and Gem Club members.* Sponsorship support is vital to SNA’s efforts to provide valuable educational sessions and top-notch speakers, as well as to ensure a meaningful and memorable event for all attendees.
Contact Nita Artis, Senior Corporate Sales Specialist, Industry Success & Patron Program, for more details on LAC sponsorships.
LAC Conference Sponsors
LAC Gem Club Sponsors
Diamond Club
Ruby Club
Heartland School Solutions
Rich Products
Pearl Club
Cool School Cafe
General Mills Convenience & Foodservice
J & J Snack Foods Corp.
SFSPac Food Safety & Sanitation System
Traulsen, a division of ITW/FEG
Vulcan, a division of ITW/FEG
Winston Foodservice
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.
Sponsorship opportunities include:
- Conference Tote Bags. As the exclusive sponsor, 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. Meeting attendees appreciate the opportunity to check their email and correspond with family and friends while away from home at LAC. 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.
Future Meetings
| Location | Dates |
|---|---|
| Washington, D.C. | March 5-7, 2023 |
| Washington, D.C. | March 3-5, 2024 |
| Washington, D.C. | March 9-11, 2025 |
| Washington, D.C. | March 8-10, 2026 |