School Nutrition Industry Conference

Saturday, January 10

Pre-Conference Workshops

Join us a day early for one of two pre-conference workshops.

Welcome Reception

Join us for an energizing Welcome Reception that blends wellness with networking! Start your conference experience feeling connected, recharged, and ready for the days ahead!

Sunday, January 11

Patron-Sponsored Networking Lunch

Enjoy a lunch with fellow attendees, sponsored by SNA Patrons.

Innovative Solution Sessions

Learn about the industry's newest products, services, or equipment that will boost student participation.

Monday, January 12

Innovative Solution Sessions

Learn about the industry's newest products, services, or equipment that will boost student participation.

Education Sessions

With a focus on fresh ideas and hot topics, the educational sessions will be a deep-dive into the subjects you care about. Check back soon for full details.

Networking Lunch and Tabletop Showcase

Break bread while mingling and networking, all while visiting with industry representatives as they share their newest products.

General Sessions

Attend several sessions focused on individual wellness, as well as the health of your team and organization.

Tuesday, January 13

Education Sessions

With a focus on fresh ideas and hot topics, the educational sessions will be a deep-dive into the subjects you care about. Check back soon for full details.

General Sessions

Attend several sessions focused on individual wellness, as well as the health of your team and organization.

Registration Information

Registration Fees

Early Bird Rate (EB): Received on or before 12/05/25
Regular Rate (RR): Received between 12/06/25 and 01/13/26

Do not mail/fax registrations. Registrations will only be accepted online.

*Family/Spouse: Qualification applies to those individuals who are not in the foodservice industry. Contact meetings@schoolnutrition.org to assist with this type of registration.  

Registration Details

Full Registration Includes:

Access to all General Sessions and Educational Sessions, Innovative Solution Sessions (FS members only), Industry Education Sessions (Industry members only), Welcome Reception, Networking Lunch, Networking Lunch with Tabletop Showcase, breakfast on Monday and Tuesday, as well as full access to the digital content on the SNIC26 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 you have mailed payment, please allow up to two business weeks for processing.

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 December 14, 2025. Refunds will be processed minus a $75 administrative fee. No refunds will be made after December 14, 2025 or for NO-SHOWS. Requests may be submitted via email to meetings@schoolnutrition.org.

Transfers
If you are unable to attend the conference, you may transfer your registration to another individual within the same organization, provided advance written notice is forwarded to meetings@schoolnutrition.org by January 5^th. After January 5th, you will be asked to make a change on-site. Please provide your name and the individual’s name to whom you are transferring your registration.  No refunds will be made after December 16, 2025, or for NO-SHOWS.

Need to make a change?
If you need to change your registration type or contact information, please email us at meetings@schoolnutrition.org. We’ll be happy to assist you. You can also register a spouse or family member or purchase tickets to an event.

FAME Awards Reception & Dinner

More information coming soon!

Innovation Solution Sessions

Network & Engage with Industry Leaders

Join us for three one-hour Innovative Solution Sessions on Sunday, January 11 and Monday, January 12, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with top industry professionals. These sessions are designed for industry leaders to showcase their products to key decision-makers, discuss their solutions in-depth, and receive valuable feedback. At the same time, operators will be introduced to the latest products in the market, spanning food, beverage, supplies, services, technology, and equipment.

Stay Tuned
Check back soon for a list of companies confirmed to participate in the Innovative Solution Sessions at SNIC 2026.

Networking Lunch & Tabletop Showcase

Lunch, Networking & Product Discovery

On Monday, January 12, enjoy lunch with peers and engage in productive networking while exploring a variety of tabletop displays scattered around the room. Operators will have the chance to discover cutting-edge products and services that can elevate their school foodservice operations. Industry representatives will be on hand to meet with operators, answer questions, gather feedback, and generate valuable leads.

Event Highlights:

• Date: Monday, January 12

• Networking Lunch: Connect with colleagues and industry leaders

• Tabletop Displays: Visit exhibits featuring the latest products and services

Industry Partners

Get Involved
Are you an industry representative eager to learn more about the school foodservice market or showcase a new product? This is your chance to connect with decision-makers in the field. The Innovative Solution Sessions and Tabletop Showcase offer a unique platform for in-depth conversations, product demos, and valuable feedback from school nutrition directors.

Innovative Solution Sessions

Present, Discuss & Collaborate

The Innovative Solution Sessions provide 15 organizations with the opportunity to lead a 60-minute session each. These interactive sessions will focus on exchanging ideas, addressing common challenges, and showcasing innovative solutions for school nutrition operations.

• Format: Face-to-face discussions between industry reps and top operators

• Audience: Up to 50-60 key operators per session

• A/V Support: Audiovisuals provided; presenters must bring their own laptop

• Dates: Sunday, January 11 & Monday, January 12.

Tabletop Showcase

Showcase Your Products & Connect with Operators

Be one of 50 companies to display at the Networking Lunch & Tabletop Showcase on Monday, January 12. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their products, interact with operators, obtain feedback, and generate valuable leads.

• Exhibit Space: Each company will be provided a 6-ft table with two chairs for product displays.

• Product Showcase: Display literature or pre-packaged items related to your new product or service.

• Note: No cooked food items can be showcased.

• SNA-provided food & beverages will be available for the luncheon.

Registration

Secure Your Spot

To reserve your space for the Innovative Solution Sessions or Tabletop Showcase, industry representatives must register for the conference.

• Full Member Registration: $1,030

• One-Day Member Registration: $595

Pricing for Exhibitors:

• Innovative Solution Session: $4,000

• Tabletop Display: $2,500

• Package Deal: Book both and save $500! $6,000 for both sessions ($4,000 + $2,500).

Spaces are limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait!

Contact Us

For questions or additional information, please reach out to:

• Crystal Harper-Pierre
  SNA Exhibits Sales Manager
  charper@schoolnutrition.org

• Nita Artis
  SNA Business Development Manager
  nartis@schoolnutrition.org

Enhance your SNIC 2026 experience by attending a pre-conference workshop on Saturday, January 10. These engaging, skill-building sessions are designed to help school nutrition professionals deepen their leadership, strengthen programs, and expand their impact.

Note: Pre-conference workshops require separate registration. CEUs are available for all preconference workshops and chef tours.

Elevating Your Leadership with a Coaching Presence

Saturday, January 10 | 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Speakers: Jen Lewi, MBA, CAE, ACC; Michael Francis, SNS; Linette Dodson, PhD, RD, LD, SNS, FAND; Laura Bruno, RDN, SNS
Registration Required: $135
CEUs: 2

Great leaders don’t just set direction; they develop people. Coaching is not about having all the answers, but about asking the right questions, empowering your team, and creating a culture of growth and accountability.

Explore how coaching encourages problem-solving, sparks new ideas, and helps staff take ownership of their work. The result is stronger teams, more creative solutions, and more capacity for leaders to focus on strategy and what matters most.

In this fun, interactive session, you will learn how to shift from leader to coach through hands-on practice, peer coaching, and real-world insights. An executive coach and three school nutrition innovators (a school nutrition director, an industry president, and a state agency director) will share how coaching has strengthened their leadership, built trust, and motivated teams.

You will practice active listening, powerful questioning, and peer coaching conversations in a safe space. By the end, you will leave with actionable ways to integrate coaching into your leadership practice.

Austin ISD Site Visit: More than Meals – Shaping Culture, Participation, and People

Saturday, January 10 | 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Speakers: Ryan Mikolaycik, BS; Chef Diane Grodek; Linley Danner, MS, RD; Rachel Dunn, RD, LD, Laniqua Briones, BBA
Registration Required: $199
CEUs: 3

Hosted by Austin ISD, this interactive pre-conference session will explore three key pillars of successful school nutrition programs: menu integration, boosting student participation, and building strong teams.

Menu Integration & Innovation: Learn how to maximize the value of a single product across multiple recipes to simplify ordering, reduce inventory challenges, and create menus that resonate with students and communities. Explore scratch-prepared options, self-service lines, and other strategies to bring variety and efficiency to your cafeterias.

Boosting Student Participation: Discover practical strategies to increase meal engagement through programs such as Breakfast in the Classroom, breakfast carts, C-store models, and special diet accommodations. Attendees will gain insight into tracking daily meal counts, leveraging data to drive results, and empowering managers to understand and use their numbers.

Training, Retention & Morale: People are the heart of school nutrition. This segment highlights best practices for onboarding, training and accountability. Learn how to foster a culture of growth and recognition that supports retention and builds team morale.

By the end of this session, participants will walk away with actionable strategies to streamline operations, grow participation, and strengthen staff engagement ensuring their programs thrive both inside and outside the cafeteria.

Breakfast & Lunch will be served. Transportation provided.

Presenting with Confidence: Learn How to Share Your Knowledge and Passion Authentically and Confidently!

Saturday, January 10 | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Speaker: Stefanie Giannini, MA, SNS
Registration Required: $135
CEUs: 2

Do you have so much knowledge to share, but are held back by your fear of public speaking? Do you find that you struggle to present confidently regardless of the audience size? Does your message get lost no matter how much you prepare for a presentation? Do you find that you struggle to create personal connections with your audience or lose their attention before you even made your point?

If these questions resonate with you, then you might just need a little tweaking in how you speak versus what you’re speaking on. Contrary to popular belief, many of the greatest public speakers weren’t “natural born speakers”; they simply discovered their authentic speaking style.

Join this class to learn from Stefanie Giannini, an experienced public speaker, as she shares her tips and tricks on how to speak with confidence, share your story, and ensure your audience truly listens.

Beyond the Menu: Strategic Planning for Success

Saturday, January 10 | 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Speakers: James Lesley, MS, RDN, SNS; Shannon Solomon, MS, SNS
Registration Required: $135
CEUs: 2

Strategic planning is essential for building resilient, future-focused, and innovative school nutrition programs. In this interactive session, participants will explore the key components of an effective strategic plan — from defining a clear vision and setting goals to identifying stakeholders and establishing key performance indicators.

Participants can expect to learn how to develop a plan, implement a plan, facilitate follow-up sessions using creativity-boosting activities, analyze data to make future strategic decisions, and even begin drafting their own plan during the session.

Whether you are new to strategic planning or experienced, this session provides practical tools to help align your team’s daily work with your district’s long-term goals.

At the Same Table: Connecting School Nutrition Leaders and Superintendents

Saturday, January 10 | 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Speaker: Sharon Schaefer, SNS
Registration Required: $135
CEUs: 2

In this interactive two-hour pre-conference session, School Nutrition Directors will gain practical strategies to strengthen relationships with their superintendents and district leaders.

Participants will hear directly from current directors who have successfully navigated challenging superintendent relationships, offering real-world insights and lessons learned.

In addition, attendees should bring a laptop for a hands-on workshop component, where they will build a tailored presentation designed for use with their superintendent or at a board of education meeting.

By combining lived experiences with actionable tools, this session ensures directors leave equipped to foster stronger partnerships, elevate their program’s visibility, and demonstrate the essential role school nutrition plays in supporting student success.

Additional SNIC Registration Add-ons

Chef Tour: Behind the Scenes at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown

Monday, January 12 | 1:45–2:45 pm or 3:15–4:15 pm
Tuesday, January 13 | 9:00–10:00 am
Speakers: Executive Chef Matthew Stalling; Executive Banquet Chef Khoa Pham; JW Marriott Austin Culinary Staff
Registration Required: $49
CEUs: 1

Join JW Marriot’s Executive Banquet Chef, Executive Chef, and staff for an in-depth look at their Banquet Culinary Department operations. Explore the restaurant’s kitchen operations with a behind-the-scenes look at their state-of-the-art equipment and banquet kitchen.

There will even be an opportunity to put together a tasty appetizer. You’ll also learn how JW Marriot’s efficient shipping and receiving processes work at the loading docks, offering valuable insights for your school district.

Please wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Long hair must be tied back. Expect standing and walking throughout the tour.

Executive Coaching: Unlock Your Insights (Back by Popular Demand!)

Saturday, January 10 – Tuesday, January 14 | Times vary – see registration portal
Speaker: Jen Lewi, MBA, CAE, ACC
Registration Required: $100
Each session: 45 minutes

Experience the power of one-on-one professional coaching — a practice embraced by top executives worldwide. Coaching isn’t about being told what to do: it’s about unlocking insights, clarifying direction, and tapping into the knowledge and strengths already within.

Back by popular demand, this coaching program returns to SNIC following a successful pilot last year. Join an International Coaching Federation (ICF)–certified coach who understands the school nutrition environment for a private one-on-one conversation focused on you.

Coaching can help you:

• Define what’s next in your career

• Enhance leadership capabilities

• Address workplace or personal challenges

• Improve team management and collaboration

• Find focus and balance amid competing demands

• Explore opportunities for thought leadership

Each 45-minute coaching session is priced at $100. Space is limited, so early registration is strongly encouraged.

Saturday, January 10, 2026

Welcome Reception

JW Marriott Austin
5:00 pm–6:30 pm

Join us for an energizing Welcome Reception that blends wellness with networking! Start your conference experience feeling connected, recharged, and ready for the days ahead!

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Networking Lunch

JW Marriott Austin
11:45 am—1:15 pm

Catch up with old friends, meet new colleagues, reconnect with industry partners and network while enjoying a delicious lunch at the JW Marriott Austin. Thank you to all of SNA’s Patrons for treating everyone to lunch!

Sponsored by SNA Patrons

Monday, January 12, 2026

Networking Lunch with Tabletop Showcase

JW Marriott Austin
12:15 pm—2:15 pm

Enjoy a delicious lunch and visit all the tabletop displays placed around the room. Your industry partners are here to show you a variety of products, services and the latest technology available to help you take your school nutrition program to the next level.

Hotel Accommodations

JW Marriott Austin
110 East 2nd St
Austin, TX 78701

(602)-262-2500

The JW Marriott Austin is located 6.6 miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Reservation Information

SNA Discounted Room Rates:
$279/night, Single/Double plus applicable taxes & fees

REMINDER:

Conference registration is required to be able to reserve a room within SNA’s discounted hotel room block. After you have registered, the link to secure housing will be provided in your confirmation. School Nutrition Association reserves the right to cancel, without notification, any reservation that does not have a corresponding registration for SNIC 2026.

Rooms are issued on a first-come, first-served basis until December 20, 2025. Please note the SNA discounted rate will not be available after the cut-off date of December 20 or prior to that date if the room block is full. Please make your reservations early to take advantage of the discounted rate. All rates are subject to all applicable taxes and assessments.

Cancellation policy

Reservations must be cancelled three (3) days prior to arrival date to avoid a penalty of one night’s room and tax charge.

Travel Information

Air Transportation:

The nearest major airport to the hotel is Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, located just 6.6 miles away. For your convenience, we recommend using Corporate Traveler, SNA’s official travel agency, when booking your flights. You can reach SNA’s dedicated travel manager, Rachel Kronlein, at (571) 302-7187 or via email at Rachel.Kronlein@corporatetraveler.us.
Please note: A $30 convenience/booking fee applies when booking through Corporate Traveler.

Getting to the Hotel

• SuperShuttle:

  • Fee: $15.00 USD (one-way)

  • Reservation required: Yes

  • Booking: Call +1 800-258-3826

• Rideshares & Taxis:

  • Pickup for rideshares and taxis is located under the Consolidated Rental Car Facility, just north of or behind the Red Garage.

  • You can view a map of the rideshare pick-up area at baggage claim.

Parking

• Valet Parking: $69 USD per day

• Self-Parking: $54 USD per day

SNIC is Designed for:

• School nutrition industry partners, including manufacturers, distributors, and service providers
• Key decision-makers in school meal programs, such as directors and supervisors
• Technology providers, consultants, and culinary innovators
• Anyone passionate about advancing the K-12 nutrition industry through collaboration and innovation

Why Attend SNIC?

• Stay ahead of industry trends and regulatory changes.
• Gain strategic insights that help you make informed business decisions.
• Discover innovative products and services that meet the evolving needs of K-12 nutrition programs.
• Collaborate with fellow industry leaders to drive progress and impact on school nutrition.

SNIC is where the school nutrition industry comes together to connect, collaborate, and innovate. Don’t miss the opportunity to build lasting partnerships and shape the future of school meals for students and communities nationwide.

Feeding Innovation

The SNIC26 theme, Feeding Innovation, celebrates the creative spirit and forward-thinking solutions that drive progress in school nutrition. It’s about reimagining how we deliver solutions, adapt to changing regulations, and meet the evolving needs of students and families.

As school meal programs continue to evolve, innovation becomes essential, driving new solutions, products, and services that help meet the needs of students and communities. Industry partners and school nutrition professionals play a critical role in shaping stronger, more resilient programs that nourish students to reach their full potential.

At SNIC26, Feeding Innovation goes beyond products and technology. In an age defined by disruption, true progress requires more than new tools—it demands a deeper commitment to connection with each other. Thriving in this reality means not just embracing innovation but leading with purpose and people at the center.

SNIC26 brings together the collective expertise of industry partners and school nutrition professionals to anticipate trends, share bold ideas, and spark transformative possibilities.

Stand at the forefront of innovation at SNIC26—where collaboration, creativity, and a human-centered approach shape the future of school nutrition.

Let SNA’s Industry Relations team help you craft a winning partnership. We will turn your ideas into marketing strategies that not only hit your goals but also connect our members with the valuable products and services they are seeking. With a range of sponsorship options available, you will easily find the perfect match for your marketing budget.

Contact Nita Artis, SNA’s Senior Corporate Sales & Industry Specialist at nartis@schoolnutrition.org for more information.