School Nutrition Industry Conference

Saturday, January 18

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 19

Patron-Sponsored Networking Lunch

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

FAME Awards

The Foodservice Achievement Management Excellence (FAME) Awards ceremony returns to an in-person event this year. Supported by Basic American Foods, this awards dinner recognizes SNA members who have gone above and beyond in their quest to feed students.

Innovative Solution Sessions

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

Monday, January 20

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 21

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 12/06/24
Regular Rate (RR): Received between 12/07/24 and 01/21/25

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. 
Industry Category: Any person who is employed by an organization that provides support, products or services to school foodservice professionals and school nutrition programs.
School Foodservice (SFS/FS) Category: School nutrition professionals who range in professional scope from school nutrition employees, managers, supervisors, and directors to child nutrition educators, school districts superintendents and school principals.
*If SNA identifies you have registered in the wrong category, we will reach out to adjust the registration amount owed.

Contact meetings@schoolnutrition.org to assist with this type of registration.

Register Now!

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 SNIC25 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 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 15, 2024. Refunds will be processed less than a $75 administrative fee. No refunds will be made after December 15, 2024, or for NO-SHOWS. Requests may be submitted via email to meetings@schoolnutrition.org.

Transfers
If you cannot 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 5th. After January 5th, you will be asked to make the change onsite. Please provide your name and the individual’s name to whom you are transferring your registration. No refunds will be made after December 15, 2024, 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

36^th Annual FAME Awards Reception & Dinner on Sunday, January 19^th
Note: A separate registration is required to attend this event. (limited availability). Please register here.

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.

Simon T. Bailey

Sunday, January 19, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.

Simon T. Bailey equips leaders with tangible tools to turn adversity into unprecedented growth and innovation. Featured in Success magazine's Top 25 alongside Brené Brown and Tony Robbins, Bailey's groundbreaking "State of Working America Report" has reshaped our understanding of workplace resilience and brilliance.

Bailey has advised 2,400+ organizations across 54 countries for over two decades, including American Express, Deloitte, and Salesforce. His expertise, honed as a former Sales Director at Disney Institute, offers a unique blend of magical customer experience and practical business acumen.

Bailey's influence extends through 11 books, including "Resilience@Work" and LinkedIn Learning courses, reaching 120,000+ professionals. With an executive MBA from the Royal Docks School of Business and Law at the University of East London and three honorary doctorates, he's not just an expert but a dedicated advocate for fostering 'brilliant resilience' in leaders and organizations worldwide.

Michelle Cederberg

Monday, January 20, 8:45 - 10:00 a.m.

For over 20 years, Health and Productivity Expert Michelle Cederberg has captivated audiences across North America with her empowering and humorous messages that educate busy, driven professionals about how to set chase worthy goals, revive energy, and ignite high performance.

As an in-demand speaker, author, coach, and consultant, she believes that success is directly influenced by how well we harness the physical, mental, and emotional capacity we each have within us. She enthusiastically calls on science to help people boost that capacity, so they can work and lead with confidence, and create the life and career they want.

Michelle holds a Masters in Kinesiology, a BA in Psychology, a specialization in Health and Exercise Psychology, is a Certified Speaking Professional, Certified Exercise Physiologist, and a High-Performance Coach. In 2023 she was inducted into the prestigious Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame. She truly combines mind, body, and practicality to inspire change.

Cliff Goldmacher

Tuesday, January 21, 10:15 - 11:30 a.m.

Cliff is a GRAMMY-recognized, musician, two-time TEDx speaker and author who, for the past decade, has been helping organizations build cultures of innovation and boost their creative confidence.

Cliff’s work has been featured in Forbes, he has presented at SXSW and his clients include PwC, Deloitte, Bank of America, IDEO, ASAE, ATD and Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management.

Develop Your Thought Leadership While Elevating the Voice of School Nutrition

Saturday, January 18, 2025
8:30 am—10:30 am

Jen Lewi

Speaker(s): Jen Lewi, MBA, CAE, ACC; Shannon Ebron MS, RDN, LD; Matthew Essner

Discover how to build your unique thought leadership while strengthening the image of school nutrition programs. Thought leadership goes beyond self-promotion; it's about becoming a trusted voice in your field, sharing innovative ideas, and driving positive change. We'll explore what it means to be a school nutrition thought leader, discuss real-world examples of thought leadership, and how you can develop this valuable skill set, regardless of your role.

Shannon Ebron

Leave with an action plan to:

• Identify your unique expertise and perspective
• Create and share compelling content that resonates with your audience
• Leverage various platforms to amplify your voice

Matthew Essner

By sharing your knowledge and vision, you'll contribute to shaping the narrative around school nutrition programs, highlighting their crucial role in fueling students for a day of learning. This session will be interactive and designed for operators, industry professionals, state agency representatives, and key stakeholders in the school nutrition ecosystem.

Fee: $135 per person
CEUs: 2.0 CEUs

Organizing, Delegating and All-Around Streamlining Your Internal Operations

Saturday, January 18, 2025
11:30 am—1:30 pm

Speaker(s): Liz Whiteman Roesel; Eryn Thrash

Liz-Roesel

Unlock the potential of your team’s productivity with effective project management techniques and tools! In this session, we’ll explore how project management tools can revolutionize your workflow. You’ll learn general strategies for delegating tasks, organizing workflows, and streamlining operations.

Eryn Thrash

Discover how to minimize email overload, create efficient recurring workflows, and enhance team collaboration. This class offers practical tips for boosting efficiency and ensuring smooth operations, whether you’re managing nutrition programs or leading any team. Perfect for anyone looking to improve organizational skills and productivity. You'll get an in-depth demo of Trello; a free tool you can use to put what you've learned into practice.  Join us to transform how your team works!

Fee: $135 per person
CEUs: 2.0 CEUs

Hiring in K-12: Opportunities for Your District to Find Help

Saturday, January 18, 2025
2:30 pm—4:30 pm

Speaker(s): John Chiu, MBA; Shannon Solomon, SNS, MS 

John Chiu

Year after year hiring staff is one of the main pain points for districts across the country. How can you make sure you are keeping great employees while at the same time filling open positions that are critical to operating your program every day. This preconference workshop will discuss the challenges of hiring school nutrition line employees and ways to combat these challenges. HBUHSD and Aurora Public Schools share their innovative game plans that deep dive into the different ways you can get competent staff in your kitchens from student workers to culinary classes, stay at home parents, referrals, admin and the PTA, and more. Learn the importance of your program’s social dynamics, which can play into hiring and retaining your staff.

Shannon Solomon

Understandably not every school district is the same and their opportunities will vary by region. This session will provide a wholistic view on what needs to be considered when looking to hire K-12 staff as well as a checklist of options for all attendees to bring back to their schools and fill those empty positions.

Fee: $135 per person
CEUs: 2.0 CEUs

Additional SNIC Registration Add-ons

Chef Tour: Behind the Scenes at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown

Available Tours on Monday, January 20:

1:45 pm—2:30 pm
2:00 pm—2:45 pm
3:00 pm—3:45 pm
3:15 pm—4:00 pm

Speaker(s): Executive Chef John Marchetti; Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Chef(s)

Join Executive Chef John Marchetti at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown for a unique behind-the-scenes culinary experience. Explore the restaurant's kitchen operations, tour both the back and finishing kitchens, and observe food preparation firsthand. You'll also learn about the Sheraton's state-of-the-art equipment and how their efficient shipping and receiving processes work at the loading docks, offering valuable insights for your school district.

Please be prepared to stand and walk throughout the tour, and ensure you wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Long hair should be tied back.

Fee: $49 per person
CEUs: 0.75 CEUs

Unlock Your Insights: 45-Minute Executive Coaching Sessions

Saturday, January 18 - Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Please visit the registration portal for available timeslots.

Jen Lewi

Speaker(s): Jen Lewi, MBA, CAE, ACC

Are you a school nutrition professional looking to overcome workplace challenges, determine your next career move, or enhance your leadership skills? Experience the power of one-on-one professional coaching, a practice embraced by top executives worldwide. This focused one-on-one session offers you the opportunity to gain clarity and uncover ways to move forward, just as leaders do in boardrooms across the globe. SNA is excited to introduce a pilot coaching program at our upcoming SNIC 2025 conference, with International Coaching Federation (ICF) certified coach Jen Lewi. A professional coach can assist you in:

• Establishing clear professional goals.
• Enhancing leadership capabilities.
• Addressing workplace or personal hurdles.
• Improving team management and collaboration.
• Crafting a standout LinkedIn profile or social media presence.
• Establishing thought leadership.

Each coaching session is priced at $100. Don't miss this chance to invest in your professional development and be part of our pilot. Space is limited, so early registration is highly recommended.

Fee: $100 per person

Innovation Solution Session

Network and engage with top industry professionals during the three one-hour Innovative Solution Sessions on Sunday, January 19 and Monday, January 20. This is an opportunity for industry members to showcase their products to key decision-makers, share more about the solutions they provide and obtain valuable feedback. Simultaneously, operators will be introduced to relevant products on the market today (food, beverage, supplies, services, technology, and equipment).

Sunday, January 19
10:30 am—11:30 am

LINQ
www.linq.com
Room: Estrella

Join LINQ for an insightful session on how nutrition program directors can effectively navigate USDA compliance when planning meals. Discover how the innovative LINQ Nutrition platform leverages visual indicators to ensure operators know they are creating compliant meals. Learn how to pivot seamlessly in response to new regulations, food shortages and allergens. This session will also provide practical strategies and tools to ensure your school nutrition program remains compliant and adaptable in a constantly changing environment.

ES Foods
www.esfoods.com
Room: South Mountain

In this session, you’ll meet Chef Clayton and the ES Foods crew. They will present a variety of food options and provide details on how their new products can easily be added to enhance your current menus and help drive excitement in the cafeteria. Chef C will be sharing hot breakfast and lunch items (get it…pinwheels spin—and cool  you!), as well as better for you grain options.

Imaginate Your Space
www.imaginateyourspace.com
Room: Laveen B

Join Imaginate Your Space for an engaging session on the power of inviting spaces in school dining environments. Discover how innovative signage and graphics can transform cafeterias, boost revenue and enhance students' dining experiences. Plus, learn practical strategies to create welcoming atmospheres that promote healthy eating habits and foster community.

Michael Foods
www.michaelfoods.com
Room: Laveen A

Join Michael Foods for a session that will explore how meal pattern guidelines are reshaping school breakfast programs and how you can meet these new standards with innovative, protein-packed solutions. Explore the critical role of protein in boosting student focus and satisfaction, and how their cutting-edge egg products are not only delicious but also designed to save labor, streamline preparation, and increase student participation. Additionally, learn practical strategies and provide input for integrating these nutrient-rich offerings into your menus, ensuring your school breakfasts are both compliant and compelling.

TetraPak
www.tetrapak.com
Room: Ahwatukee B

Dairy milk is a key part of school meal programs. But, if you’ve found yourself frustrated with the chilled milk options available to you, there is a solution that’s gaining popularity—with good reason—in some of the nation’s largest districts and in some of the smallest and most remote locations, too. Join TetraPak’s session for case studies and best practices detailing how shelf-stable school milk solves many common challenges school nutrition leaders face today, including reliable milk supply, expectations to increase meal participation, lack of refrigerated storage space and the need for variety, (think flavored and lactose-free milk). Learn why making a change to your current school milk offering can improve operations.

Heartland School Solutions
www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com
Room: Ahwatukee A

The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be seen across a large landscape of software products. For many people, the concept of AI may seem scary, intimidating, or confusing, but it doesn't have to be. Join Heartland School Solutions’ session to learn about AI and some amazing ways that it can be leveraged to open exciting possibilities within school foodservice operations.

Sunday, January 19
1:30 pm—2:30 pm

S.A. Piazza
www.sapaizza.com
Room: Estrella

Join the Wild Mike’s team for an interactive session where they dive into delicious handheld food items. From savory to sweet, students like to eat with their hands. Come learn more about how their innovative products can add a little “WILD” to your menu. At the conclusion of this session, you will be able to explain why handheld options are popular on menus, describe the benefits of introducing students to different handheld food products and identify and apply strategies of how to adapt handheld products to a variety of menu applications.

Tasty Brands
www.tastybrands.com
Room: South Mountain

Students love familiar dishes they know and trust, but menu fatigue can be a real challenge. This session explores  how Tasty Brands has creatively re-imagined classic favorites into unexpected, craveable menu items for K-12 schools. From turning a classic PB&J into a stuffed PB&J Dot, to reinventing egg rolls with bold flavors like buffalo chicken or pizza, and even transforming staple pasta dishes into unique, flavorful offerings, you will discover how to keep menus fresh and exciting and drive participation. Additionally, learn how Tasty Brands modified the nutritional content of these revamped dishes to meet school meal requirements, ensuring they are both fun and innovative while fully compliant with nutritional guidelines.

LTI, Inc.
www.lowtempind.com
Room: Laveen B

Is your school planning for new construction or an extreme makeover of your existing servery and cafeteria? Don’t miss LTI, Inc.’s session for tips on how innovative equipment and serving technology coupled with signs, décor and furniture will get students into the cafeteria and keep them there. Plus, explore case studies of how your K-12 peers have created functional and visually appealing dining spaces and increased participation.

Foster Farms
www.fosterfarms.com
Room: Laveen A

In this session, Foster Farms will unveil their USDA NAE Chicken processing nationally in addition to other new menu items included in their portfolio. They will focus on the versatility of their products and provide multiple menu ideas. You’ll learn how to utilize commodity chicken processing and discover how processing with Foster Farms is beneficial.

Integrated Food Service
www.intergratedfoodservice.com
Room: Ahwatukee B

Are you looking for innovative ways to maximize the use of popular menu items while streamlining your freezer inventory? Then Integrated Food Service’s presentation is designed for you! Discover creative and efficient

strategies to transform student-favorites, such as burgers, taco sticks, and grilled cheese, into multiple menu options. Additionally, they’ll detail how you can repurpose and reimagine these popular staples, to reduce product waste and boost student participation. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance both your menu and operational efficiency.

Super Bakery
www.superbakery.com
Room: Ahwatukee A

Join Super Bakery’s session to be among the first to discover their exciting, super lineup of new offerings and lower- sugar products for breakfast, lunch and snacks! They are committed to creating delicious, nutritious options that kids will love, all while meeting school nutrition guidelines. Plus, get ready for a surprise fan favorite coming out of retirement! —Celebrate with Super Bakery—it's a session you won't want to miss!

Monday, January 20
10:30 am—11:30 am

PrimeroEdge + SchoolCafe
https://primeroedge.com/schoolcafe/
Room: Estrella

Join PrimeroEdge’s session for an all-in-one solution that can seamlessly support districts transitioning to Universal Free Meals. School nutrition experts will be on hand to address common challenges such as regulation changes, resource allocation and program management. They’ll also demonstrate how if you operate in a state where Universal Free Meals is not yet in regulations, their software proactively handles potential issues to streamline operations. It also ensures compliance before and after the requirement to serve all children—at no cost to the student.

Schwan’s Food Service
www.schwansfoodservice.com
Room: South Mountain

Schwan’s will host an engaging session encompassing the modernization of our breakfast portfolio with the sampling of our new Breakfast Stuffed Sandwich available in January 2025. This session will focus on the changes in the USDA ruling regarding limitations on sugar, how to stay ahead of the upcoming requirements, and panel discussion on product considerations for each breakfast service model. Attendees will leave the session with an understanding of how they can meet the needs of students in the morning with protein focused breakfast that is portable and savory. Additionally, they’ll be able to identify trends in breakfast and best practices for every breakfast service model.

Nardone Brothers
www.nardonebros.com
Room: Laveen B

Nardone Brothers’ session details the different and sometimes challenging dynamics in the kitchen—and how to make it work like a well-oiled machine for a productive workplace! Learn how to identify different personalities (and promote their strengths!) and implement simple team building activities that can help strengthen relationships and improve morale.

NutriSlice
www.nutrislice.com
Room: Laveen A

Join Nutrislice for an engaging session to explore how you can revolutionize your foodservice operation through digital signage, mobile menus, and wireless labels. This session will highlight how Nutrislice’s integrated platform streamlines menu management and automates processes, offering a modern, sustainable solution that enhances guest satisfaction. Discover the importance of simplifying operations while delivering personalized and dynamic customer experiences.

J.R. Simplot Company
www.simplot.com
Room: Ahwatukee B

Join Simplot for an exclusive showcase of K-12 culinary innovations highlighting the latest trends and student- focused recipes designed for Gen Z and Gen Alpha tastes. Their session will provide K-12 operators with inspiration, practical insights and a culinary experience focused on globally inspired flavors, portable meal options and new products tailored to school dining. You’ll leave with the resources and insights to help you implement these trends in your dining program.

WK Kellogg Co.
www.wkkellogg.com
Room: Ahwatukee A

Finding new ways to increase participation with multiple stakeholders is an ongoing challenge. That’s why it’s imperative that K-12 operators understand what matters most to students and parents. Join WK Kellogg’s session to identify barriers and strategies to implement a successful breakfast program that will get your students and their parents excited.

Networking Lunch & Tabletop Showcase

List of the Tabletop Showcase Participants

On Monday, January 20, enjoy lunch with your peers and then mingle and network while visiting tabletop displays staged around the room. Operators will have the opportunity to view a variety of displays to pinpoint the cutting-edge products/services that will take their school foodservice operations to the next level. Industry representatives from participating organizations can join operators for lunch and then showcase their products, meet, and answer questions, obtain feedback about their product or service, and generate quality leads.

SNS Credentialing Exam

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Saturday, January 18, 2025

9:00 am—1:00 pm

Earn SNA's School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) Credential

Ready to earn your School Nutrition Specialist (SNS) Credential? Take the exam at SNIC 2025. Registration, approval and payment must be made in advance and cannot be done on site. Visit www.schoolnutrition.org/sns  to register or email certSNS@schoolnutrition.org.

Fees:

• Member: $225
• Non-member: $325

Registration deadline:  December 28, 2024

Welcome Reception

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Saturday, January 18, 2025
5:30 pm—7:00 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!

Networking Lunch

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Sunday, January 19, 2025
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 Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. Thank you to all of SNA’s Patrons for treating everyone.

Sponsored by SNA Patrons

FAME Awards and Dinner

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Sunday, January 19, 2025
6:00 pm—9:00 pm

The stars of school nutrition will shine at the Foodservice Achievement Management Excellence (FAME) Awards, where operators and industry will come together to honor these outstanding leaders in the school nutrition profession for their innovation and service. The reception begins at 6:00 pm on Sunday, January 19, followed by dinner and the awards ceremony. You MUST register for the Sunday night FAME Awards ceremony separately, by clicking the link below. Seating is limited so get your ticket today.

FAME Awards Ceremony 2025

Hosted by Basic American Foods

Networking Lunch with Tabletop Showcase

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Monday, January 20, 2025
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

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
340 N 3rd St
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602)-262-2500

The Sheraton Phoenix Downtown is located 3.8 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Reservation Information

SNA Discounted Room Rates:
$229/night, Single/Double, plus applicable taxes & fees

REMINDER: Conference registration is required  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 2025.

Rooms are issued on a first-come, first-served basis until December 23, 2024. Please note the SNA discounted rate will not be available after the cut-off date of December 23 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:
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the nearest major airport. The airport is about 8 miles from the hotel. When making your airline reservations, feel free to use Corporate Traveler, SNA’s official travel agency. SNA's dedicated travel manager can be reached at (571) 302-7187 or Rachel.Kronlein@corporatetraveler.us.

**Please note that a $30 convenience/booking fee will be assessed by using Corporate Traveler.**

Parking: $32 per day.

The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) offers scholarships to help SNA members offset the costs of attending SNA’s School Nutrition Industry Conference (SNIC25) on January 19-21, 2025, in Phoenix, AZ. SNF will award twenty-one (21) SNIC25 Scholarships, and the application deadline is October 18, 2024.

Learn more

Will there be an #SNIC25mobile app?

Yes, after January 10, 2025, scan a QR code on signs onsite to download or search “SNA Events” in the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

Sponsored by Schwan’s Food Service

Where is SNIC25 being held?

The Sheraton Phoenix Downtown is located 8 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The hotel also offers the following amenities:

• Carcara Restaurant
• Fitness Center
• Outdoor Terrace Pool
• Free Wifi
• Bicycle Rental: $25.00
• Dry Cleaning Service
• Room Service
• Wake up Calls
• Mobile Key
• Digital Check In

Location

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
340 N 3rd St
Phoenix, AZ 85004

What type of educational content will be offered?

In addition to general sessions, education sessions and roundtable discussions, look out for the following educational highlights.

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS SESSIONS (Sunday morning and afternoon and Monday morning)

• Have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with top industry professionals at three one-hour sessions.
• Companies will present to key decision makers; share more about the solutions they provide and obtain valuable feedback. Simultaneously, operators will be introduced to the most innovative solutions on the market today.

These sessions are for operators only–industry members should attend the industry education session offered at the same time.

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS (All day Saturday)

Attendees must be registered ahead of time for all pre-cons. Staff will be checking people in as they enter the pre-con rooms.

CHEF TOURS (Monday afternoon)

• Gain valuable insight from the Chefs at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown and tour their kitchens and loading dock setup.
• There is an additional fee for this session and attendees must be registered ahead of time for all chef tours. Staff will be checking people in before the tour starts.

EXECUTIVE COACHING SESSIONS (45-minute sessions: Saturday through Tuesday)

• At SNIC25, we’re excited to launch an executive coaching pilot program. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in one of 15 exclusive 45-minute coaching sessions with Jen Lewi, an International Coaching Federation (ICF)-certified Executive Coach and Career Strategist from Design Your Next Step.
• Looking to overcome workplace challenges, determine your next career move, or enhance your leadership skills? Then check out a coaching session!
• There is an additional fee for this session and attendees must be registered ahead of time. Registration is very limited, please see the registration portal for availability.

Will I get CEUs for attending?

• 7.25 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for SNIC 2025. Attendees should download the training tracker for their records. This can be used for proof of attendance. CEUs from SNIC25 will be added to members’ accounts a few months after the conference.  The training tracker will be one of the resources within the SNA Events app.
• Registered Dietitians (RDNs/DTRs) can also earn CPEUs, but must follow a different process and the instruction document will also be available in the SNIC app. More specific questions about CPEUs should be sent to education@schoolnutrition.org.

Will SNIC include any meals?

All events and meals will be held on-site at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown unless otherwise noted. Outside of the scheduled events listed below, attendees will be responsible for their own meals and refreshments:

Saturday, January 18

• Welcome Reception: 5:30-7:00 pm at the Sheraton in Valley of the Sun Ballroom on the 2^nd Level. (Hors d’oeuvres and beverages offered).

Sunday, January 19

• Patron-Sponsored Networking Lunch: 11:45 am—1:15 pm in Valley of the Sun Ballroom.
• Break: 10:00 am—10:30 am & 2:30 pm—3:00 pm in the Phoenix Foyer on the 3rd Level.

The FAME Awards: 6:00–9:00 pm in the Sheraton in the Valley of the Sun Ballroom on the 2^nd Level.
Brought to you by Basic American Foods. (Registration required)

Monday, January 20

• General Mills Sponsored Breakfast: 7:15 am—8:30 am in Valley of the Sun Ballroom on the 2nd Floor.
• Breaks: 10:00 am—10:30 am & 3:15 pm—3:30 pm in Phoenix Foyer on the 3rd Level.
• Networking Lunch with Tabletop Showcase: 12:15 pm—2:15 pm in Valley of the Sun Ballroom on the 2nd Level.

 Tuesday, January 21

• Breakfast: 7:15 am—8:00 am

What actions has Phoenix taken to ensure a welcoming environment for all attendees?

The team at Visit Phoenix believes that all human beings—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, abilities, religious beliefs and individuals of many more identities and experiences—should have equal opportunities and access to services. For more information on Phoenix’s commitment to Diversity & Inclusion, as well as resources for visitors, click here.

How can attendees participate in giving back to the host city?

We have provided various volunteer opportunities for attendees to engage in during their free time (see below). These activities allow participants to contribute positively to the local community. In an effort to reduce food waste and support those in need in the local community, SNA has also coordinated with a local food bank to donate leftover food from the Tabletops.

Volunteer opportunities:

• Visit Phoenix – Service opportunities
• St. Mary's Food Bank

Thank you to our generous SNIC conference sponsors and Gem Club members.* Sponsorship support is vital to SNA’s efforts to provide valuable educational sessions and top-notch speakers and to ensure a meaningful and memorable event for all attendees.

For more details on SNIC sponsorships, contact Nita Artis, senior corporate sales specialist, industry success & patron program.

SNIC Conference Sponsors

SNIC Gem Club Sponsors

Diamond Club

Ruby Club

M.C.I. Foods Inc.

Pearl Club

Cool School Cafe

Duke Manufacturing

Traulsen, a division of ITW/FEG

Vulcan, a division of ITW/FEG

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.