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.

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

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

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 Pheonix 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

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).

Check this page in the coming weeks for a list of companies scheduled to participate in the Innovative Solution Sessions at SNIC 2025. 

Networking Lunch & Tabletop Showcase

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.

Industry Partners

• Innovation Solution Session Application
• Tabletop Showcase Application

Are you an industry representative looking to gain some insight into the school market or showcase a product or service in development or recently introduced? If so, you don’t want to miss this opportunity to engage with key decision-makers in school nutrition. The Innovative Solution Sessions and the Tabletop Showcase are the perfect setting for you to engage in meaningful conversations with directors.

Innovative Solution Sessions  –  SOLD OUT

The waitlist has started. If you want to be included, please contact  Crystal Harper-Pierre, SNA Exhibits Sales Manager, at charper@schoolnutrition.org or Nita Artis, SNA Business Development Manager, at nartis@schoolnutrition.org

The Innovative Solution Sessions allow fifteen (15) organizations to present a 60-minute session. These sessions will encourage face-to-face discussions with industry representatives and operators to exchange ideas, concerns, and solutions to everyday issues in the cafeteria. Industry representatives will have the opportunity to introduce the most innovative products and services on the market. Each session will take place in a private room for up to 50-60 top operators. Audiovisuals will be provided, but presenters are responsible for bringing their own laptop. Sessions will be held on Sunday, January 19, and Monday, January 20.

Tabletop Showcase

Be one of fifty-five (55) companies with a Tabletop Display at the networking luncheon on Monday, January 20. Participating organizations will be able to showcase their product, meet with directors, obtain feedback about their product or services, and generate quality leads! First, enjoy your lunch with your peers and then network with current and future customers at your company’s tabletop exhibit.

Each company will have a six (6 ft.) table with two chairs where you can display literature and/or pre-packaged items relating to your new product or service. No cooked food items can be showcased during this time. SNA will provide food and beverages for the luncheon. Participation in this event will allow you to reach all the directors attending the conference. The Networking Luncheon & Tabletop Showcase will be held on Monday, January 20.

Registration

Industry representatives reserving an Innovative Solution Session and/or a Tabletop Showcase must register for the conference.

Full member registration: $1,000
One-day member registration for participants: $575

Pricing

Spaces will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Innovative Solution Session: $4,000
Tabletop Display: $2,500
Purchase both and save: $6,000 ($4,000 + $2,500); $500 savings.

If you have questions, contact Crystal Harper-Pierre, SNA Exhibits Sales Manager, at charper@schoolnutrition.org or Nita Artis, SNA Business Development Manager, at nartis@schoolnutrition.org.

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

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
• Mary’s Food Bank

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.