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2027 NYSNA Advocacy Conference January 25–26, 2027 | Albany, NY
Join school nutrition professionals and industry partners from across New York for the 2027 NYSNA Advocacy Conference (NAC) - two days focused on learning, connection, and making your voice heard on the issues that impact school nutrition programs. Formerly known as the Legislative Action Conference (LAC), the newly named NYSNA Advocacy Conference (NAC) reflects the full scope of the experience: building your advocacy skills, understanding the issues affecting your programs, connecting with colleagues, and bringing the school nutrition perspective directly to policymakers. Whether you are an experienced advocate or attending for the first time, NAC will give you the information, tools, and support you need to participate confidently. Register HereEvent Dates & Format Monday, January 25, 2027 Tuesday, January 26, 2027 Registration Fee: $99 members | $159 non-members Additional event details will be posted as they are finalized. What to Expect NYSNA Advocacy Conference – January 25, 2027 The conference begins Monday afternoon with an in-person general session designed to prepare attendees for Advocacy Day. Programming will include:
A working dinner is included with your registration, giving attendees additional time to connect, prepare, and get ready for the following day's meetings. Full agenda coming soon.
Advocacy Day – January 26, 2027 On Tuesday, attendees will head to the Capitol and Empire State Plaza to put their preparation into action. NYSNA will coordinate legislative appointments for attendees based on the districts and communities they represent. Appointment times will vary throughout the day and will be communicated to you when they have been confirmed with each office. During your meetings, you'll have the opportunity to:
You do not need prior advocacy experience to participate. NYSNA will provide the preparation, materials, and guidance you need before your meetings. Why Attend? Decisions made in Albany have a direct impact on school nutrition programs, students, staff, and the communities our members serve. The NYSNA Advocacy Conference gives school nutrition professionals an opportunity to better understand the policy landscape while helping policymakers understand what those decisions look like in practice. Your experience matters. Your stories matter. And when school nutrition professionals from across the state speak together, they provide an important perspective on the programs serving New York's students every day. Hotel Information Crowne Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel NYSNA has secured a $135 overnight room rate for conference attendees. Book your rooms during registration. Registration Members: $99 Registration includes:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Why did LAC become the NYSNA Advocacy Conference? The event may have a new name, but its purpose remains the same. The NYSNA Advocacy Conference (NAC) better reflects everything attendees gain from the experience - not only legislative meetings, but also professional education, advocacy training, policy updates, peer connection, and the opportunity to represent the school nutrition profession. NAC is designed to help members understand the issues affecting their programs and confidently communicate their experiences to decision-makers.
Not at all. The conference is designed for both experienced advocates and first-time attendees. January 25 programming will walk you through what to expect, how legislative meetings work, the issues NYSNA is discussing, and how to tell your story effectively.
No. NYSNA will coordinate & communicate legislative appointments for attendees. Appointments will be based on the districts and communities attendees represent. Because legislative schedules vary, meeting times on January 26 will vary as well.
Meetings will take place at the New York State Capitol/Empire State Plaza complex in Albany. Additional arrival, check-in, meeting location, and day-of logistics will be shared with registered attendees before the event.
Absolutely. Industry partners are an important part of New York's school nutrition community and are welcome to participate. Their support can help reinforce the experiences and needs shared by school food service professionals.
Yes! A customizable Letter to Supervisor will be available to help explain the professional value of attending the NYSNA Advocacy Conference. Letter to Supervisor
The 2027 cancellation and refund policy will be posted with registration information. Is there a virtual option? Currently there is no virtual option available for the general session. Attendees will get the most value out of this event by attending in-person. Legislative meetings may be scheduled virtually as needed. Make Your Voice Part of the Conversation You know what school nutrition looks like on the ground — in your cafeterias, kitchens, districts, and communities. Join us in Albany to learn, connect, build your advocacy skills, and help ensure the experiences of New York's school nutrition professionals are represented in the conversations that affect our programs. Register HereFeed The Kids T-Shirts
Wear the message. Feed the kids. Conceptualized with NYSNA’s Public Policy & Legislation Committee and brought to life by the NYSNA Headquarters team, our FEED THE KIDS t-shirts represent the heart of what brings us together: making sure New York’s students have access to the meals they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Attendees can order a shirt when registering for the 2027 NYSNA Advocacy Conference and pick it up during registration on January 25th. Then, wear yours on Advocacy Day, January 26th, as NYSNA members head to the Capitol and Empire State Plaza to meet with legislators and share one clear message: Feed the Kids! T-Shirt Price: $25 Shirts ordered for conference pickup will be available during registration at the Crowne Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel on January 25. Sizing: Unisex. True to size. Pre-shrunk. 50/50 blend. Red t-shirt. Please note: Payment must be received in full by the ordering deadline for your shirt to be ordered. Additional ordering and payment deadline information will be posted with registration details. Also available in bulk orders for your team!: If you would like to order more than two (2) shirts, please contact NYSNA Headquarters.  Questions? Contact NYSNA Headquarters at 518.446.9061. |
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