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2026 Spring Conference
Tuesday, April 28 – Thursday, April 30, 2026
OnCenter & Marriott Downtown, Syracuse, NY
ABOUT
The 2026 Conference Committee is thrilled to invite you to our newly redesigned NYSNA Annual Conference, taking place in spring in Syracuse, NY. After years of thoughtful planning and transition, this new spring format arrives at the perfect time - because our theme, “Imagine the Possibilities,” reflects exactly what we’ve spent the past year exploring.
What emerged from this work is a bold, human-centered redesign that begins in 2026 and will continue shaping NYSNA events in the years ahead. This new approach brings clearer purpose, stronger alignment, and a vision rooted in mission - and guided by empathy. We invite you to imagine what the future of our profession could look like. Imagine the innovations we haven’t discovered yet!
Imagine the challenges we’ll solve together. Imagine the possibilities…
WHAT TO EXPECT AS AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
The NYSNA Annual Conference has been redesigned to create deeper connection, greater visibility, and more meaningful engagement for Industry Partners.
In our new spring format, Industry Partners will spend the entire conference alongside Food Service Operators, participating together in general sessions and educational programming designed to spark insight, collaboration, and shared learning. This integrated experience allows for stronger relationship-building through intentional networking moments and authentic, ongoing conversations throughout the event.
Cancellation Policy: There will be a $100 processing fee for each refund request for canceled registrations and/or Speed Networking Host submitted in writing on or before March 31, 2026. You may submit your cancellation request via email to: [email protected]. After this date, NYSNA will not give refunds for cancellations or for NO-SHOWS.
Payments: Payment in full must be received thirty (30) days prior to the event start date. If payment is not received thirty (30) days prior to the event start date, you will be notified and your registration will be canceled.
REGISTRATION for Spring Annual Conference
*MUST PRE-REGISTER - onsite registration is not allowed
Membership Must be current through December 31, 2026 to receive member benefits for Spring Annual Conference.
Full registration includes:
• Access to General Sessions and Education Sessions
• Tuesday Welcome Event/ Dinner ticket
• Wednesday Breakfast and Networking Lunch
• Thursday Breakfast and Networking Lunch
Pricing:
Industry Partner NYSNA Member | $700 per member (lodging NOT included)*
Industry Partner NON-Member | $900 per person (lodging NOT included)
*5-Star & Enhanced Members receive ONE registration included in membership - please select "full conference registration" during checkout.
LODGING
Discounted Group Rate: $189/night
Marriott Syracuse Downtown
Collegian Hotel & Suites by Wyndham (limited # available)
We encourage all Industry Partners to book within the official conference hotel block. Staying at our headquarters hotels helps NYSNA meet contractual commitments, supports the overall success of the conference, and helps keep future event costs manageable for everyone. Your support truly makes a difference!
Schedule at A Glance (subject to change)
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
11am – 1pm SLAC Committee Meeting – Invitation Only
12pm – 5pm Registration Open
2pm – 5pm Opening General Session - Awards / F2S and 30% Programming / Mega discussion
6pm – 8pm Welcome Networking Event
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
7am – 4pm Registration Open
8am – 10am Marketplace Hours (Breakfast Available)
10am – 12pm General Session
12pm – 2pm Marketplace Hours (Lunch Available); Campfire Chats*
2pm – 3pm Educational Breakouts
3:15pm – 4:15pm Educational Breakouts
5:30pm – 7:30pm Industry Game Night / Fundraising Event * *Teams/ Tickets available for purchase*
Thursday, April 30, 2026
7am – 4pm Registration Open
7am – 9am Marketplace Hours (Breakfast Available)
9am – 9:30am Innovation Solutions Sessions* Invitation Only – ROUND ONE*
9am – 10:15am Educational session for Industry Partners
9:45am – 10:30am Innovation Solutions Sessions * Invitation Only – ROUND TWO*
10:30am – 12pm Speed Networking* Invitation Only
12pm – 2pm Marketplace Hours (Lunch Available)
2:30pm – 4:30pm Closing General Session
BRAND VISIBILITY OPPORTUNITIES
Boost meaningful engagement and connect with highly qualified prospects through interactive sponsorship options designed to put your company at the center of attendee activity. Enhance brand visibility with strategic logo placement and integrated experiences woven throughout the conference program.
NYSNA offers a wide range of sponsorship opportunities at multiple price points, allowing every company to elevate brand awareness, showcase new innovations, and demonstrate support for school nutrition professionals.
Full conference registration and NYSNA membership are required for all sponsors.
Have an idea for a custom opportunity? Contact Addy Waldie to design a sponsorship option tailored to your company’s goals.
Marketplace Host | $1,500
The Marketplace is a shared gathering space designed for connection, conversation, and recharging. Throughout the conference, attendees will come together here for meals, informal networking, and meaningful engagement with members of the school nutrition community. This welcoming environment offers a valuable platform to showcase your brand and foster authentic, lasting connections. The Marketplace emphasizes innovation, marketing, and networking. All are welcome throughout the entire conference
Please note: This is not a food show. Food displays and sampling are NOT permitted.
Each Marketplace Host receives:
- One Day in the Marketplace
- One (1) High-Top Table
- One (1) Pull-Up Banner Slot
- Select a Day during Marketplace Hours:
- Spaces are limited and are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
- Limit one Marketplace per company.
- Day of Placement is reserved during registration process.
- NYSNA Membership and Full Conference registration are required for all sponsors.
2026 Industry Game Night Host | $500
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 | 5:30-7:30pm
Build new relationships with food service personnel by sponsoring a team for game night.
Cost: $500 to host a team (One industry rep/attendee per team)
- This is a fundraiser event for Industry-sponsored Conference Registration awards for Food Service Professionals.
- Additional Tickets: Additional IP tickets can be purchased for your team to attend the event. Industry partners cannot purchase individual tickets without first purchasing a team.
- Teams will be selected at random at the event.
- Reserve your spot and team during registration.
To support strong participation in Industry Game Night, we kindly ask Industry Partners to refrain from hosting private sponsored events or dinners between 5:00–8:00 PM on Wednesday, April 29th. This allows all Foodservice Operators the opportunity to attend and engage in this shared networking experience, expanding your reach. Thank you for your partnership and support!
Speed Networking Host | $1,500
Engage directly with school foodservice operators and share how your company’s cutting-edge products and services can elevate their operations! As a Speed Networking Host, industry representatives will actively move between small groups (pods) of foodservice professionals, fostering meaningful conversations, answering questions, gathering valuable feedback, and generating quality leads.
This dynamic sponsorship opportunity ensures maximum visibility and connection opportunities without the need for a stationary table display.
Each sponsor receives one (1) complimentary Speed Networking Host slot during the event, offering an excellent platform to promote your brand while making impactful connections with attendees.
Key Details for Speed Networking Hosts:
- Registration Required: You must be registered for the full conference to participate in the Speed Networking activity.
- Event Focus: This is not a food show. The focus is on innovation, marketing, and networking.
- Movement-Based Format: Speed Networking Hosts will circulate throughout the room, interacting with all food service attendees rather than remaining at a stationary location. Hosts will be randomly assigned to one of the two Speed networking rooms.
- Speed Networking Booklet: Each Host will receive one page with company logo and QR (provide link) that will be provided to all FS Operators for reference.
- Limited Availability: Spaces are limited to the first 30 hosts, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. One host allowed per company.
FEED THE KIDS SHIRTS | Available for Purchase
(As seen on NYSNA members across the state!)
You asked, and we listened! Our FEED THE KIDS t-shirts were a huge hit at LAC & Conference, and now everyone has the chance to get one. Simply purchase during registration, or onsite at registration!
Wear your passion. Share the message. Support the cause.
This shirt is more than just apparel - it’s a statement of our commitment to feeding and fueling the future. Don’t miss out: grab yours today and be part of the movement.
Details:
- Wednesday @ Conference is Feed The Kids day! Wear your red shirt to show support.
- Limited stock: get yours while they last!
- Shirts will be available for purchase during registration and onsite (while supplies last).
- Sizing: Unisex. True to size. Pre-shrunk. 50/50 blend. RED t-shirt.
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