About the Annual National Conference (ANC)
Known as the School Nutrition Event of the Year, SNA’s Annual National Conference (ANC) is the largest and most vibrant gathering of K-12 school nutrition professionals in the country. Each July, thousands of school nutrition operators, directors, managers, state agency staff, and industry partners come together for four energizing days of learning, networking, and discovery.
ANC is where school nutrition comes to life. From cutting-edge education sessions and expert-led keynotes to the nation’s largest exhibit floor dedicated to K-12 foodservice, ANC delivers the tools, ideas, and inspiration needed to elevate school meal programs and support student success.
With a focus on both professional and personal growth, ANC is your moment to connect with peers, explore solutions, and celebrate the power of school meals in shaping healthy futures.
6,500+
Attendees
120+
Education Sessions
900+
Exhibit Booths
Who Should Attend?
ANC is designed for anyone involved in the planning, delivery, and support of K-12 school meals, including:
- School nutrition directors, supervisors, managers, and frontline staff
- State agency and USDA staff
- Industry partners, manufacturers, and distributors
- Technology providers, trainers, consultants, and educators
- Anyone committed to advancing the mission of school nutrition
What to Expect
- Hands-on Learning Sessions: Learn from your peers and thought leaders across a variety of topics: nutrition, operations, administration, and marketing.
- Inspiring General Sessions: Hear from nationally recognized keynote speakers who will motivate and energize your work.
- The Exhibit Hall: Explore the latest in food, beverage, equipment, technology, and service innovations in the largest and most exciting K-12 school nutrition-focused exhibit in the nation.
- Networking Opportunities: Whether it’s at receptions, meetups, or during meals, ANC is filled with opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the country.
- Professional Development: Earn CEUs and take your skills to the next level with tailored training in a variety of formats and languages (dedicated Spanish session track and all sessions include AI-assisted translation and captioning).
Why Attend ANC?
- Gain fresh ideas to enhance your school meal program
- Discover solutions that improve efficiency, quality, and participation
- Reconnect with your purpose and celebrate the impact of your work
- Build a network of peers and partners who support your goals
- Experience the latest innovations shaping the future of school nutrition
ANC is more than a conference. It’s a celebration of the people, programs, purpose and, above all, the power of school meals. Don’t miss your moment to be inspired, empowered, and equipped to make a difference—one meal at a time.
About SNA
The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is the professional national organization representing 50,000+ K-12 foodservice operators, industry partners and state agency representatives from across the country. We empower and support school nutrition professionals in support of our vision that every student has access to nutritious meals at school, ensuring their optimal health and well-being.
Make the Case to Attend ANC 26
The countdown to SNA’s 2026 Annual National Conference (ANC) has begun. You know all the great reasons to attend the “School Nutrition Event of the Year,” but perhaps you’re not sure how to convince your supervisor. Customize this “Dear Supervisor” letter that acknowledges tight budgets and emphasizes ANC as a fantastic return on investment.
FAQs
Get answers to your most frequently asked questions about the when, where, what and who of the Annual National Conference, including how to become a sponsor or exhibitor.
Future Meetings
| Location | Dates |
|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | July 12-14, 2026 |
| Phoenix, AZ | July 11-13, 2027 |
| Nashville, TN | July 9– 11, 2028 |
| Chicago, IL | July 8– 10, 2029 |
