2026 Call for Speakers
The New Jersey School Nutrition Association (NJSNA) invites you to submit session proposals for consideration for the 2026 Annual Conference, taking place November 4-6, 2026 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
We are seeking 60-minute educational presentations that align with one of the four key learning areas of USDA Professional Standards:
Key Area 1: Nutrition
Key Area 2: Operations
Key Area 3: Administration
Key Area 4: Communications & Marketing
NJSNA is committed to building a conference program that reflects a wide range of voices, perspectives, experience levels, and areas of expertise across the school nutrition profession.
Why Present at NJSNA's Annual Conference?
Presenting at NJSNA's Annual Conference offers the opportunity to:
- Share your knowledge and expertise with K-12 school nutrition professionals from across New Jersey
- Contribute to the ongoing education and professional development of the school nutrition community
- Enhance your visibility as a subject matter expert through pre-event promotion to NJSNA members
Session Format & Presenter Information
Educational Sessions (60 minutes)
Educational sessions are 60-minute presentations focused on a specific topic and should include a slide deck. Sessions may be interactive and/or lecture-based, though attendee feedback strongly indicates a preference for presentations that are engaging and interactive.
Presenters should plan to be available on November 5 and/or 6, 2026 - additional dates beyond this scope are not available. The Conference Committee will confirm exact presentation times in early spring 2026.
Please note the following presenter expectations:
- Speakers are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and overnight accommodations unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.
- The conference budget does not include speaker fees for breakout sessions.
- Those interested in keynote speaking opportunities should email [email protected] directly with their information.
USDA Professional Standards Training Requirements
All session proposals must align with one of the four USDA Professional Standards Key Areas:
- Key Area 1: Nutrition (1000)
- Key Area 2: Operations (2000)
- Key Area 3: Administration (3000)
- Key Area 4: Communications and Marketing (4000)
Presenters are asked to select the Key Area that best fits their session when submitting a proposal. Final Key Area determinations will be made by NJSNA as part of the review process. If a session description does not clearly demonstrate alignment, additional information may be requested. Sessions that do not align with one of the USDA Professional Standards Key Areas may be declined, or may not be eligible for CEUs, at NJSNA’s discretion.
For additional details, please refer to the USDA Professional Standards guidance document.
Important Notes for Presenters:
- Presentations must be educational in nature. While we understand that speakers may wish to introduce themselves and their organizations, session content should not be promotional or sales-driven.
- Time for networking with attendees, sponsors, and speakers will be available throughout the conference, and we appreciate your cooperation in keeping breakout sessions focused on learning and professional value.
Requested Topics
Note: Attendees are especially interested in breakout sessions that are interactive, rather than relying solely on a projector/screen and a single presenter speaking.
- Farm to School Topics
- How To Create Recipes for Scratch Meals
- Tips For New Managers
- Increasing Breakfast Participation
- Obtaining New Grants
- Customer Service- Dealing with Students and Teachers
- How to Be an Effective Leader
- Sustainability Topics
- Growing a Social Media Presence
- Planning a New Menu Concept from Start to Finish
- How to use AI
- Marketing To Students/Faculty/Parents
While we have captured many topic suggestions through survey feedback, the list above is not exhaustive. If you do not see your topic listed, we still encourage you to submit a proposal. We welcome creative ideas and fresh perspectives.
Questions?
Jess Cogswell
Professional Development Coordinator
New Jersey School Nutrition Association
[email protected]
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