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Symposium

 

Operator Roundtables: January 13-14, 2026
 
Foodservice Directors Symposium: January 15-16, 2026

 

The Operator Roundtables and Foodservice Directors Symposium provide an opportunity for senior-level operators to gather with peers within collegiate foodservice and the industry to discuss emerging issues and solutions. Participants will gain insights from industry members to help meet operational performance goals, build and strengthen relationships with industry peers, and participate in group-facilitated discussions on various topics.

NACUFS invites senior-level collegiate foodservice leaders to apply for a program grant to attend the Operator Roundtables and the Foodservice Directors Symposium. One leader from a limited number of member schools will be selected to receive the program grant, covering participation in both events.

The Operator Roundtables provide participants with the opportunity to engage with industry members committed to supporting the collegiate foodservice sector in achieving dining excellence and operational goals. This event facilitates collaborative discussions between foodservice professionals and industry partners, offering practical insights that can be applied to campus operations.

Following the roundtables, participants will attend the two-day Foodservice Directors Symposium. This retreat-style event is designed to encourage peer-driven, solution-focused discussions around current and future trends in collegiate dining. Attendees are invited to propose discussion topics in advance to ensure the content is directly relevant to their institutional needs.

Possible topics for the symposium may include:

  • Technology integration
  • Budget optimization
  • Addressing staffing challenges
  • Adaptation to changing student expectations
  • Succession planning and mentoring
  • Supporting student health & wellness
  • Communicating dining’s value to campus administrators
  • Leading organizational change
  • Navigating broader challenges in higher education
  • Exploring trends in foodservice

Through this personalized format, participants will gain valuable insights and practical strategies to address the evolving challenges in their dining operations.

 
Program Costs
 

Through the generous and continuing support for member learning from NACUFS industry members, each institution selected in 2024 received a program grant valued at $1,475. The program grant covers the symposium registration fee and hotel for three nights.

Individuals are responsible for covering their own travel expenses, including ground transportation to and from the airport, as well as two lunches and one dinner during the program. The roundtable opening reception, all breakfasts, all breaks and a symposium closing dinner are included.