The Operator Roundtables and Foodservice Directors Symposium provides 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 insight from industry members to help meet operational performance goals, build and strengthen relationships with industry members and peers, and participate in group facilitated discussions on various topics.

January 16-19, 2024 

Le Méridien New Orleans 

New Orleans, Louisiana

The National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) invites senior-level collegiate foodservice leaders (e.g., Director, AVP, Contract Administrator) to apply for a program grant to attend the Operator Roundtables (January 16 - 17) and Foodservice Directors Symposium (January 18 - 19) that follows. One leader from a limited number of member schools will be selected to receive a program grant. 

The Operator Roundtables provides participants opportunities to engage with industry members who are committed to helping the collegiate foodservice segment meet their dining excellence and operational goals.

Following the Operator Roundtables, the collegiate foodservice professionals will attend the 2-day Foodservice Directors Symposium. The symposium will include discussion about current and future trends in dining services. Participants will have input into discussion topics beforehand. Possible topics may include:

• Succession planning and mentoring
• Supporting student success
• Communicating dining’s value to campus administrators
• Leading change
• Challenges in higher education
• Staffing concerns
• Trends in foodservice

Through the generous and continuing support for member learning from NACUFS industry members, each institution selected will receive 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.

Foodservice Directors Symposium Grant

Foodservice Directors Symposium Grant applications are due by Friday, November 10, 2023. 

The application will be available soon! 

Symposium Only Registration

A limited number of individual registrations are available to non-grant recipients, on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for 2024 will be available in late 2023. 

If you have questions, or need further information, please contact the NACUFS Learning Team.