NACUFS Engage: Northeast

Thursday, March 5, 2026 
Boston, Massachusetts

NACUFS Engage brings campus dining professionals together for a focused, one-day regional experience designed to spark conversation, share practical ideas, and strengthen connections across the Northeast.

 

Location 

Boston College 

Gasson Hall  

140 Commonwealth Ave 

Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 

 

Registration 

Institutional: $119 

Industry: $175

Registration includes access to all sessions, networking opportunities, and the culinary challenge experience. 

Registration may be cancelled for a full refund less a $50 administration fee through February 20. After February 20, no refunds will be issued.

 

Parking at Boston College 

Parking is available in the Commonwealth Garage: 40 St. Thomas More Road, Boston, MA 02135. There will be signs leading to the garage. Once parked:

  • Take the elevator up to the 7th floor (rooftop).
  • Follow the signs to Gasson Hall.
  • Paystation is located in 1st floor elevator lobby. Pay upon exit.

 

Download Parking Map

Boston College

 

 

Parking

Schedule

*Schedule is tentative and subject to change 

 

Thursday, March 5th 

 

9 - 10:30 a.m. 

Registration 

9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Registration Market  

9 - 10:30 a.m.

Pre-event tour of McElroy & Eagles Nest 

10:30 - 11:45 a.m. 

Influence Without Authority: Leading Across Generations in a Changing Workplace 

12:15 - 12:30 p.m. 

Refreshment break 

12:30 - 1 p.m. 

Plastics and Human Health

 

Beyond Allergies: Uncovering the Mental Health Realities Facing Our Students 

1:15 - 3:20 p.m.

Networking Lunch and Culinary Challenge 

3:30 - 4:15 p.m. 

KELP is on the Way

 

Directors Roundtable 

 

Global Flavors Program: A Playbook for Inclusive, Student-Driven Menu Innovation and Engagement

4:15 - 4:25 p.m. 

Refreshment break 

4:40 - 5:25 p.m. 

Leadership in Action: Service, People & Decisions Under Pressure

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Closing Reception – Culinary Challenge Awards 

From interactive sessions to informal conversations over lunch and the Culinary Challenge, the day is designed to balance learning with connection—creating multiple touchpoints to engage with peers, speakers, and partners.  

Explore Learning Sessions

 

Culinary Challenge Competitors

Phyllis Kaplowitz, Boston College

William Reardon, Fairfield University

Nathaniel Buzard, Rhode Island School of Design

Peter Masiero, Smith College

Caleb Pham, UMass Amherst

Kaprishia Covington, University at Buffalo

 

Hotel

AC Hotel Boston Circle

AC Hotel Boston Cleveland Circle 

395 Chestnut Hill Avenue  

Boston, MA 02135 

NACUFS has secured a courtesy room block at the AC Hotel Boston Cleveland Circle. The hotel is located 1 mile (30-minute walk) from Gasson Hall. Transportation will be provided to and from campus.