NACUFS Engage: Southern
Friday, March 13, 2026
Atlanta, Georgia
This one-day regional campus dining event convenes directors, operators, and culinary leaders at Georgia State University in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Designed for experienced decision-makers, the program focuses on the conversations most relevant to today’s campus dining leaders—operational excellence, culinary relevance, labor, and student engagement.
Location
Georgia State University
Student Center East
55 Gilmer St. SE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Situated at the center of Georgia State’s downtown campus, the Student Center is a vibrant hub of student life and activity. The modern, accessible space supports connection and conversation throughout the day. Its urban setting reflects the energy, diversity, and momentum of Atlanta.
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 March 2. After March 2, no refunds will be issued.
Parking at GSU
Parking will be available in M Deck, across from Student Center East, located at 33 Auditorium Pl., Atlanta, GA, 30303 for $10.
Schedule
*Schedule is tentative and subject to change
Friday, March 13th |
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9 – 11 a.m. |
Registration |
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9:30 – 10:45 a.m |
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11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. |
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12:15 – 12:30 p.m. |
Refreshment break |
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12:30 – 1:15 p.m. |
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Serving More Than Food: Building Belonging in Campus Dining |
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1:15 – 3:20 p.m. |
Networking Lunch and Culinary Challenge |
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3:30 – 4:15 p.m. |
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4:15 – 4:25 p.m. |
Refreshment break |
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4:25 – 5:10 p.m. |
Leadership Panel |
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5:10 – 6 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
Maricus Nolley, Georgia State University
Sean Mangroo, NC State University
Shalisa Benavides, Texas Tech University
Jorge Noriega, University of Georgia
Darin Keithley, University of North Texas
Norman Hunt, Xavier University of Louisiana
Hotel
The Westin Peachtree Plaza Atlanta
210 Peachtree St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
NACUFS has secured a courtesy room block at The Westin Peachtree Plaza Atlanta, .7 mile walk from Georgia State University.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Interested in sponsoring? Email Allison Noyes to learn more.
