"The format and small setting were very conducive to meaningful conversations. … Everyone had something to share that others could take back to their campuses."
Mabel VandenBerg
US Naval Academy
Symposia & Workshops
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.
January 13-14, 2026
Operator Roundtables
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.
January 15-16, 2026
Foodservice Directors Symposium
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.
"This community matters. If we added up all the meals [we’re responsible for] in this room – it’s just incredible the impact we make. "
Tara Jones
University of Montana
Workshops
Engaging People Workshop
(In-Person)
This workshop will give you a new lens on how to lead, manage, and retain team members. Whether you are an aspiring manager, new to management, or have years of experience, the Engaging People Workshop will provide you with a new perspective and practical tactics on motivation, leadership, conflict resolution, teamwork, and recruitment. The Engaging People Workshop is a NACUFS workshop for anyone who supervises others. It resides within the Talent Management Knowledge Domain.
Financial Management Workshop
This two-day workshop will provide you the opportunity to take your financial management skills to the next level, following the completion of NACUFS Financial Management for Foodservice course.