"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
Foodservice Directors Symposium
A collaborative forum for senior-level operators to share insights, strengthen connections, and address emerging challenges.
"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
Operator Roundtables & Foodservice Directors Symposium
September 22-25, 2026
Carolina Inn | Chapel Hill, NC
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.
- Discuss emerging issues and collaborative solutions
- Connect with industry members and fellow operators
- Participate in facilitated, topic-driven group discussions
Who Should Attend
This event is designed for senior-level professionals in collegiate dining, including:
- Directors
- Assistant/Associate Vice Presidents
- Contract Administrators
Event Dates
- Operator Roundtables: September 22-23, 2026
- Foodservice Directors Symposium: September 24-25, 2026
NACUFS Strategic Talent Acquisition Research
One of the highlights of this fall's program will be a collaborative exploration of emerging workforce research focused on talent acquisition. Participants will engage with topline findings, examine what the data mean for collegiate dining, and work through facilitated exercises that connect research insights to communications, brand strategy, and workforce planning. Through discussion and shared interpretation, attendees will help identify practical actions that can strengthen recruitment and retention efforts on their campuses.
Event Details
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 (September 22-23) and Foodservice Directors Symposium (September 24-25) 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 help shape the discussion. Possible topics include:
- Succession planning and mentoring
- Supporting student success
- Communicating dining’s value to campus leaders
- Leading change
- Staffing challenges
- Industry trends
- Higher education shifts
Program Costs
Through the generous and continuing support for member learning from NACUFS industry members, each institution selected will receive a program grant valued at $1,680. 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 Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Foodservice Directors Symposium Only
A limited number of individual registrations will be available to non-grant recipients, on a first-come, first-served basis. Symposium-only participants will participate in the Foodservice Directors Symposium on September 24-25.
Breakfasts, breaks, one lunch and dinner are included in the registration cost.
Member rate: $795
The cancellation deadline for symposium-only registration is Thursday, August 20, 2026. Cancellations by the deadline will be refunded less the admin fee of $100. Cancellation after the deadline will not qualify for refund or credit.
Hotel
The Carolina Inn
211 Pittsboro St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
A special NACUFS group rate is available through September 2, 2026.
If you have questions or need further information, please contact the NACUFS Learning Team.