#NYSNAConference 2021: What to Expect & FAQs

 

Conference at a Glance

As with a live face-to-face event, NYSNA’s Hybrid Annual Conference will be the gift that keeps on giving! We are determined to bring you the same exceptional educational content, exhibits, events and opportunities to connect at this year’s annual conference as we would for any other event, but now with an option to enjoy it in the comfort of your own home or office! Please plan to enthusiastically participate!

NYSNA’s 2021 Annual conference will include keynote speakers, a diverse offering of education featuring the hottest topics in school nutrition, and of course, videos of your favorite vendors to provide you with content and information as if you were talking to them directly on the trade show floor! We have selected a highly robust hybrid experience platform to deliver an event that is as close as possible to the real thing!

Why is NYSNA’s 2021 Annual Conference

being moved to a hybrid format?

Given the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and especially due to continued concerns for the health and safety of all members, industry partners, volunteer leaders, speakers, staff, and other stakeholders, NYSNA made the difficult decision to cancel the “normal” Annual Conference that would have taken place at Turning Stone Resort in October and create a hybrid event. We also know that many people are still unsure about attending in-person, which is why we created the on-demand platform to see your favorite exhibitors and to also see educational sessions to earn CEU’s. For those who are itching to get in-person again, we have the in-person regional exhibits scheduled too. It’s the best of both worlds!

Since March 2020, NYSNA has relied on public health guidance, federal and state-by-state event restrictions, and member surveys to gauge whether to move major meetings to a hybrid format.

We are confident that this hybrid format will allow us to provide an exceptional attendee experience that is the hallmark of the NYSNA Annual Conference. We look forward to even more school nutrition professionals being able to attend with reduced registration fees and without the extra time and cost associated with travel. Attending NYSNA’s annual conference has never been more convenient!

What are the dates of NYSNA’s 2021 Annual Conference?

From the Show Floor will launch on September 15th and will be available through June 2022. The in-person regional exhibits begin in October. We will be in Rochester on Wednesday, October 27th; Saratoga on Thursday, October 28th and Long Island on November 3rd.
How much is the NYSNA 2021 Annual Conference?
Category Price
Member (After September 1st 2021) $125
Non-Member $150

What will I need in order to participate?

A computer, tablet, or smartphone that has internet access – and that’s it!

Who are the keynote speakers?

We have two fantastic keynote speakers for this event. Chef Jernard Wells and Joe Gerstandt.

Who are the conference committee members?

Katy Headwell, RD 
 2021 Conference Committee Chair
Director of Food Services
Shenendehowa Central Schools
 
Andrew Bromm, SNS
Director of Food and Nutrition
Islip Public Schools
 
Deb Donleavy
Director of Food Service
Enlarged City School District of Middletown
 
Kelly Filus
Food Service Director
St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES
 
Matthew Goewey
Food Services Director
Oswego City School District
 
Claire Groudine
Food Service Director
Capital Region BOCES
 
Laurel Presher
Assistant School Nutrition Director
East Irondequoit Central School District
 
Jil Swarthout
Food Service Director
Phelps-Clifton Springs CSD
 
Jason Shanks
Industry Representative – Rich Products

How long will the recordings of vendors and sessions be available for?

The on-demand videos for vendors and educational sessions will be available from September 15, 2021 through June 2022.

Can several of us participate in From the Show Floor as a group?

Each attendee must be individually registered for the event. CEU credits can only be earned/applied to the registered individual.

How many CEUs can I earn?

Participants will earn 9.5 CEUs for the on-demand event. All education sessions and vendor videos will be available on-demand until June 1, 2022.

Will you provide accommodations for persons with a disability?

Once registration opens, please indicate your needs for accommodations on the registration form so that we can do our best to accommodate you. The conference will be close captioned.

Registration

When will registration open?

Registration will open in June and will be announced via email, website & social media.

What does registration cost and what does it include?

Registration fees will be reduced for this year’s annual conference and there is an early bird discount. Details on registration fees can be found on the NYSNA website. Registration fees will include access to the conference digital book as well as access to all three in-person regional exhibit shows. The conference digital book includes all on-demand education session and all vendor videos. You will have access to the conference digital book from September 15, 2021 to June 2022 so you can watch all education sessions and vendor videos anytime, anywhere.

Are group discounts available?

NYSNA’s Annual Conference rates are already significantly reduced. However, we do offer a discounted rate during the Early Bird registration period.

How do I access the Digital Book for On-Demand videos?

The NYSNA annual conference digital book can be accessed once you register for the conference through NYSNA’s website (www.nyschoolnutrition.org). After registering through the website, you will receive a confirmation email with next steps.

 
Once you have access to the digital book, you will be able to begin exploring the exhibitor videos as well as the pre-recorded education sessions.

What is NYSNA's Cancellation Policy?

NO refunds due to cancellations  after October 20,  2021.   All cancellations must be submitted in writing prior to the  deadline for refunds  to be issued. A cancellation fee of  $25 will be deducted  from  the  refund for administrative fee.

"No Shows" will be billed - please be sure your districts understand this policy when submitting a PO for registration.

 

Click Here to Register