PRE CON SESSIONS
Thursday, April 16th 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Thursday, April 16th 1:00 – 4:00 PM
$50 per person
$50 per person
Leadership & Legacy: School Nutrition Director Pathways
Vanessa Hayes, Director of School Nutrition
Valdosta City SNP
Designed specifically for new School Nutrition Directors, this interactive pre-conference session provides practical guidance, proven strategies, and real-world tips to support success in managing school nutrition programs.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of compliance requirements, some financial fundamentals, operational best practices, and common challenges faced during the first years as a director.
Rich’s Facility Tour
Maximum of 50 attendees
Attendees will tour Rich’s Brunswick, GA plant to see the production of products that are a part of quality school meals.
Opening General Session
Opening General Session
Friday, April 17th – 9:00 AM
Friday, April 17th – 9:00 AM
Featuring Marli Williams
Featuring Marli Williams
Keynote Speaker, Podcast Host & Energy Intelligence™ Expert
Keynote Speaker, Podcast Host & Energy Intelligence™ Expert
Lead Fully Charged:
How to Own Your Energy & Amplify Your Impact
School nutrition leaders are asked to do more than ever, serve nutritious meals, navigate changing regulations, manage staffing shortages, support students’ wellbeing, and lead teams with care, all while keeping operations running smoothly. In the midst of constant demands, your energy isn’t just important, it’s essential.
In this uplifting and interactive keynote, leadership speaker and energy expert Marli Williams introduces a powerful, practical approach to sustainable leadership through Energy Intelligence™, a human-centered framework that helps leaders manage their energy (not just their time) so they can lead with clarity, resilience, and heart. Whether you’re leading a district-wide program, supporting frontline cafeteria staff, or navigating change with limited resources, this experience offers a meaningful reset and real-world tools you can use immediately.
This isn’t about working harder. It’s about leading smarter, with intention and care, for yourself and your team. Because when school nutrition leaders are fully charged, they don’t just nourish students, they strengthen communities and shape futures. Let’s change the way we lead, together.
75th Anniversary
75th Anniversary
“Silver & Gold” Celebration
“Silver & Gold” Celebration
Friday, April 17th – 7:00 PM
Friday, April 17th – 7:00 PM
From top hats and tiaras to sparkling t-shirts, come dressed in your shiniest—because our 75th “Silver & Gold” Celebration is going to be one to remember!
This unforgettable evening will feature live music by the Emerald Empire Band, renowned for their high-energy performances that keep the dance floor packed all night long. If you attended GSNA’s 2024 Industry Seminar at Chateau Elan, you already know what an incredible treat awaits!
Get ready to celebrate our legacy in style as we sparkle, shine, and dance the night away.
Saturday, April 18th – 3:30 PM
Saturday, April 18th – 3:30 PM 2026 Legacy
Toast it up to our 2025–2026 Legacy Makers at our Awards Reception— where we celebrate excellence in style! Join us for an unforgettable afternoon dedicated to recognizing the achievements and lasting impact of outstanding leaders in school nutrition. This special event offers the perfect opportunity to connect, honor success, and take part in a meaningful closing experience that inspires and uplifts everyone in the room.
Join us as we raise a glass to our legacy—and to the bright future ahead!
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS : Culinary Arts, Employee of the Year, Manager of the Year, Malcolm Quillen School Nutrition Hero, Central Office Support, Beyond the Plate, Josephine Martin Award and Director of the Year, Scroll Awards, Presidents Awards and Past State President Recognition :
2026 REGISTRATION FORM
2026 Tentative Agenda 2026 Tentative Agenda
Thursday, April 16th
8:00 AM -5:00 PM Exhibitor Move-in
9:00 AM-10:30 AM GSNA Industry Advisory Board Meeting
10:00 AM -5:00 PM Registration Open
10:30 AM -12:00 PM Executive Board Meeting/House of Delegates Meeting
12:00 PM -4:00 PM Silent Auction Check-in
1:00 PM -4:00 PM Pre-con Sessions
1:00 PM -4:00 PM Leadership Academy
Friday, April 17th
8:00 - 8:45 AM Director Coffee & Conversation
8:00 - 8:45 AM Learning Sessions
9:00 - 11:00 AM Opening General Session featuring Marli Williams
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM EXPO Private Showing
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM Learning Sessions
12:30 - 3:30 PM EXPO OPEN to ALL
3:45 - 4:45 PM School Level Session featuring Marli Williams
3:45 - 4:45 PM Learning Sessions for System Level
7:00 - 10:00 PM 75th Anniversary Silver & Gold Celebration
Saturday, April 18th
8:00 -9:15 AM Director's Networking Breakfast (Ticketed)
8:30 -9:15 AM Learning Sessions
9:30 -10:15 AM District Meeting
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM EXPO OPEN to ALL
1:45 -3:15 PM Learning Sessions
3:30 -5:00 PM 2026 Legacy Awards Reception