2026 Networking

April 13-17, 2026

Las Vegas, Nevada

CACFP · Afterschool Meals · Summer Food

Discover the Power of Networking!

There will be plenty of opportunities to meet new peers at this year’s conference! Many of our attendees leave the conference having expanded their professional network by at least one meaningful connection. So, we encourage you to get out there and find your people!

Don’t forget about hallway conversations! If you’ve got some spare time in between sessions, strike up a conversation with someone that you have seen around the conference. You’ll probably find that you have tons in common, especially with those who are attending the same sessions as you!

There's a networking opportunity every day of the week!

Monday, April 13

New This Year! 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm & 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm | Leadership Labs
Kickstart your conference experience with interactive, professional development sessions designed to help you gain confidence as a leader. Get ready to learn, connect and grow!

4:30 pm - 5:00 pm | Professional Networking Strategies and Tips
Join us to learn how to implement strategies both in person and on social media to help meet people and advance your career. Afterwards we’ll head to the Regional Networking Reception together to put our skills to the test!

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm | Regional Networking
Don’t go home without connecting with people who work where you do. Take this time to meet and network with others from your region and make connections that will last long after the conference.

Tuesday, April 14

8:00 am - 9:00 am | Group Meetups

Meet with people who do what you do everyday! Join your moderator and colleagues to talk about workplace issues. Find a mentor. Share your experience. Make contacts. Talk shop and learn from one another. This is one of the most powerful sessions at the conference and can’t be missed.

Group Meetups

Centers - Adult Care
Centers – Afterschool
CACFP Sponsor ED/CEO
CACFP Sponsor of Afterschool Meals
CACFP Sponsor of Centers
CACFP Sponsor of Family Daycare Home
Claims Administrators
Cooks
Child Care Centers Directors
Family Home Providers
Field Monitors
Food Banks
Head Start Managers
Schools – Afterschool
Schools - Summer Food
State Agency ARAS
State Agency CACFP
State Agency Directors
State Agency Nutritionists
State Agency SFSP
Emergency Shelters
Nutritionists
Summer Food
Tribal Nation

10:30 am - 11:30 am | Mid-Morning Coffee Break
Mix and mingle with conference attendees while you explore the products and resources our Exhibit Hall has to offer.

11:00 am - 12:30 pm | State Agency Office Hours
This is a unique opportunity for attendees to connect in-person with their State Agency through open office hours. Drop by your state's office to ask questions, get clarification, or just say hello.

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm | 40th Anniversary Celebration Reception
Whether you’re a first-time attendee or ten-year veteran, join us in the Exhibit Hall to celebrate 40 incredible years of the National Child Nutrition Conference! Reunite with familiar faces, meet new peers, and toast to the amazing work we’ve done and all that’s still ahead. It’s a celebration of community, impact, and 40 years of doing what matters most.

Wednesday, April 15

7:00 am - 8:00 am | Continental Breakfast, Coffee & Conversation
While you’re getting the day started with our breakfast buffet, find someone new to talk to and discuss what you’ve learned so far and what sessions you look forward to attending for the day.

12:15 pm - 1:30 pm | CACFP Professionals Networking Lunch
We celebrate and commend those who have achieved the highest level of CACFP professional recognition by earning their certification as a Management Professional and/or Child Nutrition Professional. Certified attendees are invited to arrive 15 minutes early and enjoy reserved tables specially set aside for you. Join us for a delicious lunch and take this opportunity to network and connect with fellow certified professionals and the NCA Board of Directors.

Thursday, April 16

Friday, April 17

8:15 am - 8:45 am | Rising Leaders Coffee & Connections
You’re ambitious and passionate about the CACFP. Join us for a cup of coffee while we talk about how you can get more involved in the association and become a leader in your program.