March 29 - April 2, 2027
Chicago, Illinois
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, March 29
11:15 am - 12:15 pm, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm & 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm | Leadership Labs
Great leaders are always learning. Kickstart your conference experience with engaging, interactive sessions designed to strengthen your leadership capacity and support your program's success. From building resilient teams and enhancing communication skills to recruiting and retaining high-quality staff and improving collaboration, Leadership Labs offer practical strategies, peer connections and fresh ideas to build your confidence and help you grow as a leader.  Â
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 Regional Networking together to put our skills to the test! Â
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm | Shared Purpose: Networking For Good
oll up your sleeves, make an impact, and make new connections! Join us for a food packing event sponsored by Food For Good where you'll give back while building relationships that will last long after the conference.
Tuesday, March 30
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.
Wednesday, March 31
7:00 am - 8:00 am | Continental Breakfast, Coffee & Conversation
Start your day with a continental breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee while connecting with fellow attendees. Share key takeaways from yesterday’s sessions, exchange ideas, and discover what others are most excited to learn throughout the day.
12:30 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. 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.Â
Thursday, April 1
7:00 am - 8:00 am | Continental Breakfast, Coffee & Conversation
Start your day with a continental breakfast and a fresh cup of coffee while connecting with fellow attendees. Share key takeaways from yesterday’s sessions, exchange ideas, and discover what others are most excited to learn throughout the day.
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm | Closing Session: Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler!Â
Get ready for a high‑energy sendoff that brings the spirit of New Orleans to Chicago and kicks off the countdown to next year’s conference! Save the dates to join us at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans April 17 – 21, 2028.Â
Friday, April 2
11:45 am - 12:15 pm | Networking Event
Thank you to our...
Partners
Sponsors
Exhibitors
Gold Level
Silver Level
Bronze Level
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