2026 NCNC

Resilience: The ability to bounce back. It’s what enables students to come out of challenging experiences with a positive attitude about themselves and their future. After 18 years in foster care and watching his daughter battle brain cancer, hear how Dee turned those unexpected events into incredible life lessons. Prepare to be inspired to embrace your own capacity for resilience and recognize the strength that lies within you.

You dedicate your energy and expertise to improving the health and well-being of children every day. Whether you’re working in school cafeterias, child care centers or community nutrition programs, the demands of your role can be emotionally and physically taxing. How do you continue to give your best while taking care of yourself? Discover strategies to recharge, reduce stress and maintain balance.

Struggling to be heard or to truly hear others? Through guided reflection and practical exercises, explore descriptive vs. evaluative language, emotional vocabulary, ego awareness and responsible “I” statements. Learn to identify triggers, check perceptions and cultivate gratitude to foster intentional, empathetic conversations that reduce reactivity and build mindful connections.

Our employees are our greatest assets, but they can become liabilities without strong leadership and structure. Absenteeism, poor performance and policy violations are challenges we can overcome by applying effective leadership skills. Learn how to maintain program success and develop leaders even when facing difficult personnel issues. Come sharpen your leadership skills in a fun, engaging atmosphere!

Does implementing practical strategies that create captivating and impactful training sessions seem difficult? Say goodbye to worrying about how well your message will stick with participants. Discover simple techniques to tailor your training for diverse audiences by incorporating hands-on activities, adult learning principles, visuals, games and props, ensuring your presentations resonate.

Rules and regulations are always evolving, so how do you keep up? Learn how AI can help you save time, boost impact and stay ahead of shifting CACFP policies. From menu optimization to regulatory research, internal operations and employee support, get practical tools and ideas you can put to work immediately.