SNA | School Nutrition Assoc 2026
Event Date
July 12–14, 2026
Location
Charlotte, NC
Expected Exhibitors
300
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe SNA Annual National Conference (ANC) is the flagship event of the School Nutrition Association and is widely known as the "School Nutrition Event of the Year." Known as the School Nutrition Event of the Year, the School Nutrition Association's Annual National Conference (ANC) unites thousands of school nutrition program operators, industry partners, and allied organizations for an unparalleled educational and networking experience every July.
SNA's Annual National Conference and exhibit hall are open only to professionals (current/retired) servicing school nutrition programs in the K-12 and post-secondary markets, industry representatives servicing those markets, and professionals administering child nutrition programs at the state and federal level. The 2026 edition takes place in Charlotte, North Carolina, and centers on the theme "Power of School Meals."
Attendees come for both education and sourcing. Attendees can expect top-tier keynote speakers, 120+ education sessions featuring the hottest topics in school nutrition led by experts, the largest exhibit hall in K-12 foodservice with about 300 companies, networking events and closing event entertainment. Participants will earn 13.5 CEUs for the live event, with additional CEUs available to those who pre-register for preconference workshops. It is an unmatched opportunity for K-12 foodservice directors, managers, and industry partners to learn, network, and discover innovative menu ideas.
Show Highlights
- 120+ education sessions across four Key Areas: Nutrition, Operations, Administration, and Communications & Marketing. More than 120 education sessions will cover the four Key Areas of Nutrition, Operations, Administration and Communications & Marketing.
- Keynote speakers: The two keynote speakers are John Register and Col. Nicole Malachowski.
- Opening Event at the NASCAR Hall of Fame — Kick off ANC26 with a signature opening event at the iconic NASCAR Hall of Fame, exclusively reserved for conference attendees. This high-energy evening offers private access to one of Charlotte's most celebrated venues, featuring immersive exhibits, interactive experiences, and dynamic networking opportunities.
- Pre-Conference Workshops — Jump start your conference learning experience with a pre-conference workshop, choosing from a two-hour express session, a four-hour half-day or a full-day of learning.
- Culinary demonstrations and a large K-12 foodservice Exhibit Hall.
- Directors-Only Time in the exhibit hall and section meetings tailored to member categories.
Attendance
SNA is projecting about 7,000 attendees at the conference in July. SNA projects about 3,500 school nutrition operators will attend. The audience is made up of K-12 and post-secondary school nutrition operators (directors, supervisors, managers, and employees), industry representatives, and state and federal child nutrition professionals.
Booth Pricing
Public booth pricing is not posted on the official site; exhibitors receive rates via a dedicated registration link. The exhibit booth fee includes non-competing exhibit hall time in a two-day tradeshow with pipe and drape for the booth, exclusive exhibit hall time with school nutrition directors, five or more complimentary hall badges for staff (depending on booth size), access to education sessions, and use of the ANC 2026 conference logo for marketing. Prospective exhibitors can contact Crystal Harper-Pierre (charper@schoolnutrition.org) and sponsors can contact Nita Artis (nartis@schoolnutrition.org).
Registration
Full conference registration includes access to all general and education sessions, the Exhibit Hall, culinary demos, and the Opening Event at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. You may register yourself or a group online using a credit card, purchase order, or check, and after processing a personalized link and housing information are provided in the confirmation. Conference registration is required before you are allowed to reserve a room within SNA's discounted hotel room block.
Early Bird rates (received on or before June 5) include: $624 Directors/Supervisors, $504 FN Manager/Employee, $504 Retired, $504 Student, $534 Guest/Family, $709 FS Nonmember, $624 Government, $750 Industry Member, and $985 Industry Nonmember. Regular rates (after June 5 to onsite) include: $765 Directors/Supervisors, $645 FN Manager/Employee, $645 Retired, $645 Student, $675 Guest/Family, $850 FS Nonmember, $765 Government, $905 Industry Member, and $1,045 Industry Nonmember.
Key deadlines: Refunds, minus a $75 administrative fee, will be made if you notify the SNA Meetings Center on or before June 19, 2026. Members receive $25 off per registration when three or more people register from their school district in one transaction. Current SNA membership is required to receive member rates.
History
The Annual National Conference is the yearly flagship gathering of the School Nutrition Association. The School Nutrition Association (SNA) empowers and supports 50,000 school nutrition professionals in advancing the accessibility, quality and integrity of school nutrition programs. The conference rotates among major U.S. cities each July; recent and upcoming host cities include Boston, and per the published schedule, Charlotte, NC in July 2026, Phoenix, AZ in July 2027, Nashville, TN in July 2028, and Chicago, IL in July 2029.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Venue & Travel
Venue
Charlotte Convention Center
501 South College Street
The Charlotte Convention Center is a modern, full-service venue located in Uptown Charlotte, designed to host conventions, exhibitions, and large meetings. It hosts most ANC 2026 activities, including the exhibit hall, education sessions, and general sessions. Registration and badge pick-up take place in the A Concourse (entrance off South College Street). The facility is smoke-free, and SNA works with the center to accommodate dietary restrictions and accessibility needs. The venue features a bus lane and lay-by capacity for buses at the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard entrance for easy loading and unloading.
Parking
The Charlotte Convention Center does not have its own onsite parking garage; the nearest and most convenient option is the NASCAR Hall of Fame Parking Deck at 500 S. Brevard Street, which is adjacent and connected to the Convention Center via an over-street covered walkway.
- The NASCAR Hall of Fame deck is open 24/7 and is frequently the cheapest nearby option, with rates commonly starting around $7 and a daily maximum around $20 (in after 5 p.m., a reduced max applies). Rates are subject to change.
- Additional garages and surface lots are available within walking distance in Uptown, with rates that can range from roughly $7 to $37 depending on day, time, and duration.
- Street parking in Uptown is metered, time-limited, and closely monitored—better for quick errands than a full conference day.
- Several nearby garages allow you to reserve a space in advance through parking apps, which is recommended during large events.
Getting There
- Air: The Charlotte Convention Center is about 15 minutes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). SNA's official travel agency, Corporate Traveler, can assist with airline reservations (a $40 convenience/booking fee applies).
- Taxi / Rideshare: Taxis, Uber, Lyft, onsite shuttle companies, limos, rental cars, and ADA/medical transportation all serve the airport.
- Shuttle: SNA provides shuttle service from select conference hotels to the Convention Center.
- Rail: The LYNX Blue Line light rail offers a convenient way to travel between Uptown Charlotte and nearby areas.
- Bus: Public transportation, hotel shuttles, and private buses are available from the airport.
Nearby Hotels
SNA has contracted with more than 20 hotels, all within walking distance (no hotel is more than 0.6 miles from the Convention Center). Busing is provided from select properties. Conference registration is required before you can book within the discounted block. Examples of contracted hotels and special rates (plus taxes and fees):
- The Westin Charlotte (HQ) — 601 S College St. — $254/night — 0.1 miles
- Embassy Suites Charlotte Uptown — 401 E MLK Jr Blvd. — $219/night — 0.02 miles
- Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Uptown — 508 E MLK Jr Blvd. — $209/night — 0.03 miles
- Home2 Suites Charlotte Uptown — 610 S Caldwell St. — $219/night — 0.03 miles
- Courtyard Charlotte City Center — 237 S Tryon St. — $195/night — 0.1 miles
- Element Charlotte Uptown — 650 S Caldwell St. — $185/night — 0.1 miles
- Hilton Charlotte Uptown — 222 E 3rd St. — $229/night — 0.1 miles
- JW Marriott Charlotte — 600 S College St. — $339/night — 0.1 miles
- Charlotte Marriott City Center — 100 W Trade St. — $254/night — 0.3 miles
- Omni Charlotte Hotel — 132 E Trade St. — $249/night — 0.3 miles
- Fairfield Inn & Suites and Springhill Suites (both about $179–$209/night) sit farther out at roughly 0.5 miles.
Housing reservations are handled through SNA's official housing bureau, Conference Direct (sna@conferencedirect.com or 877-440-7549).
Contact
Show Management
School Nutrition Assoc
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is ANC 2026 held?
The Annual National Conference runs Sunday, July 12 through Tuesday, July 14, 2026, with pre-conference workshops on Saturday, July 11. It takes place at the Charlotte Convention Center, 501 South College Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.
Who can attend the conference and exhibit hall?
Attendance is open only to current and retired professionals serving K-12 and post-secondary school nutrition programs, industry representatives serving those markets, and state and federal child nutrition professionals. Registration is required for admittance, and no one under 16 is permitted in the exhibit hall.
How do I register and what does it cost?
You can register yourself or a group online using a credit card, purchase order, or check. Early Bird rates (on or before June 5) start at $504 for FN managers/employees and $624 for directors/supervisors, with regular rates ranging higher; current SNA membership is required for member pricing.
How many exhibitors and attendees are expected?
SNA projects about 7,000 total attendees, including roughly 3,500 school nutrition operators. The exhibit hall is the largest in K-12 foodservice, with over 300 companies in 950-plus booth spaces.
What makes ANC worth attending?
The conference offers 120-plus education sessions across four Key Areas, top keynote speakers, culinary demonstrations, and a private opening event at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Participants can earn 13.5 CEUs, which exceeds the annual training hours required for USDA Professional Standards.
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