Be part of advocacy in action when you attend SNA鈥檚 Legislative Action Conference in the nation鈥檚 capital.
March 9-11, 2025 |听 Washington, D.C.
Event Details
Together Starts with You
SNA鈥檚 Legislative Action Conference (LAC) is one of the most highly anticipated and informative conferences each year. LAC offers attendees the opportunity to experience firsthand the inner workings of the democratic process, learn about current legislative and regulatory challenges facing school nutrition and advocate directly with their legislators.
Need help getting approval to attend LAC25? Use our Dear Supervisor letter template to outline the benefits of attending and make a strong case to your boss!
听SNA Political Action Committee Booth
With your help, SNA鈥檚 Political Action Committee (SNA PAC) works to support, educate and thank Congressional members who are involved and passionate about SNA issues. Bring your questions and stop by the PAC table at LAC to learn more about how crucial your support is in helping to meet the PAC goals.
Courtesy Policy
Please be courteous to other attendees and speakers. and silence all cellular phones and electronic devices during conference sessions.
Location
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
Click Here for the LAC25 Scheduling Details
Questions?听Reach out to听meetings@schoolnutrition.org.
REGISTRATION FEES:
- EARLY BIRD RATE鈥擡B听(RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE 2/01/25)
- REGULAR RATE鈥擱R (RECEIVED BETWEEN 2/02/25 and 3/11/25)
Do not mail/fax registrations. Registrations will only be accepted online.
Membership Categories | EB | RR |
FS Member/Retired Member | $595 | $645 |
FS Nonmember | $645 | $695 |
Government Rate (Federal or State) | $595 | $645 |
Patron (1st听Attendee) | $0 | $0 |
Industry Member | 听$680 | $730 |
Industry Nonmember | $780 | $820 |
Registration Details
- Full registration includes access to all General and Educational Sessions, Luncheons and access to the digital content on the #LAC25 app for up to 30 days post-event. It does not include access to the Pre-Conference Workshop or any ticketed events.
- Confirmation of registration will be sent via email immediately upon processing.
- If you registered others, each individual will receive their own confirmation.
- If you are interested in being invited to the Executive Leadership Program on Saturday, March 8, please see the FAQ section for details.
Refunds/Cancellations
We would be disappointed if you had to miss the conference, but if you must, cancellations and requests for refunds must be received in writing by January 25, 2025. Refunds will be processed less a $75 administrative fee. No refunds will be made after January 25, or for NO SHOWS. Requests may be submitted via email to meetings@schoolnutrition.org.
For state agency professionals, the $75 cancellation fee will be waived, and a full refund will be provided. The usual cancellation deadlines do not apply to state agency members, allowing you to register without financial risk while awaiting travel approval.
Transfers
Registrants who are unable to attend the conference may transfer their registration to another individual within the same organization, provided advance written notice is forwarded to meetings@schoolnutrition.org. Please provide your name and the individual鈥檚 name whom you are transferring your registration. All transfers must be received by March 1, 2025, and will not be accepted onsite on a case-by-case basis.
Need to Make a Change?
To make any changes, such as your registration type, contact information or to purchase tickets to an event or register a guest/family member, please contact meetings@schoolnutrition.org or (800) 877-8822.
Saturday, March 8
Feeding Students When the Lights Go Out:听 Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
Speaker:听 USDA and State Agency representatives
1:00 pm鈥4:00 pm
In an era of increasing natural disasters, including hurricanes, floods and wildfires, school nutrition programs serve as vital community hubs, providing essential services. This session will explore the challenges schools face during crises and how to strengthen disaster preparedness and response efforts. Representatives from USDA and experienced school nutrition directors will share actionable strategies for building resilient programs that can adapt to power outages, infrastructure damage and other disruptions. Learn how to ensure your program can continue to serve meals amid the mayhem and remain a reliable source of support for your community.
A separate registration fee is required ($130). Space is limited.听
Sunday, March 9
Opening General Session: TBD
Speakers: TBD
1:15 pm鈥2:30 pm
More details are coming soon!
First General Session: Presentation of the SNA 2025 Position Paper
Speakers: PP&L Committee
3:00 pm鈥4:30 pm
The SNA Public Policy and Legislation Committee members will provide an extensive overview, talking points, relevant background information and more on the SNA 2025 Position Paper. Attendees will leave with the tools necessary to advocate for child nutrition programs with their elected officials.
Monday, March 10
Second General Session: USDA 2025 Update
8:30 am鈥10:00 am
Speakers: USDA representatives
Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be on hand to deliver the annual update on child nutrition. Areas of primary focus will be ongoing and upcoming research, USDA Foods, school nutrition standards and other late-breaking news and updates.
Third General Session: TBD
Speakers: TBD
10:15 am鈥12:00 pm
More details are coming soon!
Closing General Session: TBD
Speakers: TBD
2:15 pm鈥4:30 pm
More details are coming soon!
More details are coming soon!
Saturday, March 8
香港六合彩官网开奖 Credentialing Exam
9:00 am鈥1:00 pm
Ready to earn your School Nutrition Specialist (香港六合彩官网开奖) credential? Take the exam at #LAC25. Registration, approval and payment must be made in advance and cannot be done on site. or email questions to cert香港六合彩官网开奖@schoolnutrition.org.
Fees
- Member Fee: $225
- Non-Member Fee: $325
Executive Leadership Program
8:00 pm鈥5:00 pm
Operators and State Agency Members only
Roundtrip Transportation will be provided from the JW Marriott hotel to Georgetown University.
Sign-Up Deadline: Friday, December 13
We are excited to offer the chance to attend SNA鈥檚 prestigious Executive Leadership Program at Georgetown University鈥檚 McDonough School of Business, taking place before the Legislative Action Conference. This high-level training is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors and is open to all school nutrition operators and state agency members.
With limited spots available for just 50 attendees, we are inviting all operator and state agency members to enter a random drawing for a chance to participate. If you are interested in attending, please indicate your interest during the registration process by Friday, December 13. We will conduct the random drawing and notify selected members on Monday, December 16. If you are chosen, we will send you an email, so please plan your travel accordingly.
I am interested in attending the Executive Leadership Program!
Sponsored by Heartland School Solutions, ITW/FEG and SFSPac Food Safety & Sanitation System
SNF Mix & Mingle
6:00 pm鈥7:30 pm
Join the School Nutrition Foundation for this opening night reception at the Historic National Press Club (NPC) in Washington, D.C. Enjoy a drink, great food and conversations with friends from across the country as you Mix and Mingle inside a century old institution known for hosting presidents, kings, and prime ministers. Proceeds will support scholarship programs and educational resources for SNA Members to strengthen and expand their school nutrition programs to feed our nation鈥檚 children.
Becoming a sponsor is the best way to show your support for the Foundation while networking with SNA members and promoting your company鈥檚 brand.
Sponsorship Opportunities and Commitment Form
This event may sell out so buy your ticket today and celebrate the school nutrition community at SNF鈥檚 Mix and Mingle before a fun-filled legislative action weekend.
Fees
- Individual Tickets: $25
Tuesday, March 11
Hill Visits
8:00 am鈥5:00 pm
Bring your expertise, your enthusiasm and your stories to Washington, D.C., and take advantage of this annual opportunity to get your message across to your state鈥檚 Congressional delegation. This day is reserved for visiting U.S. Representatives and Senators on Capitol Hill. If you plan to attend LAC,听contact your legislators鈥 offices听now to schedule either in person or virtual meetings for this day.
Hotel Accommodations
(Headquarters Hotel)
1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20004
(202) 393-2000
Check-in: 4:00 pm; Check-out: 12:00 pm
Reservation Information
SNA Discounted Room Rates:
- $349+ single/double
- Each additional person is $30 per night plus tax (15.95%)
REMINDER: Conference registration is required before you will be allowed to reserve a room within SNA鈥檚 discounted hotel room block. Your LAC25 registration confirmation will have the housing link to access the LAC25 housing block so you can secure your hotel reservation. If you are having issues booking or updating your room reservation online, please call the JW Marriott Washington, D.C., directly and state that you need assistance with your SNA Legislative Action Conference reservation. Don鈥檛 delay! SNA鈥檚 discounted room block will be released on February 1, 2025, but may be sold out before that date. SNA reserves the right to cancel, without notification, any reservation that does not have a corresponding registration for LAC 2025.
Due to the overwhelming response and high demand, there is extremely limited availability at the conference hotel and we anticipate being fully booked. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and understand the importance of comfortable and convenient lodging during the event.
The DC area has an abundance of hotel options and frequently, you can find more affordable rates in Virginia, such as Crystal City. There is easy access to downtown via the metro. We encourage you to explore online booking platforms for options that may suit your preferences and budget.
If you are trying to be as close as possible to the JW, some of the nearby hotels are:
- The
- The
- The
- The
- The
- The
- The
Whatever you decide, we recommend securing your reservation as soon as possible.
If you encounter any challenges or require assistance in finding suitable accommodations, please don't hesitate to reach out to our conference support team at meetings@schoolnutrition.org. We are here to assist you and make your conference experience as smooth as possible.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you to the LAC25.
Cancellation policy:听Reservations must be canceled three (3) working days prior to arrival date to avoid a penalty of one night鈥檚 charge and $25 destination fee.
Travel Information
Air Transportation
Travel arrangements can be made by calling Corporate Traveler at (571) 302-7187, by emailing Rachel.Kronlein@corporatetraveler.us or by going to SNA鈥檚 online reservations system at . Book early for the best flight options and lowest fare availability. The closest airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Please be aware that a $35 convenience fee will be included if you decide to book through Corporate Traveler.
Ground Transportation
The JW Marriott is located 15 minutes from Reagan National Airport (DCA) and 2 miles from Union Station.
- Ride-shares are available for approximately $30 from DCA and approximately $70 from IAD.
- Taxis are available at a rate of $30 one-way from DCA and $70 to $90 one-way from IAD and BWI airports.
- If you are taking the Metro from DCA, use the BLUE line toward Largo Town Center and get off at Metro Center Station.
Parking
Valet parking is available at $65/night; $75 for oversized vehicles.
听City Information
听Planning Your Evening and Local Visits
When planning your visit to the nation鈥檚 capital, it鈥檚 always best to plan. For information on Washington, D.C.鈥檚 attractions and interactive maps of the city, visit .
Review and utilize the following resources to maximize your conference experience and make the most of your time in the nation鈥檚 capital. Check back for other valuable tools and mark your calendar for SNA鈥檚 School Meal Advocacy in 2025 webinar on Wednesday, February 12 at 3 p.m. ET!
SNA 2025 Position Paper Coming in January 2025!
Check back in January for the Position Paper, talking points, infographic, fact sheets and more.
District Profile Worksheet Coming soon!
Download, print and complete a district profile sheet for each of your schools so that you have your relevant information ready to share with your lawmakers!
SNA Advocacy Toolkit
Your one-stop guide contains all the information you need to be an effective advocate for school nutrition programs. Be sure to check out pages 14-19 for critical tips on making the most of your meetings with your legislators!
Locate your legislator鈥檚 bio and contact information! Check if they have voted for or sponsored key school nutrition program bills. Taking a few minutes now to do the research will pay off exponentially during your meetings.
Make your voice heard before you even arrive in D.C.! Use SNA鈥檚 online grassroots campaigns to send pre-drafted messages to your legislators, urging them to support school nutrition priorities. It only takes a few clicks to make a big impact. Watch for new campaigns leading up to LAC25 and help amplify our voice for change.
SNA鈥檚 Political Action Committee (PAC)
Learn more about PAC and how you can get involved. Your donation is critical to the success of our policy goals, so be sure to stop by the PAC Booth at LAC. You can also donate online today.
Getting Around Capitol Hill
Need help getting around for your day on the Hill? Plan ahead鈥攃heck out this
LAC 2025 Feedback Form Return Coming soon!
Complete your feedback form after your meeting with your legislator.
Click here for SNA's Event Policies
Where is #LAC24 being held?
The With award-winning service and an exceptional location, the JW Marriott is ready to help you pursue your passions. Situated on Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown Washington, D.C., this luxury hotel places you near many local attractions, including the White House, National Mall, the Smithsonian Institution and more.
Will there be an #LAC25 mobile app?
Yes, search 鈥淪NA Conferences鈥 in Apple App Store or the Google Play Store once it is made available.听There will also be QR codes onsite you can scan to access the app.
Will I get CEUs for attending?
- 5.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for LAC 2025. Attendees should download the training tracker, found in the SNA 香港六合彩官网开奖 Center on the app, to get credit for their relevant CEUs.
- Registered Dietitians (RDNs/DTRs) can also earn CPEUs, but must follow a different process and the instruction document will also be available in the LAC app. More specific questions about CPEUs should be sent to education@schoolnutrition.org.
Will LAC include any meals?
Other than the following, attendees are on their own for meals or other refreshments:
Sunday, March 9
- 10:45 am-11:00 am: Coffee Break
- 12:30 pm-1:30 pm: LAC25 Opening Luncheon
- 2:45 pm-3:00 pm: Coffee Break
Monday, March 10
- 7:00 am-8:30 am: LAC Attendee Breakfast
- 10:00 am-10:15 am: Coffee Break
- 2:00 pm-2:15 pm: Coffee Break
What is the refund policy?
Refunds, minus a $75 administrative fee*, will be issued if SNA Headquarters is notified in writing by the published cancellation deadline for each conference. Cancellation requests can be submitted via email to meetings@schoolnutrition.org. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after the deadline or for no-shows. Refunds and/or credits will be processed 30 days after the conference.
*For state agency professionals, SNA offers a special exception: if your travel approval is denied, the $75 cancellation fee will be waived, and a full refund will be provided. The usual cancellation deadlines do not apply to state agency members, ensuring you can register early without financial risk while awaiting travel approval.
What are the details of the Executive Leadership Program?
Executive Leadership Program
Saturday, March 8
8:00 am 鈥 5:00 pm
Operators and State Agency Members only
Roundtrip Transportation will be provided from the JW Marriott hotel to Georgetown University.
Sign-Up Deadline: Friday, December 13
We are excited to offer the chance to attend SNA鈥檚 prestigious Executive Leadership Program at Georgetown University鈥檚 McDonough School of Business, taking place before the Legislative Action Conference. This high-level training is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors and is open to all school nutrition operators and state agency members.
With limited spots available for just 50 attendees, we are inviting all operator and state agency members to enter a random drawing for a chance to participate. If you are interested in attending, please indicate your interest during the registration process by Friday, December 13. We will conduct the random drawing and notify selected members on Monday, December 16. If you are chosen, we will send you an email, so please plan your travel accordingly.
Sponsored by Heartland School Solutions, ITW/FEG and SFSPac Food Safety & Sanitation System
What is the attire for #LAC25?
Business attire is appropriate for LAC. You should bring appropriate professional attire and dressy, yet comfortable, shoes for your day on Capitol Hill. Washington weather at this time of year can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack for possible chilly or rainy conditions. For current weather forecasts, check .
How can I support the School Nutrition Foundation?
SNF Mix & Mingle
Saturday, March 8
8:00 am 鈥 5:00 pm
Join the School Nutrition Foundation for this opening night reception at the Historic National Press Club (NPC) in Washington, D.C. Enjoy a drink, great food and conversations with friends from across the country as you Mix and Mingle inside a century old institution known for hosting presidents, kings, and prime ministers. Proceeds will support scholarship programs and educational resources for SNA Members to strengthen and expand their school nutrition programs to feed our nation鈥檚 children.
Becoming a sponsor is the best way to show your support for the Foundation while networking with SNA members and promoting your company鈥檚 brand.
This event may sell out so buy your ticket today and celebrate the school nutrition community at SNF鈥檚 Mix and Mingle before a fun-filled legislative action weekend.
Fee: $25 Individual Ticket
How do I prepare for my Capitol Hill visits?
Visit to access SNA鈥檚 2025 Position Paper, talking points and fact sheets, as well as advocacy tools, tips for getting around Capitol Hill and more. For more details, mark your calendar for SNA鈥檚 School Meal Advocacy in 2025 webinar on Wednesday, February 12, at 3:00 pm ET.
Thank you to our generous LAC conference sponsors and Gem Club members! Sponsorship support is vital to SNA鈥檚 efforts to provide valuable educational sessions, top-notch speakers and ensure a meaningful and memorable event for all attendees.
Contact听Nita Artis, Senior Corporate Sales Specialist, Industry Success & Patron Program, for more details on LAC sponsorships.
LAC Conference Sponsors
LAC Gem Club Sponsors
Diamond Club
Gem Club
Ruby Club
Heartland School Solutions
Rich Products
Pearl Club
Cool School Cafe
Domino鈥檚 SMART Slice
General Mills Convenience & Foodservice
SFSPac Food Safety & Sanitation System
Traulsen, a division of ITW/FEG
Vulcan, a division of ITW/FEG
Winston Foodservice
Future Meetings
Location | Dates |
---|---|
Washington, D.C. | March 9-11, 2025 |
Washington, D.C. | March 8-10, 2026 |
Washington, D.C. | March 7-9, 2027 |
Washington, D.C. | March 5-7, 2028 |