2026 Conference Logo with Ignite the Light themeTASN Annual Conference Speakers

TASN is currently seeking speakers for the 2026 Annual Conference in Grapevine, Texas, June 28-30, 2026. If you are interested in presenting a learning session, please check out the guidelines below and apply to be a speaker!

In an effort to expand our educational reach to members, we are also seeking Spanish session presenters for the conference. If you are able and willing to present in Spanish we highly encourage you to do so! You will be able to make that distinction in the online form once you get started.

 

Call for Presentation Guidelines

I. Call for Presentations - The TASN Conference Planning Committee is looking for speakers to present educational sessions that focus on key areas and topics relevant to school nutrition including but not limited to:

  • Recruiting and Retaining Employees
  • Staff Management
  • Leadership
  • Food Quality Presentation
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Kitchen Equipment
  • Farm-to-School
  • Menu Management
  • Human Resources
  • Special Diets
  • Bid Specification
  • Self-Development
  • Customer Service
  • Listening Skills
  • Reimbursable Meals
  • Maintenance
  • Legislative
  • Innovative Standardized Recipes
  • Inventory Best Practices
  • Marketing/ Social Media
  • Summer Feeding
  • Commodity Processing
  • Communication Practices
  • Team Building
  • Personnel Skills
  • Food Safety
  • Menu Planning
  • Roundtable Discussion
  • AI Tools
  • Tray Line Presentation
  • Innovative Serving
  • Ice Breakers
  • Buy American

II. Developing Your Presentations - Presentations should be approximately 45 minutes to one hour long and should be based on the topics listed above or other issues and trends facing the Child Nutrition profession. TASN will provide a presentation template so that all presentations are uniform and reflect the TASN Annual Conference theme.

III. Submission Criteria - Each session proposal must be submitted separately and be completed in its entirety. Presenters must provide a brief description of their education, professional experience, and relevant presentation experience with references. This can be done by submitting a resume that includes all the outlined information. Speaker biographies must be written in third person and will be used to introduce speakers at the conference during their session. A headshot will also be required to promote speaker along with their learning session.

IV. Proposal Timeline

  • Submission deadline: February 16
  • Notification of acceptance with Presentation date and time: March 2
  • Presenters of successful submissions will be required to confirm their participation and provide presentation materials (PowerPoint presentations, handouts, etc) for review and inclusion in onsite CDs and the TASN website by April 2.

V. Speaker Guidelines

  • All presenters are expected to adhere to copyright laws.
  • Speakers and facilitators must refrain from the use of brand names or specific product endorsements in their presentation. Under no circumstances is this platform to be used as a place for direct promotion of a product, service, or monetary self-interest.
  • No samples can be given out during the session.
  • Presentations made by conference speakers are considered professional contributions to the school nutrition profession, therefore, all speakers wishing to attend the entire conference must register and pay the registration fee. For learning sessions, TASN does not pay an honorarium for speakers or any related travel expenses including airfare, hotel, or meals. Speakers who only come to the conference to present will be allowed access to their session only.
  • All sessions may be recorded for use in programs including but not limited to: TASN training sessions, district in-house training sessions, and self-study courses. Session recordings may be sold for the programs listed above. If you are unwilling to allow TASN to record your session, please indicate this in your proposal. Otherwise, the proposed session may be recorded.

VI. Benefits of Being a Presenter

  • Recognition as a subject matter expert to a large school nutrition and industry audience.
  • Promotion as a professional presenter to nearly 6,000 TASN members, potential and registered attendees.
  • Promotion via e-mails, faxes, event marketing brochures, press releases, on-site program information and the TASN website.
  • Networking opportunities with TASN members and vendors.
  • Contribution to furthering the professional development, training, and education of the school nutrition industry.
  • Eligible to be interviewed for an article post-conference in the TASNews.

How to Apply

To make your submission, please complete the online form by clicking the Apply Now button below.
Details about this year’s upcoming conference:

  • City: Grapevine, Texas
  • Location: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
  • Learning session dates:  June 28 - 30, 2026
  • Topics: You may select from the listed topics above or submit an original topic for consideration

question mark iconIf you have questions about a learning session you'd like to present, please contact Eric Vicharelli, TASN Education/Membership Manager.

star iconReady to apply to be a speaker? Read the following info and click below to apply!

The form will require uploading the following documents in Word or PDF format:
- Presentation description in 100 words or less
- Speaker resume
- Speaker biography (written in third person)
- Speaker headshot

Please view the Key Areas document to find the appropriate code(s) for the session you'd like to present. You will need to type in the code in the application form.

Deadline: February 16, 2026

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