2024 Annual Conference Sessions

Hear from ISBE and USDA regarding important updates and hot topics in Illinois school nutrition as well as meal pattern updates from the newly published final rule Child Nutrition Programs: Meal Patterns Consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Key Area: 
Administration
Speaker:

Beth Tanner, Principal Consultant, Illinois State Board of Education

Janelle Winter, Nutritionist, USDA
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In this training, participants will overcome combi oven paralysis and learn how to get the most out of this powerful new cooking trend. Tanya explains (in lay terms) the physics behind combi oven-steamer technology and how it works differently than standard ovens and steamers. She compares and contrasts the different types of combis on the market and helps operators determine the best type for their needs. She walks participants through all the combi oven functions and explains which to use for what applications, and why. Finally, she reviews the cleaning and maintenance protocols critical to a combi’s longevity and proper functioning.
Key Area: 
Operations
Speaker:

Tanya Sieber, K-12 Market Manager, Burlis Lawson Group
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Learn about the growing trend of plant-based meals in school nutrition programs and how they can meet students' increasing demand. This session covers introducing plant-based meals, the benefits of plant-based nutrition, USDA compliance and plant-based protein alternatives. Additionally, discover marketing strategies, hear success stories and get practical implementation advice.
Key Area: 
Nutrition
Speakers:

Learn key steps to prepare for the Administrative Review of your school nutrition programs. Ensure compliance, understand program requirements, receive technical assistance and take corrective actions to avoid fiscal penalties. Perfect for new Directors, program managers or schools within an upcoming administrative review.
Key Area: 
Administration
Speaker:

Yvonne Jablonski, Principal Consultant, Illinois State Board of Education

Jessica Smith, Principal Consultant, Illinois State Board of Education
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Most of us are self-taught knife operators and most of us use the wrong knives and the wrong techniques. If we’ve been “doing it wrong” for a long time, unlearning these bad habits takes practice and diligence, but re-training ourselves in proper knife skills will make us faster, safer operators whose production is more consistent and higher quality. This training provides instruction on 1) knife sharpening, honing, care and storage; 2) proper knife selection for each job; 3) proper knife grip and use; 4) and strategies for efficiently achieving consistent, high-quality results with some of the most common products we process in a K12 kitchen (demonstrated live by the instructor). When possible, this training is followed by hands-on practice at multiple supervised stations, so participants can receive individual instruction and reinforce their new skills.  
Key Area: 
Operations
Speaker:

Tanya Sieber, K-12 Market Manager, Burlis Lawson Group

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Commodities! The anxiety that one word can conjure is palpable. Understanding the fundamentals of how commodities work will make a mole hill out of that anxiety mountain. With over 40 years of foodservice, distribution and bid experience, Stas will have you laughing as you learn how it all works.  
Key Area: 
Administration
Speakers:

Stas Georgiadis, President, Advanced Purchasing
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Resource Management will look at the overall financial aspects of the School Nutrition Programs. Procurement will take a look at the policies and processes of purchasing foods and services the district should have in place and documenting the various types of purchases used within the food services department which will be important for a procurement review.
Key Area: 
Administration
Speaker:

Mike Gogerty, Principal Consultant, Illinois State Board of Education

Harley Hepner, Principal Consultant, Illinois State Board of Education
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School nutrition leaders can be influential or not. You can contribute to a highly productive working environment or produce non-productive behavior in workers and followers. For a leader to be influential, the leader must understand their role as well as the needs of those who follow. This is what we call a Situational Leader.  Come join me and let’s explore how to apply this model in your environment.
Key Area:
Communications
Speaker:

Dr. Michael Jacoby, Executive Director, ILSNA
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