Tuesday, February 3, 2026
7:30am - 8:00am | Registration
Purchasing Q&A with ISBE Staff
Join staff from ISBE's Nutrition & Wellness Procurement Department for an informal Q&A session focused on purchasing and procurement best practices. This is not a presentation—just an opportunity to ask questions and discuss purchasing for school nutrition programs.
Commodity Q&A
Join expert directors and industry members for an informal Q&A session on commodity allocation. This is not a presentation—come with questions to discuss best practices for allocating your district's commodity dollars.
8:00am - 8:15am | Welcome
8:15am - 9:15am | Keynote Session
Fueling Students – Inspiring Staff – Building Community Trust!
Who is telling your story? You are—the school nutrition expert. This keynote will show you how to use clear messages and compelling visuals to strengthen teamwork, engage staff and collaborate with key partners, empowering school nutrition teams to shape healthy futures for all students.
Key Area:
Communications & Marketing
Speaker:
Jodi Risse, MS, RD, LDN
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9:15am - 10:15am | Exhibit Hall
10:15am - 11:15am | Education Session
Fresh Produce: From Ordering to Utilization in School Cafeterias
How to use whole fruits and vegetables in school meal programs, incorporating seasonal produce to support a local food system and serve fresher food within budget. Tips on planning, ordering, processing and storage to reduce waste and control costs.
Key Area:
Operations
Speaker:
Jamie Phelps Proctor, Partnerships Director - Great Lakes Region, The Common Market Great Lakes
Josephine Lauer, Food Systems Consultant, Beyond Green Partners
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Operational Efficiency
Doing more with less, simple solutions for enhancing your foodservice program.
Key Area:
Operations
Speaker:
Greg Smith, Regional Account Manager, Zink Foodservice
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11:15am - 12:15pm | Exhibit Hall
12:15pm - 1:00pm | Lunch
1:05pm - 2:05pm | Educational Session
Growing Kitchen Leaders Who Grow Beyond You
This session explores how to identify emerging kitchen leaders, have meaningful growth conversations, and provide training for success. Learn how managers can support advancement, employees can embrace new opportunities, and mentorship can continue beyond the kitchen—because leadership is an ongoing investment with lasting returns.
Key Area:
Administration
Speaker:
Valerie Fischer, Manager, Valley View CSD 365-U
Gail Weglarz, Manager, Valley View CSD 365-U
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Understanding the Industry’s Structure and Resources for Purchasing
This panel will provide clarity on the roles that distributors, reps and manufacturers play in supporting the needs of K-12 Foodservice. Whether you have been in foodservice for one day or decades, this panel of experts will share insights as to the resources that are available and how they work together to provide products to school foodservice.
Key Area:
Administration
Speaker:
Scott Davis, CFSP Territory Manager, Redco Foodservice Equipment
Kevin Harris, M.S. Ed., SNS, Director of Food Service, McHenry CCSD 15
Cheryl Hodges, CFSP Sales Manager, Mirk Group
Jeanine Lopez, Dealer Expert
Ben Oleari, Education Specialist, Gordon Food Service
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2:10pm - 3:10pm | Education Session
The Power of Fun at Work
Do you finish the workday worn out? It doesn’t have to be this way. Yes, you can achieve success AND have fun doing it. You will be given practical tools to reduce stress, enjoy your job more and boost your performance. Increase your creativity, your health and your stamina.
Key Area:
Communications & Marketing
Speakers:
Walt Stasinski
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3:10pm - 3:25pm | Closing Remarks & Raffle