perspectives from small and large districts to generate brainstorming and creative problem- solving. As a participant, it was such a rush to engage with highly intelligent, forward-thinking attendees. Whether you’re an operator or an industry partner, it is so invigorating to unite within the passion, purpose, and organizational goals that help grow and develop school nutrition programs. Continuing the conversation, Vendor Tabletop Showcase offered more engagement on a one-on-one basis. SNIC is known as the most collaborative national SNA conference of the year. Industry and program operators come together to seek solutions to the relevant challenges experienced day in and day out. Of course opportunities for this type of collaboration are at state events, but there’s something even more magical to experience at the national level. National conferences are also a great place to get ideas to take back with you for those state conferences! Opportunity for Personal Growth Not every organization affords the opportunity to attend national conferences. Do your research and justify your participation if you find yourself in this scenario. Thanks to the unexpected change last year in my career trajectory, I was not only able to attend SNIC 2023, but to also attend as a presenter! If you feel that there is a topic you are passionate about and feel led to lead a conversation, I urge you to submit a proposal for your own session. One great way of supporting attendance is by being a presenter yourself. Personally, by stepping out of my comfort zone and pushing past the symptoms of imposter syndrome, this conference signified an exciting achievement in my career an opportunity for even more growth thereafter. A personal goal of mine is to pass the SNS exam and add the credential to the alphabet soup at the end of my name. Prior to SNIC during the pre- con day, the SNS exam is offered. Usually, this test
is offered at your state conferences as well. Also don’t forget that attendance at these conferences and participation in the sessions is an opportunity for you to earn your continued education credits, as required by the FNS Professional Standards. Opportunity for Adventure If it’s in the budget, this could be a great adventure and team bonding experience for your work family as well. The bond between a director and their administrative or supervisory team could strengthen exponentially following attendance together. The memories formed during your travels together carry on and strengthen your relationship, bringing you closer as a unit upon return to the homefront. Session rooms are buzzing with inspiration and the peer pressure of passion will undoubtedly influence the most disinterested team member in all the best ways. My mother ended up accompanying me to San Diego to help me with my son. Their attendance was an out-of-pocket expense that I chose to make in order to grow personally and professionally. I’m incredibly grateful that she was able to be there with me. Let’s be real, though - it wasn’t too hard to convince her to let me “drag” her oceanside and “make” her cuddle her new grandbaby while I worked. During the day she hung out in the hotel room and every 2-3 hours met me in the lobby when the baby needed to feed. It’s not ideal to have familial obligations during any conference. The reality is that you might be forced to choose between spending time with your family or travel buddies and actually attending sessions or networking opportunities outside of the conference schedule. But, if I didn’t have the blessing to have them tag along, I wouldn’t have been able to entertain the possibility of attendance at all. Opportunity for Community & Friendship
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