TASN Annual Conference

June 28-30, 2026 • Grapevine, Texas

TASN 2026 Annual Conference

Ignite the Light

June 28-30, 2026

Gaylord Texan Resort & Conference Center • Grapevine, TX

Join school nutrition professionals and industry partners from across Texas for three days of inspiration, practical learning, fresh ideas, and meaningful connections at the TASN 2026 Annual Conference.

View Speakers & Learning Sessions

Registration is now open.
The pre-registration deadline is Sunday, May 31. After that date, you will need to register on-site at the conference.

2 Days

Learning and networking

$385

Includes all sessions, exhibits, networking, the Industry Dinner & Evening Event

Host Hotel

Gaylord Texan Resort

The pre-registration deadline is Sunday, May 31. After that date, you will need to register on-site at the conference.

Conference Overview

Designed for school nutrition professionals across Texas

The TASN Annual Conference is designed for ISD K-12 food service professionals at every level, including employees, specialists, managers, directors, supervisors, superintendents, stakeholders, and industry partners. If you are involved in child nutrition, this conference is for you.

Connect with peers

Build relationships with colleagues and industry partners from across Texas who are committed to strengthening school nutrition programs statewide.

Learn what works

Discover practical sessions, innovative ideas, and meaningful takeaways you can bring back to your team, campus, and district.

Leave energized

Gain fresh momentum, trusted connections, and real-world insight to help move your program forward with confidence.

Sponsorship Opportunities

2026 Conference Sponsorships Are Now Available

Review the sponsorship brochure and reserve your sponsorship before opportunities sell out.

View Sponsorship Brochure

Venue

Everything happens at the Gaylord Texan

Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center in Grapevine, Texas

The Gaylord Texan Resort & Conference Center will host the TASN 2026 Annual Conference. Learning sessions, meals, and the exhibit hall will all take place at the Gaylord, which will also serve as the conference host hotel.

With sweeping atriums, Texas-inspired architecture, and standout amenities, the Gaylord offers an energizing setting to connect, learn, and recharge. It is a natural fit for Ignite the Light and gives attendees one central place to experience the full conference.

Hotel reservations: The hotel reservation link will be provided after conference registration. Please book only through the official link provided. Emails from third parties about hotel reservations should be disregarded.

Keynote Speakers & Learning Sessions

Voices that inspire action

This year’s keynote speakers bring a powerful mix of resilience, leadership, and practical experience that speaks directly to the work of school nutrition professionals.

Michael Ivanov

When he was 18, Michael dropped his speech class in college and swore he would never speak on stage again after a humiliating presentation. Today, he is a game-changing speaker and best-selling author who has impacted millions with his message of resilience.

Born in Kiev, Ukraine, and raised in the shadow of his family’s survival through the Siege of Leningrad and Dachau, Michael brings masterful storytelling that energizes audiences and drives action.

See Michael's full bio

Lena Wilson

Lena Wilson is the assistant commissioner for the Food and Nutrition Division at the Texas Department of Agriculture. She oversees all activities related to compliance with regulations for the 12 federal nutrition programs administered by the agency.

Lena, a registered dietitian, has more than 20 years of experience with federal nutrition programs and offers a practical look at operations from both the state and local level.

See Lena's full bio

Learning Sessions

Learning for the full school nutrition team

This year’s conference will offer learning sessions for the full school nutrition team, with content designed for both decision-makers and non-decision-makers across a variety of roles and experience levels. Attendees can expect education across the USDA Professional Standards code areas, including Nutrition, Operations, Administration, and Communications and Marketing.

Sessions will also include learning opportunities from the Texas Department of Agriculture and select Spanish-language offerings. Topics are subject to slight change as the program is finalized, with more to come.

Nutrition (1000 Series)

Focuses on menu development, culinary skills, meal compliance, and strategies to improve student participation through quality, flavor, and nutrition.

Building Breakfast Better
Catering to the Community
Back to Scratch (Cooking)
Exploring Southern Cuisine
Chef Panel: The K-12 Chef Experience
Como Identificar Comidas Reembolsables
F.R.E.S.H. Menus in Practice

Operations (2000 Series)

Designed to strengthen day-to-day kitchen execution, food safety, efficiency, and service models that support program success across campuses.

Moonwalk That Knife
Flexible Serving Beyond the Cafeteria
Meal Appeal = Increased Participation: Quick Garnishes and Fancy Food Presentation Tips for School Nutrition Programs
Seal the Value: Vacuum Technology

Administration (3000 Series)

Covers program management, leadership decision-making, equipment planning, research insights, and strategies to strengthen overall program performance.

Innovative Farm to School Practices with Food Allergy Management
A Director’s Guide to Equipment Procurement
From Universal Meals to Ultra-Processed Foods: What the Latest School Nutrition Research Means for Texas School Nutrition Leaders
Stronger Managers, Stronger Programs
What Are They Thinking?!? Unique Perspectives from a Former Campus Principal
From Prompt to PD
Designing Efficient K-12 Foodservice Kitchens: Equipment, Trends, and Best Practices
Foodservice Trends from Leading Shows
Empowering Equipment Decisions
Ethics Under Fire

Communications, Marketing & Professional Growth (4000 Series)

Supports leadership development, team culture, communication skills, marketing, and personal growth to strengthen both individuals and teams.

Let Your Light Shine – Self-Development
More Than a Meal: The Culinary Professionals of Your ISD
Cafeteria Culture: Starting in the Kitchen
“The Listening Advantage”
Ignite the Light in Your Kitchen | Enciende la Luz en Tu Cocina
Emotional Intelligence: Your Secret Sauce
Revolutionary Leader: How to Lead in a World That Is Set Up for You to Follow
Upgrading Your Leadership: The Professionalism Recipe
Say Less, Influence More
Leadership & Self-Awareness
Unlocking Your Potential: A Journey of Self-Development
Don’t Take the Stress Home
Marketing Beyond the Lunch Line
Inclusive Leadership for High-Performing Teams

Note: Additional sessions, including Texas Department of Agriculture updates and Spanish-language learning opportunities, will be included in the final program. Session titles and topics are subject to slight change.

Ready to join us?

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Partners helping us Ignite the Light

We are grateful to the sponsors whose support helps make the TASN 2026 Annual Conference possible.

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