2027 Partnership Collaboration Summit

1. Leadership Development & Navigating Difficult Conversations

Sessions that explore practical leadership skills, managing teams, building confidence and navigating workplace challenges. Content may include handling difficult conversations, resolving conflict, managing expectations and leading through change.

2. Public Speaking & Communicating with Confidence

Sessions that provide practical techniques for communicating effectively, engaging audiences and presenting ideas with confidence. Topics may include overcoming public speaking challenges, organizing key messages and communicating with district leadership, employees and industry partners.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI): Practical Applications for School Nutrition

Sessions that demonstrate how AI can help school nutrition professionals and industry partners work more efficiently, streamline everyday tasks and support better decision-making. Emphasis should be placed on real-world applications, useful tools and hands-on demonstrations rather than general introductions to AI.

4. The Future of School Nutrition: Trends, Innovation & Student Expectations

Sessions that explore emerging trends, changing student preferences, new technologies and innovative approaches that may shape the future of school nutrition in Texas. Proposals are encouraged to include successful examples, lessons learned and ideas that can be applied across districts of different sizes.

5. Industry + Decision-Maker Roundtable: Challenges, Perspectives & Solutions

Facilitated discussions that bring industry partners and school nutrition decision-makers together to address common challenges, share perspectives and identify opportunities for improvement. An interactive format that includes separate group discussions followed by collaborative problem-solving is encouraged.

6. Beyond the Bid: Understanding Both Sides of the School Nutrition Business

Sessions that explore the priorities, expectations and challenges faced by school nutrition decision-makers and industry partners. Content may include procurement considerations, effective communication, understanding district needs and developing successful working relationships while maintaining appropriate procurement boundaries.

7. Building Meaningful Connections & Lasting Partnerships

Sessions focused on developing authentic professional relationships, building trust and strengthening collaboration between school nutrition professionals and industry partners. Content may include strategies for establishing new relationships, maintaining existing partnerships and creating connections that extend beyond conference interactions.

8. The Art of Networking: Making Connections That Count

Sessions that offer practical strategies for networking with confidence, starting meaningful conversations and building professional relationships. Proposals incorporating interactive activities, guided networking or speed networking experiences are encouraged.

9. The Business of School Nutrition: Financial Decisions & Operational Challenges

Sessions focused on the financial and operational realities of managing school nutrition programs. Topics may include rising costs, staffing challenges, evaluating product value, maximizing resources and making informed decisions that support successful programs.

10. Turning Challenges into Solutions: Collaboration, Feedback & Innovation

Sessions that explore creative approaches to solving everyday challenges through collaboration, feedback and new ideas. Proposals should highlight real-world examples of how districts and industry partners have worked together to identify needs, address challenges and implement practical solutions.