Campus Dining Today 2024 Winter - 8

leadership
agenda
As we close out 2024, it's a fitting time to reflect
on the remarkable progress NACUFS has made
this year and look ahead to the exciting initiatives
on the horizon for 2025. Our collective efforts
have continued to elevate campus dining and
advance our strategic priorities, ensuring that
NACUFS remains a vital resource for our diverse
membership.
ROB E RT NEL S ON, C AE
PRESIDENT &
CHIEF EXECUTIvE OFFICER
RNELSON@NACUFS.ORG
One key highlight this year was our significant
government relations victory. Early in 2024, we
faced a potential regulatory challenge from the
U.S. Department of Education, which proposed
changes to dining plans that would have increased
costs, reduced student options, and exacerbated
food insecurity. Thanks to the swift and
coordinated action of NACUFS members, staff, and
leadership, we successfully halted this proposal,
demonstrating the strength and impact of our
community's collaboration.
For that, continuing membership expansion, and
so many other reasons, it has been a remarkable
year. As we look forward to concluding it on a
high note, I am thrilled to welcome attendees to
the inaugural Inspire: A Culinary Conference,
taking place December 16-18 at a cutting-edge,
new culinary training facility in Columbus, Ohio.
Bringing together collegiate chefs to examine the
latest culinary trends and innovations influencing
campus dining, attendees will have the opportunity
to enhance leadership, communication, and
financial skills while participating in interactive
teaching labs, live demonstrations, and invaluable
networking opportunities. With its comprehensive
curriculum, Inspire is an essential conference for
those at the forefront of culinary excellence and
leadership.
On the heels of Inspire, we will kick off 2025 with
the Operator Roundtables and Foodservice
Directors Symposium in January. This retreatlike
event allows foodservice directors to explore
complex challenges through focused, smallgroup
discussions. Participants set the agenda,
ensuring relevant, tailored topics and actionable
insights to bring back to their campuses. Financial
scholarships are available thanks to our generous
industry sponsors.
But first this fall, we are proud to present the
second annual Executive Leadership Webinar
Series, which will run from November through
December. This three-part live web series,
designed for senior leaders and presented
by prominent experts, focuses on fostering
innovation, adaptability, and strategic change-
critical skills for navigating today's evolving
foodservice landscape. The first session will
focus on cultivating a culture of innovation and
adaptability, followed by a session about the
process of effectively implementing those values
to drive strategic change. The series will conclude
with practical strategies for building resilient
and engaged teams through human-centered
leadership.
NACUFS remains deeply committed to supporting
your professional growth, and these upcoming
programs reflect our ongoing dedication to
professional development within collegiate dining.
As we look to the year ahead, I'm eager to hit the
road and see you all at the NACUFS 2025 Spring
Conference Series in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
(February 24-26); Duluth, Minnesota (March 1820);
and Albuquerque, New Mexico (March 31-April
2). And of course, I can't wait for the opportunity
to gather with you at the NACUFS 2025 National
Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah next July, where
we will continue to build on our successes and
strengthen our community.
Together, let's keep moving forward-exchanging
ideas, forging stronger relationships, and driving
innovation in collegiate dining. Wishing you a
warm and wonderful holiday season. Thank you for
your continued support, and I look forward to all
we will accomplish in the year ahead.
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CAMPUS DINING TODAY | LEADERSHIP AGENDA
Campus Dining Today 2024 Winter

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