NATIONAL CONFERENCE BRINGS 1000+ COLLEGIATE DINING LEADERS TO NEW ORLEANS JULY 15-18
NACUFS 2026 National Conference explores the future of campus dining while supporting local food security through a donation to Second Harvest Food Bank
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 13, 2026
WHAT/WHO
The NACUFS 2026 National Conference, hosted by the National Association of College & University Food Services, takes place July 15-18, 2026, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The conference will bring in more than 1,000 collegiate dining professionals and over 300 exhibitors, representing colleges, universities, and industry partners from across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
The annual conference brings together collegiate dining professionals, chefs, administrators, and industry partners from across North America to explore the ideas, technologies, and operational strategies shaping the future of campus dining. The four-day event features educational sessions, keynote presentations, networking opportunities, the NACUFS Culinary Challenge, and the National Showcase, the industry's largest exhibition of products, services, and innovations serving college and university dining programs.
The conference will also examine timely issues shaping the future of collegiate dining, including the growing role of artificial intelligence in campus foodservice operations and the unveiling of new national research on workforce recruitment and talent acquisition. Educational sessions will provide practical strategies to help institutions address ongoing staffing challenges while leveraging emerging technologies to improve operations, enhance student experience, and strengthen campus dining programs.
New Orleans is home to one of the nation's most vibrant higher-education communities, with more than a dozen colleges and universities, making it a fitting destination for conversations that will help shape the future of campus dining. The city's renowned culinary heritage and hospitality industry also provide an ideal backdrop for professionals dedicated to creating memorable dining experiences that support student success.
Following the National Showcase, all surplus food from the exhibition will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank, helping reduce waste while supporting individuals and families facing food insecurity across Southeast Louisiana. The initiative reflects NACUFS' commitment to sustainability, responsible resource management, and strengthening the communities that host its annual conference.
WHERE
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
900 Convention Center Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70130
WHEN
July 15-18, 2026
SOCIAL
Event Website: NACUFS 2026 National Conference
LinkedIn: NACUFS
Instagram: @NACUFS
Facebook: National Association of College & University Food Services
Hashtags: #NACUFS2026 #SetTheRhythm
MEDIA
Local media are welcome to attend the NACUFS 2026 National Conference and educational sessions. To request media credentials or arrange interviews, contact Mary Wardell.
NACUFS: Mary Wardell, mwardell@NACUFS.org, 517.827.1111
New Orleans & Company: Mary Beth Romig, mbromig@neworleans.com, 504.421.0962
Rhonda Cook, rcook@neworleans.com, 504.616.6161