2026 Dining & Nutrition Conference August 12-13

Join Us for the 2026 Dining & Nutrition Conference! Calling all dietary managers, foodservice directors, and administrators! Don’t miss this premier event dedicated to advancing excellence in nutrition and foodservice operations.










SCHEDULE:

 
First Day: 

12:30 p.m.   Conference Check-In  
1:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.  Introductions and Sponsor Welcome
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. 

 Motivational Session- Purposeful Engagement
 Speaker:
 Terry Daniels, Ph. D. 
 The Rhythm Coach, Award Winning Focal Point Business and Executive Coach 
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.   Mini Food Show and Vendor presentations
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 Magnificent Mocktails and Compelling Conversations
 Facilitator:
 Lisa Biddle-Puffer, VP of Quality and Regulatory Affairs, KCARE

Second Day:

8:30 a.m.  Check-In & Continental Breakfast 
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. 2026 Culinary Competition Demonstration- Top 3 Winners
Moderated by:
Jen Bruning, Incite Strategic Partners
10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

 Review Dietary Guidelines
 Speakers:
 Jen Bruning, Incite Strategic Partners
 Jessica Hogue, Gordon Food Service
10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. 
10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. 






12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Break
Breakout Session
A-Assisted Living-Plate Presentation
Speaker:
Dr. Michael Riggs, Executive Chef, Arcadia Communities
B-Nursing Facilities-Updates in Nutrition and Chronic Kidney Disease
Speaker:
Melanie Betz, RD, Renal Specialist
Emergency Preparedness
Speaker:
Jo Miller, MPH, RDN, Vice President of Nutrition, Meals for All
1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.  Break
1:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.



2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.		 Food Presentation- Creative Garnishes and puree techniques
Speakers:
Ty Copple, Director, Dining Services Sr. II, Unidine
Chef Paul Dubuque with Emerald Trace
Sanitation Jeopardy
Speaker:
Jessica Hogue, Gordon Food Service


THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

 

CEUs:

7.75 CEs

COST:

$150 per person for members

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

The Kentucky Coalition for Aging Resources & Empowerment is an approved provider of continuing education by the Kentucky Board of Nursing, #5-0002. To receive the 7.75 contact hours, you must complete the entire program. Certificates may be printed once the program evaluation is submitted. Disclaimer Statement: The Kentucky Board of Nursing approval of an individual continuing education provider does not constitute endorsement of program content.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Cancellations received seven (7) workdays prior to the seminar date will receive a full refund. Cancellations received inside of seven (7) workdays will receive one-half refund. Participants who do not attend will not receive a refund unless prior written notice is given to the Coalition office. All cancellations must be made in writing and may be emailed to [email protected]  Phone cancellations will not be accepted.

PAYMENT AND COLLECTION POLICY:

Members shall pay for conventions or seminars in advance. Full payment must be received seven (7) days prior to seminar or convention. All registrations received without payment will be invoiced at time registration is received.  If membership dues or any invoices are 90 days in arrears, registration fee for seminar or convention will be charged at the non-member rate unless payment is made in full seven (7) days prior to seminar or convention.

LODGING:

Hampton Inn Louisville I-65 @ Brooks Rd. 180 Willabrook Dr.
Brooks, KY 40109
Book your room
When
8/12/2026 12:30 PM - 8/13/2026 3:30 PM
Eastern Daylight Time
Where
342 Gordon Industrial Dr. Shepherdsville, KY 40165
Spots available
75 spots left
Registration
Sign in or create an account to register
Registration ends 8/5/2026 12:00 PM EDT

ATTENTION: PLEASE EMAIL HANNAH WOEMPNER WITH NAME, TITLE & EMAIL ADDRESS FOR ANY NEW EMPLOYEES IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE MEMBER PRICING.

A credit card fee based on the type of credit card being used for payment will be added to the invoice. To avoid credit card fees, consider paying via ACH. Please contact Sharon Netherton for help with processing an ACH payment.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Cancellation received in writing no later than seven (7) workdays prior to a seminar will receive a full refund. Cancellations received in writing inside of seven (7) workdays will receive one-half refund. Any participants who don't attend a program will receive no refund unless prior notice in writing is given to the association office as outlined in this policy. Participants may appeal refund determinations by requesting reconsideration by the Executive Committee. Such appeals must be made in writing within 30 days after the seminar or convention is held. Please email all cancellations to Angela Porter.