By Leah Reily, CAE – Executive Director, Association for Healthcare Foodservice
In the challenging and dynamic world of noncommercial foodservice, specifically healthcare foodservice, senior dining and hospitality, it is paramount that chefs, directors, and managers stay ahead of the curve.
It is for this reason that regularly attending professional conferences and symposia is not only a good idea, it is absolutely necessary!
Conferences are essential for not just building and expanding your personal and professional network, but they are a great place to gain important continuing education and tap into the expansive knowledge base of the industry to find solutions to challenges that you face in your operations.
One stand out conference is the Association for Healthcare Foodservice (AHF) National Conference.
Set to take place in San Antonio this August 23-25, 2024, the AHF National Conference is an immersive conference exclusively for self-operated healthcare foodservice and senior dining professionals that includes in-depth keynotes, niche concurrent sessions, engaging panel discussions, a hands-on trade show with carefully curated exhibitors, an industry specific culinary competition, and creative networking opportunities.
Table of Contents
Exceptional Education
At the core of the AHF National Conference lies its exceptional educational programming. From informative workshops to thought-provoking keynote sessions, attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into topics ranging from culinary innovation to leadership development.
Industry professionals can expect to expand their knowledge base and stay abreast of the latest industry trends and best practices and with over 15 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) available from ACF, ANFP, and The Academy, Chefs, Certified Dietary Managers, and Dietitians and expect to easily be able to maintain their credentials by attending only one conference per year.
Networking Opportunities
Networking is a cornerstone of professional growth, and the AHF National Conference offers ample opportunities for chefs and culinarians to connect with peers, industry experts, and potential mentors.
Whether it’s during breakout sessions, networking events, or casual gatherings, attendees can forge meaningful relationships that may pave the way for collaboration, mentorship, and career advancement.
Opportunities to Give Back
Unique to the AHF National Conference is the opportunity for attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors to give back to the community and to the industry, fostering a culture of service and community engagement.
From participating in the Rise Against Hunger Meal Packaging Event, to donating surplus goods tom the Tradeshow to local organizations, attendees and exhibitors play an active role in addressing food insecurity and supporting those in need.
Beyond these tangible acts of giving, Conference fosters a culture of knowledge sharing and industry stewardship, empowering attendees to collectively advance the noncommercial foodservice industry.
Innovative Tradeshow
AHF’s Tradeshow is carefully curated to bring all of the latest products, equipment, and technology directly to attendees, saving them valuable time and effort by presenting them with a comprehensive array of options in one place to compare directly and easily.
Attendees are able to get hands-on with the latest offerings, streamlining their decision-making process and maximizing efficiency.
The AHF National Tradeshow enhances accessibility and facilitates informed decision making, ultimately empowering attendees to enhance their operations more efficiently and effectively.
Tangible Take-Aways
One of the hallmarks of the AHF National Conference is its focus on providing tangible takeaways that attendees can implement in their day-to-day operations.
Whether it’s practical tips for menu innovation or strategic insights for leadership development, professionals leave the conference equipped with actionable strategies that drive real results in their workplaces.
By attending the AHF National Conference, professionals can expand their personal and professional networks, equip themselves with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing industry, find the solutions they need to immediate challenges, and gain insight to set long-term goals based on industry projections.
Designed for culinarians and dietitians, from system-level directors to aspiring leaders, the AHF National Conference aims to meet the needs of everyone working in healthcare foodservice, senior dining and hospitality.
For those interested in attending the AHF 2024 National Conference, the benefits are clear: exceptional education, unparalleled networking opportunities, opportunities to give back, access to innovative solutions, and tangible takeaways that drive real results.
About AHF: Formed in 2009, the Association for Healthcare Foodservice is composed of food and nutrition professionals from facilities that are self-operated (independent).
AHF provides the professional network, resources, and tools to promote self-operated foodservice and hospitality in healthcare, senior dining, and related industries.
AHF is committed to providing high-quality, nutritious, and comforting meals to those in our care: Our patients and their families. Visit HealthcareFoodservice website for more information.
