Author: Courtney Glancy
Published on: 06/18/2026
Categories: Education, Professional Development, Staff
Connecting with the Future of Foodservice at ANFP ACE 2026
This June, UF Office of Professional and Workforce Development (UF OPWD) attended the 2026 Annual Conference & Expo (ACE) hosted by the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals in Orlando, Florida. Bringing together nutrition and foodservice leaders from across the country, ACE serves as one of the industry’s premier events for professional development, networking, and innovation. The conference offers educational sessions, continuing education opportunities, and an Expo featuring organizations and vendors that support the evolving needs of foodservice professionals.
Representing UF OPWD was Lauren Reilly, Online Program Manager, who attended the Expo to connect with current and aspiring Certified Dietary Managers, Certified Food Protection Professionals (CDM®, CFPP®), industry partners, and other leaders working to advance foodservice management.
Why Conferences Like ANFP ACE Matter
Professional conferences are about more than gathering information, they create opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas, and stay connected to the challenges and opportunities facing an industry.
For UF OPWD, attending ACE allows us to hear directly from the professionals we serve. Conversations with attendees provide valuable insight into workforce needs, emerging trends, and the skills employers are seeking in today’s foodservice environments. These interactions help ensure that our programs remain relevant, practical, and aligned with industry expectations.
The conference also offers an opportunity to strengthen partnerships with organizations and professionals who share our commitment to advancing nutrition and foodservice management. By engaging with industry leaders and practitioners, we can continue developing educational opportunities that support career growth and professional success.
“It was really great to hear from former students about how beneficial our program has been for their career. One student approached me stating our course was easy to understand and helped her pass the exam on the first try. Knowing our program is helping people advance their careers and unlock new opportunities is deeply rewarding.” – Lauren Reilly, Online Program Manager
Supporting the Next Generation of CDM®, CFPP® Professionals
One of the primary reasons UF OPWD attends ACE is to promote our Nutrition and Foodservice Professional Training Program, an ANFP-approved pre-certification training course designed for individuals pursuing the CDM®, CFPP® credential.
The program provides four educational pathways tailored to varying levels of experience, helping participants identify the route that best fits their background and career goals. Through comprehensive instruction and industry-aligned curriculum, students gain the knowledge needed to prepare for certification and excel in foodservice management roles.
As demand for qualified foodservice leaders continues to grow across healthcare facilities, long-term care communities, correctional institutions, and other non-commercial foodservice settings, programs like ours play an important role in preparing professionals for meaningful careers that directly impact nutrition, safety, and quality of care.
Looking Ahead
Events like ANFP ACE reinforce the importance of collaboration, lifelong learning, and professional development within the nutrition and foodservice industry. We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with attendees, share information about our training programs, and learn from the professionals shaping the future of foodservice management.
We look forward to continuing these conversations and supporting current and future CDM®, CFPP® professionals through high-quality education and workforce development opportunities.
Interested in becoming a Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional? Learn more about UF OPWD’s Nutrition and Foodservice Professional Training Program and discover which pathway is right for you.