Three women stand together beside a food service display table at an educational event. The table features sample meals, promotional materials and signs highlighting school meal options, including National Chicken Sandwich Day and “March Meatball Madness.” The group is smiling for the photo in front of an auditorium stage, with additional event displays and attendees visible in the background.

School Food Service Personnel Conference Brings Together 100 Attendees

Lyndsay Herkimer

August 24, 2026

Genesee Valley BOCES helped bring together school food service professionals from across the region for the School Food Service Personnel Conference in August at Livonia Central School. The conference welcomed 100 registered attendees for a day of professional learning, networking and collaboration.The event began with breakfast and an opportunity for attendees to connect with colleagues from other school districts. 

Keynote speaker Dr. Myke Merrill presented “CONFLICTelligence: Experience Conflict in an Intelligent Approach.” During his presentation, Merrill discussed the role conflict can play in relationships and shared strategies for approaching difficult situations with greater understanding and confidence. He continued the conversation during a breakout session, where participants considered situations they have encountered and applied ideas from the keynote presentation.

Chef Marianne Dayton of Affinity Group Northeast led a chef demonstration for attendees. She also presented an interactive personality test breakout session that encouraged participants to identify their own personality traits and learn more about how they interact with their coworkers.

Rebecca Schorer led another breakout session titled “Serving Success: Building Strong Teams in School Nutrition.” Through small-group activities and role-playing, attendees practiced communication and problem-solving skills related to common school food service situations. The session provided participants with ideas for approaching conversations confidently, working collaboratively and reaching positive outcomes.

In addition to the presentations and breakout sessions, attendees had time to network and enjoy lunch together. The conference concluded with a basket drawing and an opportunity for participants to reflect on the day.

Members of the conference committee included Debbie Naples and Deena Kingston of Genesee Valley BOCES Regional Food Service, Jim Tyx of Regional Food Service for the Alexander and Pembroke school districts, Rebecca Schorer of Livonia Central School District and Upstate Institute Conference Coordinator Cassie Gratton.

Genesee Valley BOCES thanks the presenters, committee members, sponsors and attendees who contributed to the conference. The event provided school food service personnel with an opportunity to make connections, exchange ideas and bring useful information back to their districts.