Registration Details

Registration Open! 

In-Person Registration Fees:

Regular Rate has been extended from October 9 until October 24. 

To receive the group/bulk rate discount!

• BULK discounts are for NWA Members Only.
• Enter "BULK" in the Promo Code Box and the system will automatically apply the discount. 
• To be considered a group you must have ten (10) or more from one facility. All must be entered at the same time.
• Bulk promotions/discounts are not retroactive and cannot be applied to previously purchased individual registrations. No exceptions.
• Limit one special offer/discount code per registration.

Last Chance Registration Fees

  *No discounts at the last chance rate. This is inclusive of speakers and host rate.

 Registration will close on November 5, 2024

Payment Details

We must receive your credit card payment or check payment in full before you may access any NWA conferences or events. If we have not received payment in full, you will not be able to access the 2024 NE&BF Conference.

• Please see our payments information page on the NWA website.
• Payment by debit/credit card is most preferred followed by check!
• If paying by check, full payment is due four (4) weeks after initial registration submission.
• Registration is not considered complete until payment is made.
• If payment is not submitted within four weeks after your initial registration your registration may be cancelled. 
• No POs will be accepted.
• Starting October 10, 2024 all payments must be submitted by Debit/Credit Card.
• The final deadline for registration is November 5, 2024.
• Attendees MUST be paid in full by the deadline to access the Conference. 
   

Cancellation and Refund Policy

• Deadline for receipt of cancellations: 11:59 p.m. ET on October 10, 2024
• Cancellations must be submitted in writing to [email protected] and should include the registration ID number and registrant name(s).
• Cancellations are not accepted by phone.
• Cancellations received before August 5 will receive a 100% refund.
• Cancellations received starting August 6 will receive a 50% refund.
• No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after October 10, 2024.
• Promotions/discounts are not retroactive and cannot be applied to previously purchased individual registrations. Limit one special offer/discount code per registration.
• Refunds are not issued for no-shows.
• If you DO NOT CANCEL YOU WILL STILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT! 

You must have an NWA Account Before you can Register

• Registrations are processed via our web-based system. 
• Each registrant must have or create a profile (account) to register online. 
• Please make sure each user’s email address is correct before registering!
• Credit card payments will be processed via our secure stripe site.
• Registrants paying by check, must select the "Bill Me Later" option from the online registration system when registering.
• The system will automatically email a registration confirmation to the email provided. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please contact [email protected].
• You may print invoices, receipts, event confirmations, and view other personalized NWA information and activities by logging into your My NWICA account.

Log in:

• Visit www.nwica.org and click "Log in" in the top right corner of the homepage.
• Then enter your username (your email) and password.
• Click on the Purchase Tab and you will be able to view/print copies of your invoices and receipts.

Create an account (for those that do not have an account)

• Visit https://www.nwica.org/auth/register
• Click here for FAQs to assist with account creation and more.

Questions?

Contact the conference team at [email protected]

Hotel & Travel Information

Notice to Attendees Who Secured Rooms at the Host Hotel - Baltimore Marriott Waterfront

Adjustment to Conference Block Room Rate - 11/16/24
Due to the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)’s update of federal per diem rates for FY 2025, the conference block room rate at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront was adjusted from $137/night to $150/night.

After productive discussions with hotel leadership, we are pleased to share that the Marriott has graciously agreed to honor the original $137 rate (plus taxes and fees) for attendees who initially booked at that rate.

The Marriott has been truly exceptional throughout this process, showing great understanding of the steps WIC agencies and clinics must navigate to secure conference approvals. While not required to do so, the Marriott is delighted to extend this courtesy and looks forward to welcoming you to Baltimore! We hope you consider this in your satisfaction survey for the Marriott.

Click here to read a message from the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Leadership Team

Host Hotel (Sold Out) - Baltimore Marriott Waterfront

The Baltimore Marriott Waterfront will accept hotel reservations for the upcoming 2024 NWA Nutrition Education and Breastfeeding Conference. To receive special rates and features, you must book through our dedicated booking website created especially for NWA Attendees. We encourage you to make your room reservations to ensure that you will be in the host hotel at the guaranteed prevailing per diem room rate (currently $150 plus taxes and Fees). The deadline to secure rooms is October 10, or once the reserved block has reached capacity.

Benefits of booking at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront

• Special negotiated room rates starting at $150 - Prevailing per diem (plus taxes and Fees)    
• Stay at the official conference hotel with other conference attendees    
• Easy access to the conference
• Networking opportunities
• Save time booking    
• Support the conference and NWA by staying at the official conference hotel.
• Complimentary for Marriott Bonvoy Members  
• Complimentary basic wireless internet in the meeting space

Hotel Policies: Upon checking in, each guest will be asked to provide a valid government issued ID and a major credit card to guarantee your room reservation. Room cancellations must be received at least 72 hours prior to your arrival date to avoid being charged the first night's room rate and applicable taxes. Early departure fee will be charged if a guest checks out prior to their confirmed departure date without notifying the front desk by 12:00 midnight the day after check-in.

Click Here to Manage Reservations

Marriott Baltimore Waterfront

700 Aliceanna Street

Baltimore, Maryland

21202

United States

Reservations Toll Free: 1-877-212-5752

ALERT: Beware of Housing Scams!

Be aware of unauthorized housing companies that may contact exhibitors and attendees claiming to offer hotel rooms at discounted rates for the NWA event. These “poachers” are not authorized to represent NWA.

Please be vigilant and prevent being the victim of Cybercrime – Be suspicious of emails that appear to be coming from NWA asking for additional payments. Fraudulent entities may use email addresses or websites that include "NWA" or "WIC" to deceive you.

If you have any questions or are contacted by any of these companies trying to sell hotel rooms, please notify [email protected].

Travel

Baltimore Marriott Waterfront located…

12.0 miles from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

61.0 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

52.0 miles from Washington Dulles International Airport

Taxi, Rideshare, and rail services are available at all airports.

Parking at Hotel

Daily Valet Parking $49

Still in need of a room?

If you are planning on attending the conference and have not secured a hotel reservation  click here to search for hotel availability via our trusted partner aRes Travel.

aRes Travel is a third-party travel planner. Rates, deposits, and cancellation policies may vary and are the responsibility of the guest. Questions on hotel policies or payments made on aRes website should be directed to the aRes Reservation Center or to the hotel directly.

Overflow Hotel  (Sold Out)

If you are planning on attending the conference and have not secured a hotel reservation we have a room block reserved at Homewood Suites by Hilton Baltimore, only a three-minute walk from the conference hotel. Click here to manage your reservation!

Agenda

Click Here for Draft Agenda with Session Details

Last Updated: 11.5.2024

Please click the above link to access the full conference agenda. Session dates, times, tracks and presenters included. 

Those traveling from out of town! Please plan to arrive by Monday, November 18, as we will kick off the conference on Tuesday morning and we don't want you to miss a moment of this exciting event.

Please Note: Conference will take place in person only.  

Letter of Support from USDA-FNS

On behalf of Kristin Garcia, MPH, the Director, Food Safety and Nutrition Division, NWA received a letter supporting the 2024 Nutrition Education and Breastfeeding Conference in Baltimore, Maryland from November 19-21, 2024. This letter confirms that WIC Program funds may be used to fund registration and travel fees for this conference.

View the letter here

Exhibitor/Sponsor Information

Exhibitor/Sponsor Information

NWA invites you to participate as an exhibitor and/or sponsor at our 2024 NWA Nutrition Education and Breastfeeding Promotion Conference to be held in Baltimore, MD at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront on November 19 - 21, 2024. The 2024 Nutrition Education & Breastfeeding Promotion Conference & Exhibits Hall is intended to inform and educate WIC staff through the display and demonstration of products and services.  It is an opportunity for you to meet and build relationships with potential new clients and more – acquaint yourself with existing clients who use your products and services. Among the over 1000 WIC community members who are expected to attend this conference are key decision makers representing the US Department of Agriculture, the 90 state and ITO WIC agencies, and over 2,200 local WIC agencies from across the nation.

Now Available!  2024 NWA Nutrition Education and Breastfeeding Promotion Conference Prospectus  - Exhibit Booths are SOLD OUT! 

Ready to Order? Click here to complete the online order form

Floor Plan - Click on the floor plan!   Exhibit booths are SOLD-OUT! 

For questions, please reach out to [email protected]

Why Exhibit?

If you are seeking to introduce your products and services or an alternative promotional strategy to a new or existing audience, this conference offers several options to meet your marketing needs.

By exhibiting and/or sponsoring at this conference, you will:

• Create new customer and client relationships with WIC decision makers from across the nation
• Strengthen and build upon existing customer and client relationships
• Increase visibility for your company/organization in a targeted market
• Promote and market your products and services
• Reach prime target market segments for your products and services
• Demonstrate your commitment to promoting quality public health nutrition for women, infants and children

Key Dates to Remember:

• October 10th, 2024: Exhibit Application & Full Payment Due
• October 10th, 2024: Exhibit Cancellation Date with 25% Penalty
• October 10th, 2024: Hotel Reservations Cut-off Date
• October 10th, 2024: Exhibitor Registration Deadline
• November 19th, 2024: Exhibitor Move-in & Set-up
• November 20th, 2024: Exhibitor Tear-down & Move-out

Note: If full payment is not received by October 10th, 2024, NWA has the right to reassign the exhibit booth to another exhibitor.

For questions, please reach out to [email protected]

Exhibit Dates/Hours:

Schedule Subject to Change

For questions, please reach out to [email protected]

Sponsor/Exhibitor Packages 

Standard booths are 8x10 in size, each booth includes pipe and drape, one six-foot table and two chairs, two exhibitor booth passes. Platinum level sponsor booths are 8x20 in size, which include pipe and drape, and two 6-foot tables and 4 chairs. 

Electrical, internet, telephone and additional equipment are not included and are available at an additional cost.

For questions, please reach out to [email protected]

Learn more about Partnership here. Benefits include discounts on booths.

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Call for Abstracts - Closed

2024 NWA Nutrition Education & Breastfeeding Conference – Abstract Call Now Closed! 

The National WIC Association invites you to submit presentation and poster proposals for the 2024 Nutrition Education & Breastfeeding Conference being held in Baltimore, Maryland. 

The Nutrition and Breastfeeding Conference is an excellent opportunity to expand your professional skills and knowledge base in current and emerging nutrition and breastfeeding science, research, policy and best practices. Share your strategies and successes with our attendees! On behalf of the 2024 Conference Planning Committee, we look forward to receiving your abstract submission. Thank you in advance for your commitment to the excellence of this year's meeting!

Abstract Submission Deadline: Friday, June 21, 2024 (Extended from June 14) Now Closed 

Session Topics

• Breastfeeding Education – Breastfeeding Support, Lactation 
• Nutrition Education – General 
• WIC Policy - WIC Food Package, USDA, FNS, legislative updates, etc  
• Research, Data, Technology & Evaluation - ERS, FNS.
• Leadership, Workforce/Workplace – Retention, Burnout, Management, Staffing, etc.  

The National WIC Association is committed to promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB) in all aspects of our work. Abstracts submitted for the conference should incorporate these values into their content. Authors should be able to describe how they will utilize diverse and inclusive content, language, and references. Our committee will evaluate the submission to ensure that content, language, and references focus on EDIB principles.

NWA works hard to provide our IBCLCs and RDN/DTRs with quality educational content that meets IBCLE and CDR’s requirements to provide continuing education credits. Because of this, we follow IBCLE and CDR’s rules for content which requires NO marketing or promotional content for products or services of any kind. Sessions must be free of commercial bias and any conflicts of interest must be disclosed.  Having a conflict of interest will NOT disqualify a presenter.  We gather this information simply so attendees may have full transparency about who is speaking to them. 

You Will be Asked for the Following

• Abstract Details: Title, Abstract Proposal, short description (used to share with the public if selected), format (60-minute oral, 30 minute power, poster), objectives.

• Speaker Details: Contact details, resume, bio (optional), headshot (optional). Please note, there is a maximum of 3 presenters per presentation. 

• Speaker Disclosure/Conflict of interest Policy 

• Accept Media Disclaimer

Presentation Formats

• 60 Minute Oral (45 minutes with 15-minute Q&A) 

• 30 Minute Power Session (Full session is still a total of 60 minutes. This session will be paired with another presentation of the same track. Each presenter will have 23 minutes to present. Attendees will hold Q&A until the end of the full session.) 

• Poster Presentation (Poster presenters will print and bring their posters with them to the conference. There will be dedicated time for attendees to visit with presenters during breaks). 

Important Deadlines

Please, remember the following important dates. 

• June 21, 2024: Abstract Submission Deadline 

• August 2 2024: Notification of Acceptance/Rejection

• August 9, 2024: Speaker Confirmations Due

• August 9, 2024: Online Speaker Details Due – First Draft of Agenda Posted 

• August 11, 2024: Registration & Housing deadline for authors

• October 4, 2024: Presentation Submission deadline 

• November 19, 2024: Conference Starts 

Registration Deadlines 

• August 4, 2024: Early Bird Ends (Presenter Registration Deadline) 

• August 5, 2024, Regular Rate Starts

• October 10, 2024: Last Chance Rate

• November 5, 2024: Registration Closed 

• November 19, 2024: Conference Starts 

Before Submitting an Abstract Please Note

Tip: When using Ex ordo, please use Chrome. You also may need to clear your cache from time to time.

By submitting an abstract to be considered for the conference you acknowledge that all presenting authors are responsible for their own registration, travel, and hotel costs. 

• Discounted Presenter Registration Rate: $349 (Do not register with your group if you would like to take advanatage of this discount)

• We have negotiated the Prevailing Per Diem rate - currently $150 plus taxes and fees per night) at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront.  

By agreeing to present, you acknowledge that your session may be scheduled for presentation on any of the three days of the conference, which runs from November 19 - 21. You must be available all three days.  Please note these days are Tuesday – Thursday. Your session date and time will be confirmed once the program is finalized.

Before you begin, you must set up your profile in Ex Ordo. (Returing submitters may already have a profile) Once you are logged in you will navigate to the Submit Your Abstract link to get started. Submissions may be up to 300 words. For more information on how to submit an abstract see this guide. Check out this helpful article when it comes to submitting an abstract. 

Questions: Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] 

NWA Conference Policies

By registering for this conference, you agree to all conference policies listed below.

General Policies

• All individuals and/or entities are strictly prohibited from electronically recording or broadcasting any conference events without prior written consent from NWA.
• Press representatives must register and receive a Press Pass and photo/recording permission from NWA.
• Seating at all sessions/events are first come, first served.
• Information presented in sessions and posters may not represent the views or standards of NWA.
• NWA cannot be held liable for non-refundable airline tickets or hotel room deposits.
• NWA cannot be liable for any penalties or fare increases.
• In the event the attendee is a “no-show,” the attendee is responsible for all fees and penalties in connection with being a “no-show.”
• NWA is not responsible for lost items or returning those lost items to the attendee.
• NWA does not claim to be allergen free. We encourage all participants to take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure to allergens.

• We kindly ask parents and guardians of children under 18 to complete a waiver of liability if they plan to bring their child to the conference venue.

• Anyone ten (10) or older should have a conference badge. Fees may be applicable. Please reach out to [email protected] for assistance with registration.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

• Deadline for receipt of cancellations: 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 10, 2024
• Cancellations must be submitted in writing to [email protected] and should include the registration ID number and registrant name(s).
• Cancellations are not accepted by phone.
• Cancellations received before August 5 will receive a 100% refund.
• Cancellations received starting August 6 will receive a 50% refund.
• No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after October 10, 2024.
• Promotions/discounts are not retroactive and cannot be applied to previously purchased individual registrations. Limit one special offer/discount code per registration.
• Refunds are not issued for no-shows.
• If you DO NOT CANCEL YOU WILL STILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT! 
• If registration balance is not paid, a hold will be placed on your account, preventing you from accessing your NWA Membership Benefits.

• Full payment is due no more than four (4) weeks after initial registration submission.

• If payment is not submitted within four weeks after your initial registration your registration is subject to cancellation. 

• If canceled, NWA will not honor the original rate. You must submit a new registration.

• NWA reserves the right to cancel or postpone any or all conference activities due to circumstances beyond the reasonable control of NWA, which includes, without limitation, computer-related attacks, hacking, earthquakes, governmental regulation, fire, flood, labor difficulties, civil disorder, public health crisis, acts of terrorism, or acts of God (“Force Majeure Events”). In the event the Nutrition Education and Breastfeeding Conference is canceled due to Force Majeure Events, NWA reserves the right to either retain the entire registration fee and credit it toward a future NWA event or reimburse the registrant after deducting costs already incurred by NWA, which could not be recovered from third parties.

COVID-19 Policy (No Vaccination Requirements)

Our priority is to create a safe environment for all that are in attendance. The precautions that the NWA has put in place for a safe conference experience do not rule out the risk of breakthrough infections. NWA cannot be held liable for COVID-19 cases arising because of event attendance.

• NWA will no longer require proof of vaccination to attend an in-person meeting or event. 
• Mask-wearing at meetings and events is encouraged but optional.
• NWA expects attendees to take responsibility for following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on measures to reduce infection from COVID-19 and to protect against severe complications. 
• NWA encourages attendees to follow the CDC’s recommendations and guidelines. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html
• Please do not attend if you test positive or have symptoms of COVID-19. NWA will not require proof of negative test; however, we expect all individuals to act responsibly and consider the health and safety of others.

NWA’s Meetings & Events Entry Policy is subject to change based on COVID-19 community levels and any updated guidance from CDC and/or federal or state officials. NWA may update these requirements at any time at its sole discretion.

Privacy Policy

Your data privacy and security are important to us. When you register for this event, NWA will process your data in accordance with our legitimate interests for hosting an industry event and for being a community-based organization. Please review our privacy policy, including how to exercise your rights under the GDPR.

Liability Waiver

I understand that travel and gathering involves risk of sickness, including sickness from COVID-19 and injury. I (and on behalf of my guest(s) waive and release NWA and its sponsors and exhibitors, and their employees and agents, from and against claims, liabilities and expenses arising from injury, sickness or death from contraction or spread of COVID-19 or other communicable disease due to travel to or attendance at an event sponsored by NWA.

I will take necessary precautions while at the event including, but not limited to, engaging in appropriate social distancing, minimizing face touching, frequently washing hands, and avoiding risky environments such as overcrowded bars or restaurants. I agree to not attend any NWA event if I feel ill or had recent exposure to a COVID-19 case. This waiver and release is binding on me and my heirs and successors.

Code of Conduct

NWA is a listening organization focused on its participants. The Conference is designed to increase interaction, engagement, collaboration, connectivity, and community, in a fun and safe environment.

We value the participation of each member of the community and endeavor to deliver an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Conference participants are expected to conduct themselves with integrity, courtesy and respect for others and maintain the highest level of professionalism at all conference programs and events, whether officially sponsored by NWA or not. All attendees, guests, speakers, organizers, volunteers, partners, vendors, and staff at any NWA event are required to observe the following Code of Conduct.

NWA is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of conference participants in any form. All communication should be appropriate for a professional audience including people of diverse backgrounds and cultures. Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for the conference.

Be kind to others. Do not insult or defame participants. Harassment in any form, sexist, racist, or exclusionary jokes are not condoned at NWA Events.

Participants violating these rules may be asked to leave the conference at the sole discretion of NWA. Thank you for helping to make this a welcoming event for all.

Media Disclaimer 

NWA intends to record, take photographs and video of this event for use in NWA news, educational material, and promotional material, in print, electronic and other media, including the NWA websites. By participating in this event, I grant NWA the right to use any image, photograph, voice, or likeness, without limitation, in its promotional materials and publicity efforts without compensation. All media becomes the property of NWA. Media may be displayed, distributed or used by NWA for any purpose.

Visit Baltimore - Things to do

While in Baltimore be sure to explore and find out why the New York Times voted it as one of the top places to visit! Rich in history and charm, Baltimore is easy to get to and easy to get around, with a walkable convention campus. Whether you’re strolling around the famed Inner Harbor, staying at one of many first-class hotels or networking with colleagues, you’ll find Baltimore a delightful waterfront city.

Click here to find some great things happing in Baltimore - Provided by Visit Baltimore

• Deals and Passes
• Free things to do in Baltimore
• Interactive maps to navigate
• Events in Baltimore
• Much more!!!

Charm City Passport!

Make sure you take advantage of the special deals that Visit Baltimore is offering through their Charm City Passport.

Please note, NWA is not affiliated with these deals or services and may not be able to assist with inquiries or answer questions related to them.