About the Conference

As we commemorate WIC’s 50th anniversary, we invite you to the 2024 National WIC Association’s Nutrition Education & Breastfeeding Conference! This year’s theme, Nourishing Generations - The Next 50 Years of WIC, reflects our commitment to advancing WIC’s mission and supporting families nationwide, equipping us for WIC’s future generations for the next 50 years! Join us on November 19-21, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland to explore new research, technology, trends, and best practices in nutrition and breastfeeding!   

Why Attend?

• Inspiring Educational Sessions: Immerse yourself in 40+ educational sessions led by thought leaders in nutrition and breastfeeding! Discover research, innovative policies, and best practices that will shape the future of WIC. 

• Unmatched Networking: Connect with over 1,200 professionals from USDA, state and local WIC agencies, and WIC community vendors! Build lasting relationships and collaborate on creating solutions that will drive WIC forward.

• Excellent Exhibitions: Explore the latest WIC-related products, technology, and services from more than 50 exhibitors! Watch and see firsthand how these innovations can enhance your work and impact.

What Can You Look Forward To?

• Breastfeeding Education: Gain insights and strategies for effective breastfeeding support and lactation.

• Nutrition Education: Engage with experts on general nutrition best practices and innovative approaches.

• WIC Policy Updates: Stay up-to-date on the latest legislative changes and USDA FNS updates that impact the WIC food package.

• Research, Data, Technology, & Evaluation: Learn from experts about the newest data and technology tools (FNS & ERS) that can elevate your WIC programs.

• Leadership and Workforce Development: Discover methods to combat burnout, improve management, and retain staff, ensuring a strong and dedicated WIC workforce. 

This conference is more than just an event – this is where inspiration meets innovation. It’s about honoring the past while preparing us to step into the future. Together, we will explore how to nourish generations to make a lasting impact on the lives of families. 

We hope to see you in Baltimore! 

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

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

NWA Conference Policies

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

General Policies

• Cancellations and refund requests are not accepted for those that register for on demand access.
• 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.