National WIC Association

2024 NWA Annual Education and Training Conference

April 7-April 10, 2024



Registration Closed


About the Conference

Join the WIC community in-person to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of WIC at the 2024 NWA Annual Education and Training Conference in Chicago, IL, April 7-10, 2024.

Sessions, receptions, and a special photo retrospective will bring us together to celebrate WIC and the tremendous impact WIC providers have had in improving the lives of millions of families.

Importantly, the conference will look forward, as the need for WIC has never been greater. Sessions will explore policies, program innovations, technology, research, and communication tools to continue to grow participation and improve service delivery, the nutritional quality of food packages, the WIC shopping experience, and outcomes to meet the evolving needs of providers and the diversity of participants.

Come celebrate, network, and learn from over 1,200 WIC providers, colleagues, partners, and USDA. The conference aims to support you and your important work to address the complex and diverse needs of low-income families through training, tools, resources, and professional support and development.

Since the first WIC clinic opened in Pineville, Kentucky in 1974, together, we’ve grown WIC into the country’s most effective public health program. Together, we’ll continue to strengthen the WIC program, support WIC providers and participants, and ensure WIC continues to be a multi-generational solution to empower and support families across the nation.

We look forward to seeing you and celebrating with you in Chicago!

This confernece will take place in-person only. 

For questions, please contact the NWA National Office at [email protected]

Registration Details SOLD OUT

Registraiton for the 2024 Annual Confernece is SOLD OUT! 

Please note: Onsite tickets will not be sold. 

Registration Fees:

Registration Type

Early Bird Rates - ENDS Feb 15

Regular Rates - BEGINS Feb 16

Member

$549

$649

Non-Member

$649

$749

Student

$350

$350

Speaker & Poster Presenter

$399

$399

FNS Staff

$399

$399

Illinois State Host

$399

$399

Group Members (10- 20)

$524

$624

NWA Group Members (21- 40)

$499

$599

 

To receive the group rate discount!

  • To be considered a group you must have ten (10) or more from one facility. All must be entered at the same time.
  • You must be a Member to receive the group discount.
  • Group promotions/discounts are not retroactive and cannot be applied to previously purchased individual registrations. No exceptions.
  • Enter "GROUP" in the Promo Code Box and the system will automatically apply the discount. 

 


How to Register and Access your NWA account

  • 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 using a Purchase Order (PO) or 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)


Payment Details

  • 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 by March 8, 2024.
  • No POs will be accepted after March 8, 2024.
  • Starting March 9, 2024 all payments must be submitted by Debit/Credit Card.
  • The final deadline for registration is March 22, 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 March 8, 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 February 15 will receive a 100% refund.
  • Cancellations received starting February 16 will receive a 50% refund.
  • No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after March 8, 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! 

 

NWA has MOVED!
Make Checks Payable to the National WIC Association

National WIC Association
Attn: NWA Annual Education and Training Conference Registration
1099 14th Street, NW Ste. 510
Washington, DC 20005 

NWA’s federal tax ID is 52-1482678 

Please find more detailed information on payments here.


 

Questions?

Contact the conference team at [email protected]

 

Agenda

Schedule at a Glance

*Subject to change

Please click here to access the Draft Agenda. 

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

Please click here for a skeleton agenda with information on break timing and included meals.

Conference will take place in person only. 

 

Hotel & Travel Information

NOTICE! The room block at the Host Hotel will close on March 13, 2024

You may still be able to book at the host hotel directly on their website or using our travel partner aRes Travel, however, this will be at a higher rate than the room block. 

 

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. 

Book online or call 1-800-559-3186 for assistance | International callers 1-619-546-5773

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.


 

 

Host Hotel (Almost Sold Out)- Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile

The Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile is pleased to accept hotel reservations for the upcoming 2024 NWA Annual Education and Training 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 early to ensure that you will be in the host hotel at the guaranteed room rate (starts at $229 (plus taxes and Fees). The deadline to secure rooms is March 13, 2024, or once the reserved block has reached capacity.

Click Here to Make /Manage Reservations

 

Benefits of booking at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile

  • Special negotiated room rates starting at $229 (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.
  • Guestroom internet reduced to $1 per room per night. Complimentary for Marriott Rewards members  
  • Complimentary basic wireless internet in the meeting space

Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile

540 North Michigan Avenue

Chicago, IL 60611

United States

Reservations Toll Free: 1-877-303-0104

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.

 


ALERT: Beware of Housing Scams!

Be aware of nonofficial housing companies that contact exhibitors and attendees claiming to be able to secure hotel rooms at a better rate. These “poachers” are not authorized to represent NWA. If you are contacted by another housing company trying to sell hotel rooms, please share with [email protected].

 


Travel Details 

IMPORATANT! Chicago is currently working on a multi-year improvement plan on highways that WILL affect your travel to and from airports, especially those traveling from O'Hare International Airport. Please plan accordingly and give yourself ample time to get around.

The Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile is located

  • 15 miles from Chicago O’Hare International Airport
  • 12.1 miles from Chicago Midway International Airport

Chicago Transit Athority (CTA) is also a great way to get to and from the airport. 

Taxi and Rideshare services are available at the airport. The current estimated taxi/cab fare runs $50.00-$75.00 (one way) depending on the airport. Please note that the hotel does not provide shuttle service.

Parking

  • Valet Parking: $70
  • Self-parking: $58 a day no in/out privileges – ROW, located at the corner of Rush & Ohio St 0.1 Miles

Explore Chicago! 

Explore an urban oasis, listen to live music, kayak through a skyscraper canyon. In Chicago, there’s no shortage of breathtaking things to see and do. Click here for details. 

Click here for Chicagos Visitors Guide 

Map of Downtown: Click here to access 

Looking for a place to dine: Click here

Letter of Support from USDA-FNS

On behalf of Amy Herring, the Director of Office Innovation for Supplemental Nutrition and Safety Programs, NWA received a letter supporting the 2024 Annual Education and Training Conference taking place in Chicago. 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

We invite you to participate as an exhibitor and/or sponsor at our 2024 NWA Annual Education and Training Conference in Chicago, IL, April 7-10, 2024.

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! NWA 2024 Annual Conference Prospectus 

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

Interactive Floor Plan (hover your mouse over the numbers to see which booths remain available)

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 affordable 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; and
  • Demonstrate your commitment to promoting quality public health nutrition for women, infants and children.

Key Dates to Remember:

  • March 8, 2024: Exhibit Application & Full Payment Due
  • March 8, 2024: Exhibit Cancellation Date with 25% Penalty
  • March 8, 2024: Hotel Reservations Cut-off Date
  • March 8, 2024: Exhibitor Registration Deadline
  • April 7, 2024: Exhibitor Move-in & Set-up
  • April 9, 2024: Exhibitor Tear-down & Move-out

Note: If full payment is not received by March 8, 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

Date Activity Hours

Sunday April 7th

Move in and Setup 8:00 AM - 4:00PM

Sunday April 7th

Exhibit Hall Opening Reception

5:15 PM - 6:30 PM

Monday, April 8th

Exhibit Hall Hours

8:00 AM - 4:15 PM

Tuesday, April 9th

Exhibit Hall Hours

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Tuesday, April 9th

Exhibitor Teardown & Move-Out

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

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, and two full conference passes. Diamond and 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!

                       

 

 

     

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

  

Celebrating 50 Years of WIC

Join us in amplifying the celebration of WIC's 50th anniversary and all of its amazing impacts by sharing this content with your communities! PLUS, you can now check out our new WIC 50th anniversary website at WIC50th.nwica.org where you can find videos, resources, and other information throughout 2024!

 


Share your WIC Memories with NWA

Have a WIC memory you'd like to share with NWA as part of our celebration of the 50th anniversary of WIC? Share your photo or video here or scanning the QR code.

 

 


 

Submit WIC 50th Anniversary Events to the WIC Hub Calendar

As NWA gets ready to celebrate the 50th anniversary of WIC, we want to hear from our members on how YOU plan to celebrate this incredible milestone. If your community is organizing a celebration, you can submit it using the WIC Hub calendar or using this form. We plan to keep this updated throughout the year so that everyone can be aware of the events happening across the country.


 

Call for Abstracts

The call for abstract is closed. 

The National WIC Association invites WIC staff* to submit presentation and poster abstracts for the 2024 NWA Annual Education and Training Conference in Chicago, IL, April 7-10, 2024.

The NWA Annual Conference is an excellent opportunity to expand your professional skills and knowledge base to equip you to face WIC challenges and to take advantage of current and future WIC opportunities.

Abstracts must be submitted by WIC staff or WIC participants. We encourage individuals who do not work for WIC, including NWA Partners, to connect with a WIC staffer to submit an abstract Please Note: In order to be compliant with CDR requirements. Partners may not advertise (no logos or sales pitch) during educational sessions. 

Before you begin, you must set up your profile in Ex Ordo. 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. 

In the true spirit of this conference, below are the suggested educational tracks for oral and poster submissions:

  • Advocacy
  • Breastfeeding & Nutrition
  • Community Partnerships & Outreach
  • Health Equity
  • Leadership & Management
  • Research, Data, & Evaluation
  • Technology & Innovation
  • Workforce Development

When submitting an abstract you will be asked for the following.

  • Abstract details: Title, Abstract proposal, short description (used to share with the public if selected), format (poster or oral), objectives.
  • Speaker details: Bio, headshot, resume, contact details. Please note, a maximum of four presenters may be listed on each proposal.
  • Speaker Disclosure/Conflict of interest Policy
  • Accept Media Disclaimer

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

 

Important Dates to Remember

  • Abstract Submission Closed
  • December 6: Abstract Submission Deadline
  • December 7- January 12: Review of Abstracts
  • Week of January 22: Notification of Acceptance/Rejection
  • February 9: Deadline to Accept Invite to Present
  • February 15: Registration deadline for authors
  • February 15: Speaker Packet Submission Deadline
  • March 8: PowerPoint Submission deadline
  • April 7 – 10: 2023 NWA Annual Education and Training Conference

 

The Conference Committee members will review all abstracts and notification of acceptance or rejection will be sent to the Corresponding Author by January 30, 2024.

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

 

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding this process or the conference in general, please contact our Conference Support Team at [email protected] .

 

 

NWA Conference Policies

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

 

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.

 

 

Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • Deadline for receipt of cancellations: 11:59 p.m. EDT on March 8, 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 February 15 will receive a 100% refund.
  • Cancellations received starting February 16 will receive a 50% refund.
  • No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after March 8, 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.

 

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
  • We ask Attendees who are not up to date on vaccinations to take an at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen test before traveling to any NWA events. 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 take photographs and video of this event for use in NWA news 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.