Give me a “T,” Give me an “E,” Give me an “A” and “M”—what’s that spell?! A whole lot of fun and excitement! Come join SNA, industry partners, your friends and colleagues for the first-ever School Nutrition Pep Rally on Monday, July 12, 9:30-10:00 am, in Lobby D of the Dallas Convention Center. This high-energy event will mark the grand opening of the ANC 2010 Exhibit Hall, as well as pay special tribute to the “TEAM” of SNA Patrons for all they do for the Association and school nutrition programs nationwide. Be sure to give three cheers for your SNA President Dora Rivas, as she’s joined by members of the Dallas Cowboy cheerleading squad and a well-known NFL player, who will help to lead the parade to the Exhibit Hall. So, what are you waiting for?! Get your whole group together, rah-rah attitude in tow, and come celebrate the camaraderie and spirit of the school nutrition profession!

Are you interested in learning more about First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Chef’s Move to Schools” initiative? Well, then you won't want to miss the newly added ANC education session, “Chef’s Move.” During this session, White House Assistant Chef and the Food Initiative Coordinator Sam Kass, as well as Executive Chef Brad Trudeau from Dallas (Texas) Independent School District, Chef Tony Geraci from Baltimore City (Md.) Public Schools and Chef Timothy Cipriano for New Haven (Conn.) Public Schools will provide an overview of this brand-new initiative and explain how participating in this program can benefit your school. The program is administered by USDA and allows chefs nationwide the opportunity to share their expertise—from developing menus that meet federal dietary standards within budget to educating children about healthy food choices—with schools interested in benefitting from that expertise. Chefs and schools interested in participating can learn more by visiting www.letsmove.gov and clicking on the “Chefs Move to Schools” button.

The "Chef's Move" session is scheduled for Sunday, July 11 at 12:00pm. This “Hot Topic” session was a last-minute addition to the ANC 2010 education session lineup and therefore is not included in the onsite ANC Program Guide. Please be sure to pick up your program and accompanying addendum at Registration for session times and room numbers. The addendum is also packed with exhibitor updates, so you’ll want to have that handy as well when walking the floor of the Exhibit Hall.

ANC 2010 in the Big D is just days away! Are you one of the thousands of school nutrition professionals ready to immerse themselves in four invigorating days of education and excitement? In order to make the most of your ANC experience, here are some last-minute reminders to keep in mind as you make your way to Dallas.

• If you haven’t yet registered, it’s not too late! To register onsite, head to the Registration area of the Dallas Convention Center. Already registered? This is also the place to go to pick up your badge and official ANC Program Guide.
• From checking in, to making your way through security checkpoints, airline travel can be a headache these days…but it doesn't have to be! Proper planning can make your trip a lot easier. To travel smart and safe, learn tips from the experts at TSA.
• Super Shuttle is the official airport shuttle provider for ANC, providing service to/from DAL and DFW airports and downtown Dallas for $28 roundtrip. Call (800) 258-3826 or click here to make your reservations. When booking by phone, be sure to reference group code C55PZ. Taxicabs also are available for approximately $16-$20 one-way from DAL and $35-$44 one-way from DFW.
• Still need a hotel room? The Hilton Anatole, SNA’s headquarters hotel, still has rooms available but they are filling up fast! To reserve your room, call (214) 748-1200 and ask for the School Nutrition Association Block.
• Complimentary shuttle bus service will run to/from the Convention Center and the official ANC hotels beginning Friday, July 9 and will run throughout the conference. The shuttle bus schedule is available on the SNA website.
• Plan to attend as many sessions and events as possible! Click on the following to learn more about the education sessions, General Session speakers and events.
• Need handouts for specific education sessions you plan to attend? They are now available for download from the SNA website. These handouts also will be available online after ANC, therefore we encourage you to pack light and print the ones you need when you return home. Printing stations will not be available during ANC.
• Plan your Exhibit Hall strategy in advance! To decide what companies you want to see, take advantage of the online listing or check the listing in the ANC Program Guide when you arrive.
• Want to find out what the city of Dallas is all about? Sign up for a tour or visit the Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau website to see what else there is to see and do while in town.
• And last, but certainly not least, be sure to join your peers for the Final Event concert on Wednesday evening, July 14th! With a smoking-hot performance on tap from Kool & The Gang, one of the greatest acts in R&B music, you are sure to have a memorable evening!