Together Toward Tomorrow
Join industry leaders and peers for our essential annual event, Together Toward Tomorrow, taking place in Atlanta, GA, from August 20-22, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. AHF’s conference is curated to equip you with the strategies, knowledge, and connections vital for the success of your facility, department, and overall operations. Attending the AHF National Conference ensures your department remains at the forefront of healthcare foodservice innovation. You will gain actionable insights on critical topics like AI/robotics, sustainable practices, supply chain management, and revenue growth, directly contributing to maximized departmental budgets. The robust educational program, spanning C-suite insights and operational excellence, offers immediate takeaways to enhance patient/resident satisfaction, improve efficiency, and drive fiscal performance. Additionally, unparalleled networking facilitates vital peer-to-peer exchange, fostering collaborations that drive the long-term success and innovation of your department.
AHF estimates that the conference will provide 14+ CEUs, of which 3.5 will be tradeshow hours. These have not yet been approved. Certificates of attendance for CEU submission will be provided for each accrediting body after the conclusion of the event. CEUs will be offered through the following credentialing bodies:
- Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP)
- American Culinary Federation (ACF) –
- Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
A sample agenda is provided below.
Submit to become a speaker! Speaker submissions are open until late December 2025. SUBMIT HERE
New Attendee Reception
Are you a first-time attendee at AHF’s National Conference feeling a bit nervous about not knowing anyone and potentially wandering aimlessly? Don’t fret any longer! Join us at our New Attendee Reception, happening an hour before our Opening Reception. This isn’t your typical networking event. Instead, you’ll be part of a small group led by an experienced AHF operator and business partner leader, ensuring you make genuine connections right from the start.
Opening Reception
Now that you’ve kicked started your conference with some deep-dive education and training, it’s time to relax, network and eat! Join us for an evening of light music, tasty food, and drinks.
Breakfast Provided
AHF’s National Conference provides meals and snacks as part of its full conference registration fees. Grab some breakfast, get ready to learn, and chat with other attendees in the main ballroom.
Networking Break
Take a break and then join us back at the mainstage for our AHF’s FISH Talks.
[Mainstage] AHF Fish Talks
Join us for AHF’s dynamic FISH Talks (Food, Innovation, Service, and Hospitality). Our FISH Talks are dynamic high-energy, TED-style presentations followed by a moderated panel.
AHF Tradeshow & Lunch
Our National Conference Tradeshow is one of our most loved events. Our vendors will be ready and waiting for you in the AHF Tradeshow Hall. Head over to explore new products, services, innovations, and more from our valued partners and sponsors. Be sure to prepare with AHF’s Business Partner Directory and our tradeshow guide. Your time will be best used if you have a plan of who you’d like to talk to. Lunch will be served by vendors in the hall. Grab some plates while you explore the hall and taste the latest offerings. This is your chance to line up new products and services tailored to support self-operators.
[Concurrent Sessions]
3 or more concurrent sessions on industry-relevant topics. Submission for speakers opens in November/December 2025!
Culinary Competition & Reception
Join us as five culinary teams meet on the national stage to compete for AHF Culinary Gold! Each year our five teams compete for Gold, Silver, and Bronze spots across a 75-minute timed competition with set ingredient options selected from AHF’s curated Market Basket. Join us to cheer on our competitors while you enjoy dinner and drinks. No special attire is required, simply come ready to eat, network, and celebrate our competitors!
Rise & Shine! It’s AHFs Free Morning Exercise Activity
Join us for AHF’s free exercise activity! This will be a short and fun way to make new friends and wake-up before starting the day’s sessions. The exact activity will be announced soon, but will be inside.
Breakfast Served
Enjoy some breakfast in our main ballroom before the day’s sessions begin.
AHF Chapter Networking Break
Take a break while you meet up with AHF’s chapter leaders and make local connections.
[Concurrent Sessions]
3 or more concurrent sessions on industry-relevant topics. Submission for speakers opens in November/December 2025!
[Keynote & Closing]
Join us for our closing words and to celebrate our presidential service award winners. Then we will transition into our final keynote speaker.
AHF Fundraising Event
Join us for some fun activities to raise funds for our scholarship program to support operators’ attendance to AHF National Conferences! The events are interactive, great for networking, and a fun way to cap off the week before the final gala dinner!
[Celebrate AHF] Closing Gala & Awards Dinner (Cocktail Attire Requested)
Our closing dinner and gala reception. We’ll start off by honoring our Lifetime Achievement and Making a Difference Award Winners during dinner. Following that, we’ll highlight our 2026 Culinary Competition winners and other AHF leaders. AHF’s leaders and Culinary Competition Winners. Of course, we can’t forget about our live band, dancing, and drinks. Dinner and drinks will be provided. Cocktail attire is requested.