SASA Annual Conference
We are at capacity! Annual Conference Registration is CLOSED.
2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE: Student Support Through Strategic Partnerships
January 5-7, 2026 | Turning Stone Resort Casino | View Save The Date
WHAT TO EXPECT
SASA’s Annual Conference delivers hours of industry-specific professional development and networking opportunities. Attendees from 35+ campuses and dozens of sponsors and exhibitors look forward to engaging keynote speakers, conference sessions, participation on committees such as Marketing, Dining and Human Resources, partner showcases, social events and more!
- Keynote Speakers: Each year the SASA Annual Conference invites industry experts to share their knowledge and experience to members, on topics ranging from generational communication, inclusivity & accessibility, sustainability, leadership, and more. Speakers often share suggestions and tips that can be immediately incorporated into practice.
- Informational & Educational Sessions: Dozens of sessions are available for members to attend. Any and all are welcome to each session, regardless of expertise or position. The purpose of these sessions is to educate members, highlight cutting edge tools & success stories, and share resources.
- Working Sessions: Members meet with others in their expertise to discuss hot topics, strategies, success stories, and more. Members often leave these working sessions inspired and with tools and strategies to bring back to their own campus.
- Networking: All of our sessions and down time offer space to meet new people, share ideas, and collaborate with other professionals in our fields. Our Corporate partners showcase their products and services while offering unique solutions to obstacles and challenges auxiliaries face.
- Fun: The Conference Venue is typically in the center of (or near to) activities and attractions! For the last few years, our Conference was held at award-winning Turning Stone Resort Casino.
Keynote Speaker: Joe Fingerhut, The “How Can I?” Mindset Specialist
Joe Fingerhut helps people and organizations unlock potential and possibility with the shift in mindset from “I Can’t” to “HOW CAN I?”
As an award-winning speaker, DJ, magician, and juggler, Joe energizes audiences with a one-of-a-kind, must-see experience. He has spent three decades leading and training people and organizations to a higher level. With endless stories and lessons that apply to organizations, professionals, and student leaders, Joe inspires audiences cross the globe.
Joe’s programs ignite energy and potential – starting at your event, and carrying over to everyday life and work experience. These tools to help overcome adversity and apathy lead to more productive, positive people and teams that get results and support each other.
SECOND ANNUAL BATTLE OF THE CHEFS
Experience culinary teams from across SUNY battle it out to become SASA’s next Battle of the Chefs champions! Teams are challenged to prepare a tapas-style dish using a randomly assigned protein and budget. Battle of the Chefs is a highly anticipated and well-attended event, and we’re already looking forward to what creations will be shared in January.
A LITTLE ABOUT THE VENUE
The most awarded four season resort in Upstate New York: Turning Stone Resort Casino
Oneida Indian Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino features world-class amenities including five hotels, two luxurious spas, five golf courses, more than 20 dining options, a 125,000 square foot Vegas-style gaming floor, a cabaret-style Showroom, a 5,000-seat Event Center, customizable meeting and conference spaces and four night life venues.
Conveniently located 30 miles east of Syracuse at NYS Thruway Exit 33, Turning Stone was named Best Countryside Hotel/Lodge in 2019 by Conde Nast Johansens and Best in Golf 2020 by Northeast Golf Magazine. Turning Stone has also earned the prestigious Forbes Four Star Award at The Lodge, Wildflowers, TS Steakhouse and Skana in 2020.
Upon Conference registration, attendees and vendors will receive information regarding reserving hotel rooms.
TENTATIVE CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2026
| 2:00 PM Oneida-Mohawk |
Corporate Partner Showcase Load In (by appointment) |
| 4:00 PM | Conference Planning Committee Meeting |
| 5:30 -7:00 PM Oneida-Mohawk |
Battle of the Chefs Captain’s Meeting |
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2026
| 7:00 AM Oneida-Mohawk |
Corporate Partner Showcase Load In & Setup Begins |
| 12:00 – 3:00 PM Oneida-Mohawk |
Corporate Partner Showcase Open (Pause for Keynote Speaker, Joe Fingerhut, 1 – 2 PM) |
| 12:00 PM Oneida-Mohawk |
Registration Begins – Early Corporate Partner Previews |
| 12:55 PM Oneida-Mohawk |
Welcome by SASA President Steve McAfee |
| 1:00 – 2:00 PM Oneida-Mohawk |
Keynote Speaker Joe Fingerhut: HOW CAN I? Unlock Potential & Possibility “We tried that. It won’t work. There’s no way to do that right now.”
These and other excuses plague individuals, companies, and organizations. Award-Winning Entertainer and International Speaker Joe Fingerhut will bring you and audience members on an exciting and engaging journey landing on three simple words that unlock potential and possibility in people and organizations alike – HOW CAN I? This program ignites energy and potential starting at your event, and carrying over to everyday life and work experience. These tools to help overcome adversity and apathy lead to more productive, positive people and teams that get results and support each other. |
| 2:10 – 3:00 PM Cypress A&B |
Branding with AI The desired outcome of this informational session would be for attendees to learn more about the utilization of customizing AI to help navigate re-branding. This session will also give good insight and practical information of brand alignment that you can incorporate into your brand identity. Presented by: Robert Bailey & John Roberts Founder/Managing Partner of Truth Collective; Ryan Miller, General Manager of Campus Stores, ACES at Alfred State |
| 2:10 – 3:00 PM Canandaigua |
From Hire to Higher: Elevating Student Employees into Student Leaders In collegiate dining, student employees often are most of the workforce. At Campus Dining and Shops at the University of Buffalo, we have worked to embrace this by developing a program that transforms student employees into Student Leaders. They serve as an extension of our management teams, taking on responsibilities such as training, coaching, and supporting their peers. In this session, we will share our Student Leader Program journey. From its first application over 20 years ago, to its decline five years ago, and finally to the details that form the Student Leader Program that supports our operations today. Presented by: Tim Malley Assistant Dining Director Campus Dining and Shops The University at Buffalo |
| 2:10 – 3:00 PM Tuscarora |
Introduction to Your Next Auxiliary Customer Generation Alpha, born between roughly 2010 and 2024, are the next generation of customer for campus auxiliaries. They are the first generation to have been born entirely in the 21st century and are the first generation of digital natives. They are hyper-connected, adaptable, visual learners that have been described as the most environmentally and socially aware generation yet. Their experience during the pandemic means that they had adopted distance learning early in their education. We’ll explore how we can prepare spaces differently for them on campus, what we need to do to capture their participation, and ways to help welcome them into your campus operations. Presented by: Michael Ramella, Executive Director, University Auxiliary Services at Albany; Theresa Butler, VP Marketing and Student Experience, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality |
| 2:10 – 3:00 PM Chautauqua |
Expanding Access, Reducing Barriers: How Meal Plan Reform Supports Basic Needs at SUNY Oswego Learn how SUNY Oswego reimagined its meal plan model to better support student basic needs, without raising costs. This session explores how earlier start dates, break coverage, and targeted food security efforts like meal swipe donations and wellness enhancements are helping students thrive. Join us to discover scalable strategies for reducing hunger, increasing equity, and aligning dining operations with holistic student support. Presented by: Stephen McAfee, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Executive Director of Auxiliary Services, SUNY Oswego; Jerrie Ann Pontello, Director of Retail Dining and Catering, SUNY Oswego; Daniel Siddons, Director of Resident Dining, SUNY Oswego |
| 2:10 – 3:00 PM Cypress C |
From Chaos to Coordination: Navigating ID System Implementation in Higher Ed Switching your college’s ID system can impact every corner of campus, from housing to dining, student records to security. Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) recently transitioned to a new ID system with Atrium and discovered that preparation is everything. In this session, FLCC will share an honest look at what we thought we had ready (and what we didn’t), the hidden dependencies with SIS and e-commerce systems, and the operational realities that surfaced along the way. Participants will walk away with a practical checklist and implementation roadmap to help ensure a smoother, more strategic rollout at their own institutions. Presented by: Lindsey Chamberlain-Zeller, Finger Lakes Community College Association Executive Director; Amy Cramer, Finger Lakes Community College Association Business Services Administrator; Jeff Dean, Atrium Sales Account Executive; Steve Heaslip, Atrium Sales Engineer |
| 3:10 – 4:00 PM Tuscarora |
Campus Crunch Campus Crunch at UAlbany us a fun, campus-wide event celebrating local food and sustainability, Each fall, students, faculty, and staff crunch into a New York apple together at 12:15 PM, joined by local vendors, student groups like Green Scene, and sustainability departments. With creative branding – including our Crunchy mascot – and strong community engagement, the event promotes sustainable practices and builds campus spirit. This presentation shares how UAS and UAlbany launched and grew Campus Crunch over the past 11 years, aligning marketing, partnerships, and sustainability goals into one impactful annual tradition. Presented by: Michelle Bowen, Senior Director of Marketing Communications for University Auxiliary Services at University of Albany; Kristen O’Brien, Digital Marketing Manager for University Auxiliary Services at University of Albany; Mary Ellen Mallia, Director of Sustainability for the University of Albany |
| 3:10 – 4:00 PM Chautauqua |
POV: A Student Intern’s Perspective in Dining This session examines the pros and cons of employing a student intern in the marketing department of campus dining services. Participants will explore how student involvement boosts creativity, peer engagement, and authentic communication while addressing challenges such as training and time management. Emphasizing learning through strategic partnerships between students, staff and departments, this session offers practical strategies and tools for effective structuring, mentoring, and assessing student interns in dining marketing roles. Presented by: Laurel Brigham, Marketing Intern, Bronco Dining SUNY Delhi; Tracey Stefanelli, Marketing Director, Bronco Dining SUNY Delhi |
| 3:10 – 4:00 PM Canandaigua |
Elevating Campus Dining with Autonomous Technologies, from Execution to Delivery Technology is significantly transforming college campus dining in various ways, enhancing the overall experience in both the Front- and Back-of-House. What if you could expand your customer reach, extend hours of operations, or eliminate kitchen safety hazards with push-of-a-button? Explore automation that drives simplicity and sustainability, and hear from a prominent campus member, along with vendor partners, who are changing the face of campus dining from kitchen to customer. Presented by: Jason Mignogna, RTI; Melanie Marken, Sr. Manager -US Sales Business Development Costa Coffee; Manny Araujo & Chartwells; Shawn Carvajel, SUNY Purchase |
| 3:10 – 4:00 PM Cypress A&B |
Smart Snacks: Nourishing Focus, Energy and Well-Being on Campus Discover how Smart Snacks is redefining on-the-go eating for SUNY Geneseo students. This session highlights an innovative campus dining initiative that combines science-backed nutrition with grab-and-go convenience to support student focus, energy, and success. Learn how collaboration between dining, nutrition, and marketing teams brough the Fiber Focus Box, Antioxidant Power Pack, and Brain Boost Box to life – and how these offerings are driving engagement, promoting wellness, and enhancing student experience across campus. Presented by: Heather Carrera, DCN, MS, CNS, CDN, Nutrition and Wellness Manager Campus Auxiliary Services at SUNY Geneseo; Kacie Haynes, Creative Director, Marketing Campus Auxiliary Services at SUNY Geneseo |
| 4:10 – 5:30 PM |
Work Group Meetings
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| 5:30 PM 7 Kitchens |
Happy Hour Don’t forget your drink tickets! |
| 6:00 PM 7 Kitchens |
Battle of the Chefs Watch nine SUNY culinary teams compete for the title of SASA’s next Battle of the Chefs champion! |
| 7:30 – 9:30 PM The Atrium Bar at Exit 33 |
Post-Battle Party & Awards, Sponsored by Sodexo and Austin & Co. Join us after Battle of the Chefs to find out the winners and mingle with your colleagues. |
TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026
| 7:30 – 8:00 AM Tuscarora |
Morning QiGgong Ancient Chinese mind-body practice combining slow, gentle movements, deep breathing, and meditation to cultivate and balance the body’s vital energy, or “qi” (life force). |
| 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Oneida-Mohawk |
Registration and Corporate Partner Showcase Open |
| 8:00 – 8:30 AM Oneida-Mohawk |
Breakfast |
| 9:00 – 10:00 AM Oneida-Mohawk |
Corporate Partner Meet & Greet |
| 10:10 – 11:00 AM Canandaigua |
Designing Inclusive Digital Experience: Digital Accessibility in Social Media This session will provide practical, campus-tested strategies for creating accessible social media content that aligns with legal requirements, enhances user experience, and promotes equity. Attendees will learn how to avoid common pitfalls, apply accessibility best practices, and build sustainable workflows across departments. Presented by: Andjela Dapa, Marketing and Web Coordinator, SUNY Oswego; Tracey Stefanelli, Marketing Director, SUNY Delhi |
| 10:10 – 11:00 AM Seneca |
Mobile-First/Mobile Credential Campus Join this session to tackle the essential shift to a Mobile-First Campus Credential strategy:
Presented by: Rob Klish, Director of Technology Services, Morrisville Auxiliary Corporation; Kristen Hodge, Account Executive, Transact & Cbord; Mike Atkins, Senior Account Executive, Transact & Cbord |
| 10:10 – 11:00 AM Cypress A&B |
Moving Training Forward Our employees are our most valuable resource. While training has numerous important outcomes, improved retention is one of the most important as it drives continued success. No matter at what stage your training program is, or even if you don’t have one started (or don’t think that you have one started), this presentation will give you concrete steps to furthering the development and implementation of a training program. Presented by: Keith Rosengren, General Manager CAS at Geneseo |
| 10:10 – 11:00 AM Tuscarora |
The Secret Ingredient: Special Events in Collegiate Dining Join us for a session that goes beyond food service to explore how student engagement and special events in collegiate dining can transform the campus experience. From themed meals to interactive activities, dining events create meaningful connections that foster community, enhance student satisfaction, and support retention. This session will share strategies, best practices, and success stories to help you reimagine how dining can play a leading role in shaping campus culture. Don’t miss this opportunity to gather fresh ideas and inspiration for making you dining program a hub of engagement and belonging. Presented by: Ray Kohl, Director of Marketing & Communications – University at Buffalo Campus Dining & Shops |
| 10:10 – 11:00 AM Cypress C |
The Student Culinary Council: An Essential Ingredient for Dining Services Transform your campus dining program through student-led innovation. Discover how Binghamton University’s Student Culinary Council has become a powerful catalyst for change, partnering with Auxiliary and Dining Services to drive meaningful improvements in food quality, sustainability, and student satisfaction. This session reveals proven strategies for launching or revitalizing a student council that goes beyond feedback collection to actively shape dining decisions. Leave with a practical framework for building authentic student-administration partnerships and actionable ideas you can implement immediately – whether you’re starting from scratch or energizing an existing program. Presented by: Easton Zhu, President, Student Culinary Council; Charles Williams, Campus Executive Chef, Binghamton University Dining Services; Cindy Cowden, Sr Assoc. Dir., Auxiliary Services |
| 11:00 AM Oneida-Mohawk |
Corporate Partner Meet & Greet |
| 11:45 – 12:50 PM Oneida-Mohawk |
Lunch |
| 1:00 – 1:50 PM Cypress A&B |
Culinary Boot Camp Explored Explore SUNY Cortland’s Culinary Boot Camp. This yearly training which focuses on fundamentals and culinary skills for full time employees. This serves as a training tool to provide positive skills and supports the team. Presented by: James Webb, CEC Corporate Executive Chef, Cortland Auxiliary Services; Alysia Hatfield, Executive Chef Residential Dining, SUNY Cortland; Elias Kushner, Executive Chef of Catering, SUNY Cortland |
| 1:00 – 1:50 PM Canandaigua |
Donation Program Design Lab This guided design lab, let by Chris Harasta, a coordinator with the Move Out Project, walks participants through creating a donation program for a fictional institution. After a short presentation on campus waste and real-world success stories, groups will receive unique campus profiles (e.g., community college, urban campus) and use a “Startup Toolkit” to design programs that fit their needs. Teams will identify key stakeholders, partners, and logistics for donation flow, then present their concepts for discussion. The session concludes with participants receiving the Move Out Project’s real-world implementation toolkit to launch their own initiatives. Presented by: Chris Harasta, Sustainability Manager, Sodexho at Binghamton University |
| 1:00 – 1:50 PM Tuscarora |
Retirement Presentation This engaging talk invited retirees to reflect on the unique paths their careers have taken and the profound ways those experiences have shaped their lives. We’ll explore personal stories of growth, resilience, and transformation, highlighting how involvement in auxiliaries created opportunities for connection, leadership, and purpose beyond traditional roles. Attendees will gain insight into the lasting impact of service within auxiliaries – not only on a professional development but also on personal fulfillment and community building. Join us for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the legacy of dedication and the unexpected ways careers continue to influence life after retirement. Presented by: Ginny Geer Mentry, Executive Director Monroe Community College; Debbie Krueger, Director of Dining, retiree; Dana Weiss, Executive Director, retiree |
| 1:00 – 1:50 PM Chautauqua |
Sustainability & EO32 Update This presentation will dive into two goals from SUNY Carbon and Sustainability Action Plan, “30 percent of food purchased is produced in New York State,” and “Increase the availability of food that meets sustainability guidelines.” These goals were drafted with feedback from students and stakeholder engagement. Policy experts from NYS Agriculture and Markets and SUNY Office of Sustainability will define what these goals mean, provide resources for implementation, and lead a discussion about hurdles and possible solutions through partnership. Participants will walk away with one or two realistic action items for their campus that supports sustainability and appeals to students. Presented by: Sadie Ross, Director of Sustainability and Climate Action, SUNY; Henry N. Talmage, Senior Advisor on Food Policy and Procurement, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets |
| 2:00 – 3:00 PM |
Work Group Meetings
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| 3:00 PM Oneida-Mohawk |
Corporate Partners Strike Booths |
| 3:10 – 5:00 PM |
Campus Designation Group Meetings (check the app if you aren’t sure what designation your school belongs to)
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| 5:00 – 6:00 PM Oneida-Mohawk |
Happy Hour Don’t forget your drink tickets! |
| 6:00 – 9:00 PM |
Dinner on Your Own |
| 9:00 – 10:30 PM |
Games Night: Bingo & Trivia Experience the thrill of Bingo on the Turning Stone Gaming Floor, followed by a fun-filled Trivia Session in Oneida-Mohawk. Compete for amazing prizes and enjoy a night full of laughter and friendly competition. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your knowledge and luck! |
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2026
| 7:30 -8:00 AM Tuscarora |
Morning QiGgong Ancient Chinese mind-body practice combining slow, gentle movements, deep breathing, and meditation to cultivate and balance the body’s vital energy, or “qi” (life force). |
| 8:00 – 8:30 AM Oneida-Mohawk |
Breakfast |
| 8:30 – 9:50 AM |
Work Group Meetings
|
| 10:00 AM Oneida-Mohawk |
Annual Business Meeting Close the 2026 Annual Conference with us and hear reports from each work group and the Conference Planning Committee. |
CORPORATE MEMBERSHIPS & SPONSORSHIPS
SASA’s Corporate Members have the unique opportunity to reach hundreds of Auxiliary Services professionals in New York State.
WHY BE A CORPORATE MEMBER?
Q: What is the SASA Annual Conference?
A: A gathering of the most influential auxiliary services decision makers representing 46 campuses in the SUNY system.
Q: Why would my company want to become a Corporate Member or sponsor this conference?
A: Because your competitors will be there talking with some of the most innovative, interested and connected Auxiliary Services managers in the State of New York.
Q: What else can be gained by sponsoring the SASA Annual Conference?
A: It’s insider baseball – you’ll be first in line as Auxiliary Services professionals discover their need for your product or service to continue to innovate on their campus.
A FEW MORE REASONS TO SAY YES:
- Meet and strengthen ties with these auxiliary key decision makers through exclusive networking opportunities
- Gain a deeper understanding of campus needs and missions through attending sessions along with campus professionals
- Stay in-tune to hot topics and needed services in our industries
- Elevate brand awareness and exposure to hundreds of SASA members representing a variety of industries through advertising, demonstrations, and vendor space at SASA events
- Numerous networking opportunities at meals, conference sessions and events
MEMBERSHIP LEVELS & CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Membership and sponsorship opportunities for the 2025-2026 Conference is closed. Thank you for your interest.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025-2026 CORPORATE MEMBERS
If your business is interested in becoming a Corporate Partner or sponsor for a future SASA Conference, please contact us.
DIAMOND MEMBERS
PLATINUM MEMBERS
GOLD MEMBERS
SILVER MEMBERS
