SNA-WI FALL CONFERENCE RECAP
The SNA-WI fall conference was held November 2nd and 3rd at the Holiday Inn & Convention Center in Stevens Point. The SNA SFNS credentialing exam was offered in the afternoon. Six Wisconsin members took the exam.
The evening started off with a tour of the UW-Stevens Point Student Dining Kitchen and Facilities tour. Members enjoyed seeing how the kitchen operates on a college campus.After the tour members enjoyed viewing the latest and greatest products available to us at the Vendor Informational Session. 30+ vendors were available to talk to members and answer any questions they may have had.
Friday was filled with information on how we can better communicate with our peers, bosses, parents and the media. Erik Peterson, SNA Director of Public Awareness, was our keynote speaker. Erik included interviewing tips, information on how to develop the key messages that we want to convey; and explained the impact of non-verbal communication skills in conveying those messages accurately. He also reminded us that it is important to be proactive with the media, in other words, establishing a relationship with local media contacts before a situation arises so that they come to you for answers and the truth. We all want to be known as the child nutrition experts in our own areas. Two brave members of SNA-WI then put these skills to the test. Deb Goad, SFNS (Janesville) and Pam Lange, RD (Elkhorn) were interviewed by Erik. The tapes were then shown to the group for evaluation and critiquing. It was an engaging and interactive learning session.
We wrapped up the day with a panel discussion by Peggy Eller, RD; Katie Wilson, SFNS; and Sue Baier, who each shared with us their media experiences. They reiterated Erik’s message that we should be calling the media in your area and asking them to report on the good things going on in our programs.
The group left the day feeling more confident in dealing with parents, peers and the media. Thanks to Erik for a great session!
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