NACAS South CX

Join Dean Erdmann, a German-Certified Master Chef with more than 30 years of leadership experience in the hospitality and food service industry, for a guided tour through six unique kitchens, the Mixology lab, and student common spaces. Lunch provided. Registration $65

The NACAS South Board and Past Presidents invite you to join our members and Business Partners for a reception welcoming you to Orlando.  Whether this is your first conference or you’re a seasoned attendee, we're exited to network and make connections that will enhance your experience.  Enjoy light bites and drinks.

Need a space for a break or to answer a few emails, stop by the Lounge for a quiet space.

Birds of a Feather is back for its 9th year and ready to introduce you to NACAS South CX! Come get to know your conference colleagues with this fun networking session, allowing you to connect and meet new and experienced auxiliary professionals. This session is a great opportunity for first timers to get an idea of what to expect from the conference and meet some new contacts so everyone can make the most of NACAS South CX! 

Join us for the state of NACAS with remarks by NACAS President Brett Jackson and NACAS CEO Rich Steele.

The recent growth of the University of Georgia campus has created areas on campus with limited options for substantial food service. These 'food deserts' were traditionally served by vending machines. Fortunately, technology has allowed for a new concept to become a reality on campus, and in 2019 UGA Auxiliary Services opened their first Campus Market Express location. Campus Market Expresses are unattended micro markets that are operated by UGA Auxiliary Services. Each of our micro market locations are unique, as they may be designed to fit a variety of spaces in our host facilities. Guests may choose from fresh grab-and-go items, snacks, a large variety of beverages, and even fresh-brewed coffee. This business model has been very well received by the campus community and Auxiliary Services currently operates eleven micro markets on campus, with plans for more!

Speakesr: Bryan Varin, Brett Jackson

Embark on a journey through UTA's innovative realm, where parking lots are crafted from recycled plastics and the nation's longest-running self-driving shuttle program charts new paths. Where AI guides you to the ideal parking spot and Smart-Flex and Daily Upgrade revenue streams enrich our campus life. Beyond these innovations, our collaborative efforts with faculty and strategic grant funding are setting the stage for even more groundbreaking developments. Join us at our session to uncover the model behind UTA's transformative success and learn how you can pioneer similar innovations at your campus to innovate auxiliary services.

Speaker: Greg Hladik

In response to the evolving landscape of higher education, the University of Kentucky introduces the groundbreaking UK Invests program. Focused on holistic student development, this transformative initiative not only supports academic success, but also instills lifelong positive habits, fostering meaning and purpose beyond graduation. Identifying key elements critical to student success - academic achievement, financial stability, engagement, and wellness - UK Invests aligns these with healthy lifetime habits. In collaboration with campus partners and innovative financial education, the program has been extended to over 33,000 students. Students actively participate in tailored programming covering wellness, involvement financial literacy, and career readiness. Partnering with Fidelity Investments, participants can open personal brokerage accounts, allowing them to apply real money earned through positive activities toward investing and financial literacy. This presentation explores the design and development of UK Invests, sharing insights and lessons learned. Highlighting the impact of collaborative partnerships, we showcase early results revealing increased retention rates and higher GPAs among students with UK Invests accounts. Attendees will gain practical insights for fostering impactful collaborations in their institutions, promoting holistic student development and lifelong well-being.

Speakers: Eric N. Monday, PhD. & Kristen Turner, PhD.

"Partnering to Create Engaging Spaces" explores the collaborative process of renovating and creating new spaces through the lens of owners, architects, and engineering commissioners. This presentation showcases the synergistic efforts of diverse stakeholders in envisioning and executing projects that foster immersive experiences and promote community engagement.

Drawing upon real-world examples and industry insights, the session delves into the dynamic interplay between various disciplines in the design and construction process. From initial conceptualization to final execution, attendees will gain valuable insights into the strategies and best practices employed by each stakeholder group to optimize space utilization, enhance functionality, and elevate user experience.

Speakers: Gina Vanacore, Brady Jobe, Lance Brooks, David Reynolds, Geoff Kwale

There are many options when it comes to running your on-campus store, and this session will specifically discuss the benefits (and drawbacks) of self-operating your campus store. This presentation will touch on financials, campus community, the focus on student success and students first, the desire of institutions to be unique and have their campus store tied into the mission, vision and values of the college/university and how a well-run self-operated campus store is the best way to achieve those goals and so many more.

Speakers: Derick Robertson, Ann Floresca

Attendees will gain insights into the structure of the digital signage initiative implemented at the University of Kentucky. At the forefront of the university's digital signage strategy is the establishment of a centralized content, the use of a web-based Content Management System (CMS), aimed at enhancing content sharing capabilities and ensuring consistency in communication and technology campus-wide. The ability to capture attention hinges on the delivery of real-time, pertinent information. At the University of Kentucky, digital signage serves as visually compelling platform to enhance communication by delivering dynamic and captivating messages. When employed strategically, digital signage proves to be a potent tool for engaging students, conveying messages, and prompting action, all while reinforcing the institution's culture, values, and brand identity. Digital signage has become an indispensable element of the University of Kentucky's environment, offering vital information for education, support, and guidance to the campus community.

Speakers: Rosa De La Rosa, Marianne R.L. Young

Auxiliary Services encompasses a lot of different areas on a college campus. Typically, people think of dining, housing, parking, bookstore, etc., but these days Auxiliary Services departments are looking for ways to branch out and enter new realms that support their institution's mission, offer revenue generation opportunities, and connect Auxiliary Services to enrollment and retention strategies for their institution. Esports opens up a new avenue for these divisions, offering a service to gaming-centric students and creating a unique enrollment engagement opportunity for admissions support. At Georgia Southern University, we are "all in" on esports and gaming support for students, creating the Virtual Collaboration Center on our Statesboro Campus. Students can play a variety of PC, console, and board games in the space, and we're making the connections with students that boost retention or assist in enrollment efforts during admissions events.

Speaker: Michael Murphy

Recently, many colleges have encouraged development of more luxurious residence halls with a host of amenities designed to attract students. But as enrollment growth continues to outstrip housing supply, an increasing number of students are suffering from “housing insecurity.” This trend is particularly detrimental among first-generation and low-income students. Join us for a discussion of strategies for improving affordability while building community and promoting student wellness and success.

Speakers: Andy Albin and Gina Vanacore

Our opening keynote panel will define the "enrollment cliff" and outline the anticipated impact to higher education.  Our panelists will explore enrollment issues and provide tactics for how to achieve university goals for enrollment and retention.  Join us as we hear from a Senior Enrollment Advisor with Capture Higher Ed, a Director of Admissions with the University of Tennessee at Martin, and a Vice President for Enrollment with the University of North Texas.  Discussion will be moderated by Dr. Esmeralda Valdez from the University of Houston.

Buses will depart Dolphin Resort at 7:15pm

Kick off the 2024 South CX Conference with an epic Disney experience!  You'll enjoy entertainment, hors d'oeuvre, and refreshments.

Buses will depart Hollywood Studios beginning at TBD

Need a space for a break or to answer a few emails, stop by the Lounge for a quiet space.

The Business Partner Breakfast is a time to recognize our wonderful Partners that sponsor and support our campuses.  Don't forget about NACAS Foundation Flip A Coin, purchase your beads as you enter.  

Walk the expo hall and visit with our Business Partner.  Learn about new services or connect with reps from your current campus partners.

Lunch served in Expo Hall

Presentation will include how UGA has worked through various grant opportunities to maintain a robust fleet of vehicles which now includes 33 fully electric buses, the ability to garner new vehicles through grant funding, cost savings that we have experienced with the introduction of the electric fleet and what experiences/processes we have had being positioned to be awarded funding.

Speakers: Todd Berven, Brett Jackson

Within the world of Housing Facilities, we all have similar challenges . The opportunities of change fall to the staff, supervisors and directors to find safe, quick, easy and low cost methods to solve the concerns. This is an open subject, roundtable discussion of topics that could include move in/out, work orders, deferred maintenance, staffing, resident damage, summer camps, etc. Bring your own challenge to discuss and share ideas and solutions with your peers.

Speaker: Lee Myers

Equitable access programs are helping colleges and universities across the nation meet their highest-priority goals. Students save on the cost of course materials, are more prepared by having convenient access to their materials before the first day of class, and experience greater academic success. Institutions benefit from higher enrollment and retention, as well as differentiation in the marketplace. These successful equitable access outcomes start with a successful program implementation. A strong implementation, followed by skillful program management, brings the benefits of equitable access to life seamlessly for students, faculty and administrators. In this session, representatives from two partner institutions will join Barnes & Noble College to discuss the elements of a successful equitable access program implementation, including five essentials institutions need to get started. Panelists will share their firsthand experiences with choosing, launching and managing equitable access programs – and highlight the program elements most critical to securing buy-in and approvals. They also will highlight key features that support seamless program operations, such as a reliable, robust supply chain and a user-friendly opt-out function as well as other technology designed specifically to support equitable access. Additionally, the panel will discuss how to partner effectively and communicate strategically with campus stakeholders. The session will include a review of trends and data related to equitable access, including student preferences and improved access, convenience and affordability.

Speakers: Rachel Skipworth, Bobby Hamous, and Jennifer Russell

In the realm of higher education, the persistent challenges of loneliness and isolation among college students are gradually being addressed. More colleges and universities are taking proactive steps to create infrastructures that mitigate, and in some instances, completely eliminate these issues. This moderated session offers a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with accomplished campus administrators who have forged a strategic path to transform their dining services programs. Their aim is to not only foster social connections but also eradicate isolation and loneliness, while crafting dining environments that are not only welcoming and comfortable but are also thoughtfully designed to enhance the overall student experience. During this session, the panelists will tackle common misconceptions surrounding the strategic planning process, shedding light on the challenges they faced prior to implementing their plans. They will delve into the transformative outcomes of their initiatives, emphasizing the creation of safe and inviting environments within dining spaces. Step by step, they will unravel the strategic planning process, demonstrating how each leveraged critical data to overhaul all facets of their campus dining programs, with SOCIAL ARCHITECTURE™️ as the bedrock of this transformation. SOCIAL ARCHITECTURE™️ represents the intentional programming and design of campus dining facilities and services, enabling data-driven decisions that contribute to student success, heightened participation, and an enriched student life experience. Each panelist will share the remarkable impacts witnessed on their respective campuses, stemming from their dining service innovations. These successes include increased utilization of campus dining commons, a shift from students dining in solitude to collaborative endeavors within dining venues, a noticeable reduction in dissatisfaction, and, in one extraordinary case, a substantial surge in meal plan participation, scaling from 400 plans sold annually to an impressive 1,200 per semester. Furthermore, attendees will have the privilege of hearing directly from students on these campuses, who will articulate how the implementation of SOCIAL ARCHITECTURE™️ has left an indelible mark on their lives. They will also contemplate the role this paradigm will play in shaping their future successes. This session is not merely a dialogue about dining services; it is a testament to the power of intentional, data-driven design and the profound impact it can have on fostering social connections, eradicating loneliness, and shaping a vibrant and inclusive campus community. Join us on this transformative journey, as we explore the untapped potential of campus dining services to redefine the student experience and build a brighter future for higher education.

Speakers: DaNesha Allen, David Porter

Do you have a campus partner that you always feel is hindering your conference operations? Harmony in Collaboration is an engaging session that delves into the art of successfully managing conference operations through effective collaboration with campus stakeholders. This program will equip you with valuable insights and strategies to enhance your conference operations while making lasting connections with your campus partners. Do not miss this opportunity to dig deeper into successful collaboration and assessment and elevate your conference operations.

Speaker: Verva Jean Shumate

In 2023, Georgia Tech Dining began a partnership with a student founded company called Raccoon Eyes. This innovative partnership has helped to revolutionize food waste management in kitchens and dining halls for a cleaner, greener future. Every plate of food tells a story, and every story matters. Raccoon Eyes cutting-edge technology, powered by AI and Computer Vision, enables GT to capture, analyze, and derive insights from generated food waste and feedback. This data empowers kitchen management to save costs, increase sustainability, and enhance the dining experience. Tech Dining and Racoon Eyes firmly believe that the solution for food waste lies at the intersection between consumers and kitchens, and we are doing just that.

Speakers: Ryan Greene, Nathanael Koh

This session aims to demonstrate the value of establishing local business partnerships with college and university alumni. Leveraging partnership examples at the University of Tennessee, this real-life case study will detail the positive benefits that hyper-local agreements have on inspiring the entrepreneurial spirit of students, creating emotional connections to the on-campus dining program, and giving back to the local economy. Such partnerships benefit member institutions by improving student retention, financial return, and improved brand reputation in their surrounding communities.

Speakers: Brian Browning, Amanda Hough, Pulkit Vigg, Adam Summer

Hear a series of mini-case studies about how various independent college stores have developed innovative programs to grow sales, increase services, reduce expenses, build new partnerships, and/or improve customer and campus satisfaction. Innovation comes in many forms and does not require big budgets or large spaces—you’ll leave this session inspired with plenty of ideas to “borrow.”

Speakers: Derrick Robertson, Jon Bibo

 Funds go towards the NACAS South conference attendance scholarship. 

Need a space for a break or to answer a few emails, stop by the Lounge for a quiet space.

NACAS South Board will present the 2024-25 budget, membership report, proposed changes to the bylaws, and the slate of nominees for the 2023-24 Board for a vote.  Members will hear updates and learn the location for the 2025 NACAS South CX.  

Discover why delivering exceptional customer service is all about the details—nothing is left to chance. It is the result of deeply understanding customers’ expectations and putting the right guidelines in place so our Cast Members (employees) can focus on servicing our Guests. When an organizational framework properly unites its people, place, and processes around a singular purpose, exceptional service becomes possible across all customer touchpoints.

Auxiliary Services and Dining have become leaders in the integration of sustainability programs throughout campus operations. This session will highlight the journey of how UNT Dining grew their hydroponic garden with the help of Freight Farms, and how the program adds undeniable value to the mission of sustainability at the University. Through their partnership, Dining Services is participating in trial studies in lettuce intercropping to help Freight Farms validate the maximum productivity potential of container gardens which will lead the way to meeting the goal of producing 100% of the leafy greens being served at UNT hyper-locally on campus.

Speakers: Peter Balabuch, Alison Rabschnuk

Have you been asked to build a new facility or renovate an existing one to support your operation? Consult or collaborate on a larger construction project on your campus regarding the program for your operation within it? This session is designed for members who wish to gain a basic understanding of the competencies necessary to manage construction and renovation projects from their perspective on campus. Attendees will learn how auxiliary professionals study the need for a new project; determine scope and project goals; develop budget requests and other financial information to secure financing; and how to manage design and construction as part of a project team. Attendees will leave with resources on key terminology for construction and design and how institutional types impact construction and renovation on different campuses nationwide.

Speaker: Bill Cox

We realized there were portions of our parking lots that were underutilized and our mix of 30-minute spaces vs. visitor parking needed to be updated. We looked at several vendors and decided AMP (AIMS Mobile Pay) was the best solution for us. Presentation will walk through our strategic through process on the best areas to add AMP parking and how to market this new parking idea as a positive move for the campus. The session will show how Pay to Park has become an integral part of parking on campus.

Speakers: Derrick Davis, Kristi Bryant

This is a panel discussion with representatives from Auburn University, University of Houston, and University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and RevenueVision (NACAS Business Partner). Each institution will highlight examples of how combing data from normally disparate campus systems (Point of Sale, Campus Card, Financial, SIS, Housing, etc.) and campus partner data allows them to make more informed decisions regarding their auxiliary enterprises which has a direct impact on operations, revenues, and student well-being.

Speakers: Glenn Loughridge, Brian Browning, DaNesha Allen, Tom Strange

Campus-wide Access programs (also known as Equitable Access) are gaining popularity nationwide, reducing barriers to education by ensuring every student on a college campus can access their course materials by the first day of class. Access programs are about more than efficient, convenient textbook delivery. Research by Dr. Michael Moore, of the University of New Hampshire, shows that they improve outcomes and retention rates: a student in an Equitable Access program is 15.5% more likely to complete the course than a non-participant). These programs have helped schools of all sizes to begin to address some of the toughest questions in higher education related to improving retention and affordability. But how do you get a campus-wide program off the ground effectively? What does a successful strategic plan, and implementation, look like? In this session, we will hear success stories from the University of Houston, who launched one of the largest campus-wide Access programs in the country. Through the University of Houston’s Cougar Textbook Access Program, student textbooks savings for this academic year reached over $10M (compared to retail pricing);87% of students said they had a more positive experience because they did not have to worry about procuring materials on their own. Matt Oltremari, Program Director & Analyst for Auxiliary Services at the University of Houston, will lead a discussion on the tactics that produce successful campus-wide access programs, applying lessons learned from a course-by-course pilot that evolved into a permanent campus-wide program. The University of Houston is also working with Dr. Michael Moore to evaluate any potential impact of their CTAP program on student success and will share details on this progress. This interactive, data-driven session will include: a roadmap for an action-oriented program launch; how to transition from pilot, to course-by-course, to campus wide; best practices for communicating to students and faculty; and methods of tracking feedback and measurable results.

Speakers: Matt Oltremari, Ann Barlow

With over 200 approved licensees through the Trademark Licensing Program, JSU Tiger Bottled Water, and Specialty State Tags, Jackson State University has also improved brand awareness and community engagement. Your identity is very important and should be guarded. Learn who and what you are and embrace it. It is important to find partners to help you be you. There are many ways to build your program and evolve your brand. Each college and University has a different identity, history, and culture, which must be protected at all costs. Trademark Licensing programs vary at each University but are major revenue generators for your campus.

Speaker: Kamesha Hill

This conference session will delve into the dynamic realm of strategic partnerships between higher education institutions and their business partners; exploring innovative ways to foster collaboration and mutual benefit. Attendees will learn how the University of Miami approached its print management philosophy with the goal of furthering engagement with its business partner, and aligning core principles that benefit students, and the broader University community.

Speakers: Ana Alvarez, Humberto Speziani, Andrea Rai, Sr.

Student communication is a persistent issue at colleges and Universities.  Sonoma State University students commonly complained about the lack of communication around campus life, services and experiences.  The creation of a student lifestyle brand launched through print, digital social media and word-of-mouth platforms helped create an effective marketing and communication platform (Seawolf Living) for our students and the campus.  Seawolf Living has become largely student-led and continues to be the go-to platform for student engagement and marketing.  This presentation will provide a brief history on the genesis of Seawolf Living, a dive into the various facets (and effectivenss) of the platform and will discuss opportunities to further increase student engagement and revenue.

Speakers: Neil Markley, Valentina Hidalgo, Madeline Cole

Join NACAS South as we cheers to another successful conference filled with learning and connection.

NACAS and NACAS South are always searching for ways to get more feedback and professionals involved in the association.  This will be a roundtable discussion providing the new CEO, current NACAS President and Past President, and current NACAS South President Elect and Membership Coordinator feedback on the association.  Topics discussed will include: how to get on the board or in a committee position, site selection for future conferences, topic of concern within the profession and dispelling urban legends.