National WIC Association

2017 Biennial NWA WIC Technology, Program Integrity, and Vendor Management Education & Networking Conference and Exhibits

September 25 - 28, 2017



Registration Closed


About the Conference

2017 Biennial NWA WIC Technology, Program Integrity, and Vendor Management Education & Networking Conference and Exhibits

September 25-28, 2017 | Memphis, TN


The National WIC Association (NWA) will host its 2017 Biennial NWA WIC Technology, Program Integrity, and Vendor Management Education & Networking Conference and Exhibits. The conference will be held at the Memphis Cook Convention Center and Sheraton Memphis Downtown hotel located in downtown Memphis, TN. 

This biennial Conference is an opportunity for you to network, share and learn about technological and program integrity innovations, EBT  and directions for WIC’s future.

This Conference will provide options for improving WIC’s service delivery, and consumer and partner base at the state and local levels, enhancing Management Information Systems (MIS), addressing the importance and value of quality data collection, as well as systems and information security.  The Conference will give WIC agencies knowledge of the latest in MIS and Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) technologies and help equip agencies to meet WIC’s Congressionally mandated EBT implementation deadline of 2020!

The Conference will also focus on all aspects of Program Integrity including fraud, waste, and abuse. The Conference will discuss the imperative of MIS/EBT implementation as a “real time” tools for managing WIC Program Integrity, the latest in best practices, and innovations.

We are expecting over 450 attendees this year. Among them will be key decision makers representing the USDA/FNS, State, ITO, and Local WIC agencies, as well as vendors who participate in WIC and who provide WIC technology and program integrity services to the WIC Community.

Don’t Miss this Exciting Opportunity to:

  • Become a partner to advance WIC to EBT by 2020;
  • Learn the latest information and technological advances to improve the daily service delivery to our clients;
  • Gain knowledge to successfully implement technologies that best suit your Agency;
  • Collaborate with WIC colleagues, IT and other vendors from across the nation;
  • Learn what’s new in federal requirements, now and in the future;
  • Discover Best Practices ready to implement in your State or Local Agency.

Letter of Support from USDA FNS:

Sarah Widor, the Director of Supplemental Food Programs Division, sent a letter to all state agency WIC directors supporting the NWA 2017 Technology Conference. This letter confirmed that WIC Program funds may be used to fund travel expenses and registration fees for this conference.

 

NWA looks forward to seeing you at this year’s Conference and Exhibits.

Hotel Information

The Hosting Hotel for the conference, The Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel, is sold out. 

The Overflow Hotel will be the Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown is sold out.

The SpringHill Suites Memphis Downtown is serving as an additional overflow hotel, located at 85 West Court Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103.  

________________________________________
Hotel Reservations
You can make your hotel room reservations at the Springhill Suites by calling the hotel directly at 901-522-2100. Identify yourself as a NWA 2017 Technology Conference attendee to receive the negotiated hotel room rate

You may also make room reservations on-line via the following special web-site created just for you:http://www.marriott.com/meeting-event-hotels/group-corporate-travel/groupCorp.mi?resLinkData=National%20WIC%20Association%20%5Ememmp%60NWANWAA%7CNWANWAB%60119.00%60USD%60false%604%609/25/17%609/29/17%609/29/17&app=resvlink&stop_mobi=yes 

Please note that any personal or special request must be made at the time your room reservation is being made or at the time of checking in.

________________________________________
Hotel Room Rate
NWA has negotiated a special room rate of $119 per night for a single/double plus a nightly room tax currently set at 17.75% and a $2 flat fee per occupied room, per night. This tax rate is subject to change without notice.

NWA encourage you to make your room reservations early to ensure that you will be in the hosting hotel at the guaranteed rate. Upon checking in, each guest will be asked to provide a valid government issued ID along with proof to which the room reservation was made.

________________________________________
Method of Room Guarantee
The hotel requires a major credit card to guarantee your room reservation, and first night's deposit (including taxes) payable at the time the reservation is being made. Please note that this is the hotel’s policy and is non-negotiable. Cancellations must be received by the hotel three days prior to your actual arrival date to avoid having the first night's room and applicable taxes charged to your credit card.
________________________________________
Hotel Check-In/Out Policy
Hotel check-in is 4:00pm and check-out is 12:00pm. Should you arrive before the scheduled check-in time, the hotel may arrange to have your bags stored until a room becomes available. Late check-out can be requested upon arrival.
________________________________________
Guest Parking
The hotel offers on-site parking for all registered guests. NWA has negotiated a special parking rate of $28.41 per night for our conference attendees.
________________________________________
Airport/Hotel Transportation
Memphis International Airport is located approximately 12 miles (a 20 minute drive) from the  Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown and is serviced by several major airlines within the U.S. For more information about Memphis International Airport and local transportation options visit their site at http://www.flymemphis.com/

Shuttle and taxi cab services are available at the airport.

 

Registration

Regular Registration Rates - before August 15, 2017
Member Rate: $325
Non-member Rate: $400

Late Registration Rates - on or after August 15, 2017
Member Rate: $350
Non-member Rate: $450

Single Day Registration Rates
Member Rate: $185
Non-member Rate: $245

NOTE: On-site registration = Late Rate + a $75 Processing Fee

All payments are due before or on the first day of the Conference. Payments must be received to gain access to and participate in all conference activities and sessions.
POs will not be accepted on-site.
________________________________________

Online Registration

Online registrations are processed via our web-based system. Each registrants must have or create a profile (account) in order to register online.

Registrants using a Purchase Order (PO) or check, must select the "Bill Me" option from the online registration system when registering. Credit card payments will be processed via our secured Stripe site. The system will automatically e-mail a registration confirmation to the e-mail provided. If you do not received a confirmation, please call our office.

Registration via Mail, Fax or Email

To register by mail, fax or e-mail, download the Conference Registration form, complete, and submit it via e-mail to Registration@nwica.org or fax it to 202-387-5281. Registration forms may also be mailed to:

National WIC Association
2001 S Street, NW Ste. 580
Washington, DC 20009

To obtain our Federal Identification Number, please call our office at 202-232-5492.

________________________________________
Cancellation & Refund Policy
It is NWA's policy to charge a processing fee for all cancelled registrations. To cancel your registration, a written request MUST be received by NWA via e-mail to egilcher@nwica.org or fax at 202-387-5281 no later than close of business on August 15, 2017.

Cancellations received before or on August 15, 2017 will be refunded, less a $75 processing fee. No refund will be granted for cancellations received after August 15, 2017. NWA regrets that refunds will not be granted for "No-shows."

Exhibitor Prospectus

We invite you to participate as an exhibitor and/or sponsor at our 2017 Technology and Pogram Integrity  Conference and Exhibits.

VIEW EXHIBITOR PROSPECTUS

VIEW INTERACTIVE FLOOR PLAN

 


Why Exhibit?

If you are seeking to introduce your products and services or an alternative promotional strategy to a new or existing audience, this conference offers several affordable options to meet your marketing needs.

By exhibiting and/or sponsoring at this conference, you will:

  • Create new customer and client relationships with WIC decision makers from across the nation;
  • Strengthen and build upon existing customer and client relationships;
  • Increase visibility for your company/organization in a targeted market;
  • Promote and market your products and services;
  • Reach prime target market segments for your products and services; and
  • Demonstrate your commitment to promoting quality public health nutrition for women, infants and children.

Exhibit Dates/Hours:

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

7:00 am - 12:00 noon --- Exhibitor Move-in and Set-up
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm --- PM Break / Networking & Exhibits
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm --- Reception / Networking & Exhibits

Wednesday, September 27, 2017
7:30 am - 8:30 am --- Breakfast / Networking & Exhibits
10:00 am - 11:00 am --- AM Break / Networking & Exhibits
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm --- Lunch
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm --- PM Break / Networking & Exhibits

Thursday, September 28, 2017
8:00 am - 9:00 am --- Breakfast / Networking & Exhibbits
10:00 am - 10:300 am --- AM Break / Networking & Exhibits
12:00 pm - 5:00 pm --- Exhibitor Teardown & Move Out


Booths

Exhibit Booth Packages:
Gold Level -  $5,000
Silver Level -  $3,500
Bronze Level -  $2,500
Standard Commercial/For-Profit  - $1,500
Standard Non-Profit - $1,000

Gold, Silver & Bronze Sponsors have first choice to all available exhibitor spaces.

For questions or to exhibit at this conference, please contact Dale Greenberg, the Association's Conference Manager, at 410-491-2654 or at dale.greenberg@conferencedirect.com

Justification Letter

We have created a "justification letter," designed to help explain the benefits of your attendance to your supervisor as you seek funding. Please customize the template as appropriate.

Volunteer

Volunteers are needed each year to help make the 2017 Biennial NWA WIC Technology, Program Integrity, and Vendor Management Education & Networking Conference and Exhibits a success. NWA is using SignUp.com to manage the volunteer shifts and assignments for the annual conference. We are looking for individuals to serve as: bag stuffers; room monitors; moderators; registration assistants; and note-takers.

Become a Volunteer in 3 easy steps:

  1. Click this link to see our SignUp on SignUp.com
  2. Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like. 
  3. Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.

Volunteering is a great way to give back and network while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the conference.

Please note: You must be registered to attend the conference to volunteer.

 

Click to View Volunteer Opportunities on SignUp.com

Speaker Presentations

If you don't see a presentation, we are either waiting for permission or the presenter did not give permission.

Tuesday, September 26

  • Protecting the Integrity of the WIC Mission – Mainstreaming our Participants, Adapting to the Evolving Food Industry, and Implementing Agile Policies and Procedures, Art Burger, Burger, Carroll & Associates, Inc.
  • Leveraging Partnerships and Technology to Increase WIC Participation, Erin Johnson, Colorado WIC Program, Erin Ulric, Colorado WIC Program
  • Using NWA Resources to Advance Your WIC Program, Emily Gilcher, National WIC Association, Natalie Mulloy, National WIC Association
  • eWIC Transaction Data...A Vendor case study from "Suspicion to Sanction" Alan Sheil, CFE, State of Wisconsin, Office of the Inspector General, Michelle Bostick, FIS Government Solutions
  • Implementing MIS/EBT – Whatever It Takes (WIT), Brad Christy, WIC Program Services, Florida Department of Health
  • Why Your State Should Authorize A-50 Stores, Tim O'Connor, Former Associate Administrator of Special Nutrition Programs, FNS, Cristina Yrigoyen, Former WIC mom, Shawn Brown, WIC Vendor Manager, Oklahoma, Mike Amiri, Nutricion Fundamental Inc., Richard Flores, Mothers Nutritional Centers
  • It's Cloudy in Washington,  Janet Jackson Charles, Washington State Department of Health, Becky Waite, Washington State Department of Health, Bob Nash, DXC.technology
  • Best Strategic Practices and Cost Containment, Brad Christy, WIC Program Services, Florida Department of Health, Felicia Heard, USDA Food and Nutrition Service
  • To Millennials…and beyond! Paris Hutchinson, City of Detroit Health Department, Hannah Shultz, National WIC Association
  • Stakeholders Speak: Lessons Learned after EBT Implementation, Katharyn Daun, Cognosante Consulting, Michelle Bostick, FIS Government Solutions, Kim Word, Oregon Health Authority, Jennifer Nagy, USDA Food and Nutrition Service
  • TeleWIC! Ways to Support Young Families, Karen Farley, California WIC Association
  • How Can I Use WIC Technology Partners (WTP) to Support My Technology Projects? Jerilyn Malliet, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Chad Imker, USDA Food and Nutrition Service

Wednesday, September 27

  • Greater with WIC: Using Technology to Amplify WIC Assets and Improve Recruitment and Retention of WIC Participant, Quinney Harris, National WIC Association, Elisabet Eppes, National WIC Association, Nanci Jenkins, Panhandle Health District, Glencora Gudger, Richmond City Health District, Amelia Bandy, Cumberland Plateau Health District, Mary Schultheis, Crescent City WIC, Meryl Smith, District Health Department #10, Pam Halbach, Racine/Kenosha Community Action Agency, Linnea Sallack, Altarum Institute, Loren Bell, Altarum Institute
  • No Longer Distant – E-Commerce Brings WIC to the Participant! Sandy Harbanuk, State of Alaska, Melissa Baker, USDA Food and Nutrition Service
  • Participant Access Criteria, Trish Bailey, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Diana Ramos, USDA Food and Nutrition Service
  • Using Data Exchanges to Strengthen [WIC] Program Integrity, Justin Hyde, Director, Market Planning, Health and Human Services State and Local Programs, LexisNexis® Risk Solutions, Tim Meeks, Project Lead, PMP – Ciber, Inc. and Consultant to Mississippi Department of Human Services, Reshma Khatkhate, SNAP/TANF Policy Director, Mississippi Department of Human Services
  • Deconstructing WIC EBT POS Receipts, Erin McBride, UDSA Food and Nutrition Service
  • More Than Inventory Audits, Brad Christy, WIC Program Services, Florida Department of Health, Justin Wohlsifer, USDA Food and Nutrition Service
  • Mosaic - WIC-as-a-Service, Karen Clements, Texas Department of State Health Services, John Hannemann, Texas Department of State Health Services - WIC, Sarah Flores-Sievers, New Mexico Health Department Family, Food and Nutrition Section, Joetta Ferrell, Louisiana Office of Public Health

  • Vendor Selection Criteria, Trish Bailey, USDA Food and Nutrition Service

  • WIC PNSS & PedNSS; A Multi State Collaboration, Kobra Eghtedary, State of Michigan WIC Program

  • Bringing Automation, Efficiency, Expanded Product Choice to the WIC Program, Lacey Workman, Label Insight

  • Establishing WIC Food Package Categories and Subcategories to Support Implementation of WIC EBT: PPT 1, PPT 2, PPT 3, Jung Thai, AZ EBT Project and Emily Iem, PA EBT/MIS Transfer Project

Thursday, September 28

  • Mobile Applications in the WIC Community: A Panel’s PerspectiveKobra Eghtedary, State of Michigan WIC ProgramTami Matti, Minnesota WICRyan Magee, WICShopper, Mary Blocksidge, Massachusetts WIC
  • Using Social Media to Reach and Retain - Best Practices, Helen Anderson, WICImedia, Hannah Shultz, National WIC Association
  • MOMents That Matter: Incorporating Emotion Into Technology, Debi Tipton, Chickasaw Nation
  • EBT Equipment Costs: Who Pays What, When? Jessica Owen Day, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Claire Brown, USDA Food and Nutrition Service
  • Fraud Detection in the World of WIC, Jeff Poli, FIS Global
  • Staying Connected: Social Media, Hannah Shultz, National WIC Association
  • Harnessing the Latest Technology to Lift Up Your Voice for WIC, Elisabet Eppes, National WIC Association
  • When Behavioral Economics (BE) Meets Mobile Technology (MT) in the WIC Program, Harry Zhang, Old Dominion University
  • “Embracing the Change:” How Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Brings Program Integrity into Focus, Loren Haughn, State of Michigan WIC Program, Santiago Rios, State of Michigan Department of Attorney General
  • The Future of WIC Technology – What Could be the Focus of a 2030 Mandate? Art Burger, Burger, Carroll & Associates, Inc.