From the expo floor to university-led sessions and Chicago moments, Chartwells and its partners explored how Dining, Made Personal can connect students, strengthen institutions, and be brought to life! 

October 26, 2026

CHICAGO, Il. — From September 26-30, higher education leaders gathered in Chicago for the annual NACAS C3X Conference to exchange ideas, explore new possibilities, and demonstrate the critical role auxiliary leaders play in shaping the student experience.

“C3X is our premier annual gathering–the largest community of dedicated, like-minded professionals coming together to solve problems, launch initiatives, and collect ideas that elevate auxiliary operations, strengthen institutions, and, most importantly, empower student success,” said Rich Steele, CEO of NACAS. Our time together at C3X this year will be remembered for the substance of thousands of conversations and the lasting relationships built as professionals unite to navigate the challenges facing higher education.”

Chartwells Higher Education shared in those conversations through thoughtful spaces on the expo floor, university-led sessions, immersive campus experiences, friendly conversations over dinner, and late-night conversations in the hospitality suite. Across each touchpoint, one idea continued to surface: Dining is made personal through strong partnerships, shared purpose, and a clear focus on the student experience. 

More than a Booth: Built for Connection 

At the Chartwells booth, conversations extended beyond dining. Attendees connected with Chartwells leaders, clients, and partners to discuss the changing behaviors of today’s students and the role dining services plays in creating experiences that connect students in their four years of college and beyond. 

The Milestones experience celebrated the moments that define the student journey, from the first campus tour to graduation, and all the possibilities that lie ahead. Every year in the student journey brings a need for different experiences that Chartwells Higher Education is there to join in, celebrate, and support. 

From Big Idea to Campus Reality 

During “AI and the Student Experience: From Concept to Campus Marketplace,” Cody VanDorn and Ellen Curtis of Cal Poly Partners shared how Cal Poly is developing a campus-wide Marketplace platform designed to bring dining, grocery, retail, and campus engagement into one connected experience. 

The session explored how student input, rapid prototyping, and applied artificial intelligence can help reduce friction across campus while creating more personalized ways for students to navigate services, make decisions, and engage with their institution. 

What truly stood out was the opportunity to design campus systems around students rather than around individual departments or disconnected platforms. 

Come for the View. Stay for the Experience. 

Northwestern brought the campus experience to life through an immersive tour that explored how space can give students both a reason to go and a reason to stay, supporting well-being and mental health.  

Guests experienced Northwestern’s approach to inclusive dining and intentional space design. The creation of Luna’s Pub and Grill offered a real-world example of how what began as a bare field overlooking Lake Michigan could become a year-round anchor for student connection and community.  

The view did not change, but the way the space was framed did. By creating reasons for students to stay through dining, evening hours, special events, and recurring programs, the space became a lively place where connection and tradition emerge.  

“The feedback from attendees has been incredible,” said Jeremy Schenk of Northwestern University. “People kept talking about the hospitality, the quality of the food, and how thoughtfully the experience was designed. It was amazing to hear their reactions throughout the day. The team truly knocked it out of the park.” 

“It was an honor to welcome NACAS attendees to Northwestern and share what can be achieved through a strong partnership,” said Byron Williams of Chartwells Higher Education. “The day reflected the passion, hospitality, and commitment of so many people across our teams. We were proud to showcase experiences that support student well-being, community, and innovation.” 

Beyond the Transaction: Partnership with Purpose 

The University of Kentucky session, “Beyond the Transaction: How Kentucky Built a Partnership to Advance the Commonwealth,” explored how auxiliary services procurement can become a catalyst for broader institutional strategy. 

University of Kentucky and Compass Group leaders, including Chartwells’ very own Nadeem Zafar, COO, and Salli Darden, SVP of Strategy, discussed the importance of moving from traditional vendor relationships toward partnerships grounded in shared accountability, measurable outcomes, and institutional priorities. The conversation examined how aligned teams can strengthen financial performance while elevating the student experience and creating new opportunities for reinvestment. 

One entity. One promise. Strong partnerships are built through trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to strengthening the institution and advancing the commonwealth. 

Where NIL Meets Dining 

The session “NIL Meets Dining: A New Model for Student Engagement” highlighted the first-of-its-kind partnership between Chartwells Higher Education and the University of Pittsburgh. 

Kathryn Lavelle, Senior Director of Marketing at Chartwells, and Julie Bannister of the University of Pittsburgh discussed how the partnership connects student-athlete influence with performance nutrition and everyday campus dining. 

Through the program, student-athletes align their personal brands with dining locations and menu items, including signature dishes they help create. The model demonstrates how dining can serve as a platform for student engagement, collaboration, wellness, and community. 

The next phase of the partnership focuses on authentic athlete-generated content that highlights personal creations and connects with an audience that resonates closely with both the dining and athletic experience. 

When the Sessions End, the Conversations Continue 

The Chartwells-sponsored hospitality suite created another opportunity for attendees to reconnect, exchange ideas, and continue building relationships in a welcoming, relaxed setting with 33rd-floor views of the Chicago skyline. 

The conversations also continued at a partner dinner hosted by Chartwells Higher Education at the Chicago Sports Museum, where guests partook in a fun “Sports Challenge” to earn the top spot and claim their prize. 

Together, these gatherings reflected the value of making space for conversation–not only in scheduled sessions, but also in the moments between them. 

Setting the Stage for What’s Next 

As NACAS C3X came to a close, Chartwells Higher Education helped bring the conference’s central themes into focus during the closing keynote. Throughout the week, the student experience remained at the forefront of many conversations. Whether through dining, campus spaces, technology, or programming, attendees explored how each touchpoint contributes to student success and the feeling of belonging.  

“Students may not always notice the behind-the-scenes work of campus life, but they absolutely feel when it’s done right,” said Jenny Garcia, EVP of Brand Advancement and Industry Relations. “Food brings people in. The experience is what they remember.” 

Garcia’s remarks reinforced a theme that echoed throughout the conference: Auxiliary leaders are truly the backbone of the student experience. C3X reinforced how powerful it can be when dining, technology, campus spaces, and partnerships come together around one shared goal: creating a better experience for students. 

One Campus, One Promise 

Across C3X, one theme continued to emerge: Students do not experience campus in organizational silos. They experience one campus, one promise, and the collective result of the people and partners working beside them. 

“Students today expect customization, but ultimately, personal connection and a sense of community are what make a campus experience memorable,” said Eva Wojtalewski, CEO of Chartwells Higher Education. “C3X provided a platform to learn from our partners, share what we are building together, and continue the conversation about how we can continue to make the student experience better.” 

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