2026 US IDDSI Virtual Conference
Introduction
Tired of confusing questions about implementation? Ready to arm yourself with better ways to advocate for the IDDSI framework across the continuum of care?
Join IDDSI experts virtually throughout 2026 as they demystify all things IDDSI. Get clear answers to your most frequently asked questions and ensure safer, more consistent care for your patients and loved ones across the lifespan.
Dates
- Wednesday, January 28, 2026 @ 12pm EST
- Wednesday, February 25, 2026 @ 12pm EST
- Wednesday, March 4, 2026 @ 12pm EST
- Wednesday, April 29, 2026 @ 12pm EST
- Wednesday, May 20, 2026 @ 12 pm EST
- Wednesday, June 3, 2026 @ 12pm EST
Conference Details
- Register for the entire 6-session series, covering full IDDSI implementation, for $75 USD.
- Sessions will be provided via Zoom platform (links will be shared after registration and ahead of meetings).
- Recordings will be available for watching up to 30 days after the last session.
For speaker bios and disclosures, please visit:
https://www.iddsi.org/events/2026-us-iddsi-virtual-conference-6-part-webinar-series
Session Summaries
January 28, 2026 : Becoming Familiar with IDDSI: Website and Resources
Gain a practical working knowledge of IDDSI by navigating its core website resources, frameworks, and tools so your team speaks the same language about texture-modified foods and thickened liquids. This session fast-tracks access to evidence-based guidance and ready-to-use materials that underpin safe implementation.
Time Ordered Agenda
- 12:00-12:03: Welcome and Intros
- 12:03-12:33: IDDSI Website Navigation and How it Pertains to Your Setting with Karen Sheffler, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S and Mary Rybicki, MS, RDN, LDN
- 12:33-12:50: Panel Discussion with Moderator, Rene Ruzicka Kanadet, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S
- 12:50-12:58: Live Q&A from Audience
- 12:58-1:00 PM: Wrap Up
Learning Objectives
- Navigate the IDDSI website and locate core resources.
- Locate applicable implementation resources, utilizing IDDSI website and the USIRG-specific webpage, to customize resources in your setting.
- Identify at least 3 ready-to-use tools from IDDSI website or USIRG webpage to apply to your implementation plan.
February 25, 2026: Forming Your Team
Learn how to form teams that include clinical, foodservice, management, and patient representatives, and run brief stakeholder consultations to secure buy-in and define responsibilities. Leave with a simple team structure and an engagement plan to coordinate and sustain IDDSI implementation.
Time Ordered Agenda
- 12:00-12:03: Welcome and Intros
- 12:03-12:33: Forming Your Team: Stakeholders, Roles, & Responsibilities with Carly Edwards, MS, RD, LDN and Robert Melchionna, M.S., CCC-SLP, BCS-S
- 12:33 -12:50: Panel Discussion with Moderator, Carolyn “Carrie” Wade, M.S., CCC-SLP
- 12:50-12:58: Live Q&A with Audience
- 12:58-1:00 PM: Wrap Up
Learning Objectives
- Identify key implementation team members that you’ll need at your facility
- Define roles/responsibilities for each implementation team member
- Create strategies to secure buy-in from administration
March 4, 2026: Your Own Personal IDDSI Implementation Calendar
Translate IDDSI requirements into a time-bound, role-specific implementation calendar tailored to your setting’s resources and priorities. This workshop helps you sequence tasks, set milestones, and assign owners so progress is measurable and achievable.
Time Ordered Agenda
- 12:00-12:03: Welcome and Intros
- 12:03-12:33: Building Your Calendar: Creating Role Specific & “Big Picture” Timelines for IDDSI Implementation with Michael P. Salvatore, III CEC and Carolyn “Carrie” Wade, M.S., CCC-SLP
- 12:33 -12:50: Panel Discussion with Moderator, Rene Ruzicka Kanadet, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S
- 12:50-12:58: Live Q&A with Audience
- 12:58-1:00 PM: Wrap Up
Learning Objectives
- Define implementation into sequenced, time-bound tasks tailored to your setting
- Create roles and milestones for each task in the calendar
- Create a realistic implementation timeline for your facility
April 29, 2026: Spread the Word! Education for Key Stakeholders
Design targeted education campaigns and role-specific training that embed IDDSI knowledge into everyday practice for clinicians, kitchen staff, and care partners. Practical tips on messaging, delivery formats, and competency checks to ensure consistent understanding and uptake will be provided.
Time Ordered Agenda
- 12:00-12:03: Welcome and Intros
- 12:03-12:33: Education: Training by Role, Competency Development, and Communication Plans with Rene Ruzicka Kanadet, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S and Rose Britt, RDN, CNSC
- 12:33 -12:50: Panel Discussion with Moderator, Mary Rybicki, MS, RDN, LDN
- 12:50-12:58: Live Q&A with Audience
- 12:58-1:00 PM: Wrap Up
Learning Objectives
- Design role-specific training formats for clinicians, kitchen staff, and direct care staff
- Create competency assessments and auditing tools for the implementation process
- Develop a communication plan to maintain ongoing education for current and new staff members
May 20, 2026: Check Out the Food and Drinks! Mapping and Menu Development
Use IDDSI audit tools to map current products to IDDSI levels, standardize recipes, and develop safe, palatable menu options. This session covers sampling, testing methods, labeling and recipe adjustments needed for reliable, repeatable foodservice delivery.
Time Ordered Agenda
- 12:00-12:03: Welcome and Intros
- 12:03-12:33: Food & Drink Mapping: How to Map, Testing Interpretation, and Recipe Modifications with Chef Alexa Kirtley and Lori Reamer, RDN
- 12:33 -12:50: Panel discussion with Moderator, John Holahan, B.S., M.B.A.
- 12:50-12:58: Live Q&A with Audience
- 12:58-1:00 PM: Wrap Up
Learning Objectives
- Identify how to map existing products and recipes to correct IDDSI levels
- Describe how to perform and interpret testing for foods and liquids
- Explain how to modify recipes and labeling to produce repeatable menu options that align with IDDSI standards
June 3, 2026: Clinical Communication: Assessment, Charting & Patient Materials
Clinical Communication: Assessment, Charting & Patient Materials Standardize clinical documentation, assessment tools, and patient education so food texture and thickened liquid recommendations are communicated accurately across care transitions. Discover templates and communication strategies that reduce errors, support clinical decision-making, and empower patients and families.
Time Ordered Agenda
- 12:00-12:03: Welcome and Intros
- 12:03-12:33: Communication: Clinical Documentation, IDDSI & Clinical Workflow, and Patient/Caregiver Education with Susan E. Almon-Matangos, MS/CCC-SLP and Noel Slaughter, RD
- 12:33 -12:50: Panel discussion with Moderator, Robert Melchionna, M.S., CCC-SLP, BCS-S
- 12:50-12:58: Live Q&A with Audience
- 12:58-1:00 PM: Wrap Up
Learning Objectives
- Identify how to standardize clinical documentation to meet IDDSI standards
- Integrate IDDSI-based assessment tools into clinical workflows
- Discuss how to produce/adapt patient/caregiver education materials to match IDDSI terminology and standard
Cancellation Policy
Refunds are not available, as all participants will be provided access to the recorded sessions. We regret any inconvenience this may cause. If you are unable to attend any of the scheduled sessions, you will still receive full access to the corresponding recording and materials following the event.
IRG Commitment & Working Philosophy
- The US IDDSI Reference Group (US IRG) is an independent collective of volunteers and will comply with the anti-trust, competition laws of the country or regional area.
- The US IDDSI Reference Group (US IRG) fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment. NO discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, gender, gender identification, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or level of ability.
Complaint Policy
Questions and concerns pertaining to this event should be directed to usevents@iddsi.net. Complaints arising during or after an event can be filed using the post-evaluation evaluation assessment or by contacting usevents@iddsi.net.
Accessibility/Accommodations Policy
If you require accommodations to attend this event, please contact usevents@iddsi.net.
CEU Information
CBDM/ANFP for Dietary Managers - CDM, CFPPs
- The 2026 US IDDSI Virtual Conference has been approved for 6 continuing education (CE) hours by the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers (CBDM), (live or recorded).
- CE certificates awarded after all 6 webinars completed and post-test submitted. If Live attendance at all 6 webinars, no post-test is required.
RD/RDNs, DTR/NDTRs
- Live attendance awards 5.5 CPEUS in accordance with the CDR CEPU Prior Approval Program. Viewing the recorded version and completing the post-test awards 6 CPEUS. CPEU certificates awarded after all 6 webinars completed and post-test submitted. If Live attendance at all 6 webinars, no post-test is required.
SLPs: ASHA Continuing Education
Satisfactory Completion Requirements
- Certificates of completion will be awarded after active attendance at the webinars, submission of a completed evaluation, and submission of a completed assessment of learning. Partial credit is awarded for this continuing education event; however, recorded sessions will not be available for ASHA CEUs. A link to the online assessment and evaluation will be provided.