SFM Events

SFM Critical Issues Conference Recap
Tuesday, April 14, 2009

It was the day before Tax Day when approximately 160 foodservice professionals convened at New York University’s Kimmel Center in Manhattan for the 8th Annual Critical Issues Conference. Although the state of their own personal finances was top of mind, they were eager to look at the bigger picture, as well.

Members of the first scheduled panel presentation tackled the topic of how current economic challenges affect the foodservice industry and provided suggestions as to how operators can enhance business as well as vendor relationships. Panelist Alice Elliott, The Elliott Group, encouraged the attendees to share ideas and learn through SFM; to read industry publications in order to have “your finger on the pulse of the industry so you can teach your employees.”

Participants of the second panel of the day were tasked with providing innovative solutions to help operators “Rebuild, Restock and Redesign” their facilities. One panelist suggests creating two or three served or self-serve kiosks at the crossroads within the building that can be expandable when business picks up. “All should be compatible if you need to place them together in the future.”

The final speaker of the day-who donned red high-top sneakers a few minutes into her presentation-was Ann Fry, MSW, motivational speaker from the ReGeneration Group. With the objective of motivating attendees to make constructive changes in their lives and inspire them to thrive in the workplace, Fry touched a nerve among many of her stressed listeners, some of whom are actively job hunting and others who fear they soon will be.

Following the conference attendees gathered in Rosenthal Pavilion, overlooking midtown and Greenwich village, for the always popular networking reception. During the reception attendees networked and discussed the topics of the day. ARAMARK provided a wide array of food and beverages options including a cold seafood display, a carving station, a Peking duck station and an open bar. A special thank you to ARAMARK and NYU for hosting the conference. We would also like to thank Conference Co-Chair, Sandy Smith, Broadway Party Rentals, for contributing all the rented items for the networking reception.

SPONSORS

Once again, we would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous support:

ARAMARK, Broadway Party Rentals, City Baking, Coca-Cola, Coffee Distributing Corporation, Colavita, Compass Group, Ecolab, Food Management Magazine, M.M. Hayes Company, National Pork Board, New York University, Peet’s Coffee and Tea, PepsiCo Foodservice, ProTek, Sodexo

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