Society for Foodservice Management 2008 National Conference

Keynote Presentations

Afterburner Inc.

The Afterburner high-impact team building motivational speaker will engage attendees in a 60-minute keynote speech on executing flawlessly in the business world. Attendees will learn how Fighter Pilots execute missions flawlessly in the most hostile environments on the planet, and how business leaders can do the same in their environment to achieve goals, whether it be increased employee retention, higher sales profits, a new product launch, etc.

About Afterburner, Inc….
Afterburner, Inc. is a group of 50 male and female Fighter Pilots who train business leaders to use Flawless Execution tools and techniques. The team of real Fighter Pilots from across the globe will help companies improve execution and will help people lead more effectively through legendary corporate team building, employee team building, corporate team building seminars, motivational keynotes, corporate team building events, leadership seminars, and execution leadership training programs.

Andrew Zimmern

Bizarre Foods

About Andrew Zimmern…
Andrew Zimmern, a food writer, dining critic, TV personality, chef and teacher, is also the co-creator, host and contributing producer of the Travel Channel's hit series "Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern." The food aficionado travels the world, exploring tastes along the way. From restaurants to jungle markets, it's all about discovering the authentic experience. Zimmern is an associate editor at Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine, with two monthly columns under his byline in addition to his blog, Chow and Again, on mspmag.com. This New York native and graduate of Vassar College, currently serves as Target's own meal adventure guide. Zimmern also serves as the international spokesman for Proctor and Gamble's Pepto-Bismol and global travel management company, Carlson Wagonlit Travel. He is the face of Elite Destination Homes as well.

"Mr. Zimmern is a delight, charming and intelligent," the New York Times has said. "By taking an anthropological approach to food, Mr. Zimmern broadens his subject, conveying a vivid sense of place and a serious appreciation for social and culinary diversity."

Andy Ford

Preparing for Proactive Change – CultureWaves

Understanding the macro and micro behavior occurring in the marketplace is essential as we prepare for what's next. This presentation will introduce coming trends in three timing opportunities: Emerging, Growing, and Mainstreaming phases. It will offer a hopeful look at the consumer of today and tomorrow with mind-blowing insights and practical queries asking how we can capitalize on the tightening budgets in the marketplace.

NEW THIS YEAR!
Attendees will be able to get involved, literally, in this session! With the magic of technology, attendees will have the chance to take part in answering different questions on individual keypads and see the results of the entire audience in mere seconds! See what your colleagues think are the trends of the past, present, and future!

About Andy Ford…
As CultureWaves™ WaveMaster and Chief Insights Officer for NOBLE Communications, Andy Ford provides thought leadership to one of the agency's most dynamic and growing disciplines – CultureWaves. Ford is a trained observer of the effect that lifestyle choices, demographics, media bombardment, education, and experiences have upon the world's diverse population. His job is to fit in with – and infiltrate – a variety of groups, giving him a unique perspective on social and brand interaction.

Paul B. Handel, M.D. and Eduardo Sanchez, M.D.

How We Live is Why We Spend

Worksite wellness programs can be instrumental in reversing the trend towards chronic disease and simultaneously improve productivity. Commitment from senior leaders is the most important step to achieve the goal of improved health status for employees and their families. Healthier schools, workplaces and communities create healthier and more productive, competitive workforces. This session will provide an overview of how our lifestyle choices impact our health and finances.

About Paul B. Handel, M.D….
Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer
Health Care Service Corporation · Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
Dr. Paul B. Handel is the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), which operates the Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Illinois, Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. As CMO, Dr. Handel develops, manages and directs the company's medical strategies and policies. He also leads HCSC's comprehensive wellness efforts and works to improve the company's health care management capabilities.

About Eduardo Sanchez, M.D….
Vice President and Chief Medical Officer · Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
In overseeing BCBSTX's medical directors and Office of Physician Advocacy, Dr. Eduardo Sanchez plays a key part in helping the Division fulfill its mission of improving the health and well-being of its members and communities across the state. Prior to joining BCBSTX, Dr. Sanchez was director of the Institute for Health Policy, School of Public Health, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. He is also the former commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) and the Texas Department of Health (TDH). As TDSHS commissioner from 2004 to 2006, Dr. Sanchez oversaw the operations of the 11,500-employee state agency responsible for public health, mental health and substance abuse — including Texas' health and medical responses to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.