Society for Foodservice Management 2008 National Conference

Tours and Special Events

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Optional Social Tours and Golf Outing

Tuesday, September 9

Inner Space Cavern

Discover the unknown of the Inner Space Cavern with other SFM National Conference attendees, located just 40 minutes from the Hilton Austin! Join us for an afternoon of mysterious and magical exploration of the beautiful caves below the Earth’s surface. Attendees will have the chance to experience incredible displays from thousands of years ago to present day!

Price per Person: $27.00 (Lunch will not be provided)

Mandola Estate Winery

Established by Carrabba’s Restaurant founder, Damien Mandola, visitors experience the essence of wine-making on a serene tour through the Mandola Estate Winery. Located just 30 minutes from the Hilton Austin in historic Driftwood, Texas, the Mandola Winery offers Italian flavors in the Texas hills. Stroll through the 20-acre vineyard on a guided tour and learn the intricate process of wine-making. At the conclusion of the tour attendees will have the opportunity to taste a sampling of what the vineyard has to offer and enjoy a true Italian meal at Trattoria Lisina.

Price per Person: $60.00 (Lunch will be provided)

Golf Outing

Start your conference networking early by joining your friends and colleagues at Teravista Golf Club, Austin’s premier golf destination. Teravista’s 18 hole championship golf course features some of the best golf in Texas! This 7,200 yard course, designed by Floridian George Clifton, will challenge golfers of all ages and abilities. The strong Texas winds will test the best of players, while the beginner friendly tees will make the game fun for all newcomers. A breakfast buffet will be available at the club upon arrival. As always, the traditional awards lunch will be served following the tournament. Boarding begins at 6:00 am in the Hilton Austin Hotel lobby. The bus will depart promptly at 6:15 am.

Price per Person: $195.00 (Breakfast and Lunch will be provided)

For more information on registration for any of the optional tours please call 856-642-4426 or e-mail jbarrett@ahint.com.

Special Events

Opening Reception – Long Center for the Performing Arts

Tuesday, September 9

Kick-off the conference at one of Austin’s newest and most impressive venues—the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Savor traditional southern barbeque and some of Austin’s most unique culinary creations. Gather old friends and network with new ones on the breathtaking City Terrace and enjoy striking city views and music from live entertainment.

While experiencing the flavors of Texas Barbeque, you will have the opportunity to network with Texan Chef and author of The Texas Cowboy Kitchen, Grady Spears.

This is one event you won’t want to miss!

Hunger Awareness Walk

Wednesday, September 10

Support the Hunger Awareness Committee and their initiatives by joining them for their annual walk. Rise and shine to participate in a sunrise walk down to the beautiful Town Lake Metropolitan Park which stretches along the banks of the Colorado River from Tom Miller Dam on the west to Colorado River Park on the east. The distance to Town Lake is about a half mile each way, so make sure your walking shoes are packed in your suitcase to Austin!

Please meet in front of the water wall in the lobby of the Hilton Austin at 5:45 am as the group will depart promptly at 6:00 am.

The registration fee is $25 and will be collected on the day of the walk. All proceeds will benefit Hunger Awareness.

SFM After Hours Party

Wednesday, September 10

Rock the night away with fellow SFM members and conference attendees with a unique after hours party in Austin! Watch in amazement as The Vibe Providers create one of a kind art pieces while they spin the latest records in the DJ booth. All artwork will be available for purchase at the SFM auction. After a day of intriguing educational sessions, put on your dancing shoes, grab a drink, and get ready to be entertained!

Please check the on-site final program for more information on this one of a kind event!

SFM Silent Auction

Thursday, September 11

Sponsored by the SFM Foundation, The Mary Hofer Memorial Silent Auction benefits funds to promote and educate college students on the merits of onsite foodservice. The Foundation develops outreach programs to attract the best college students to the onsite industry. Currently, the foundation funds onsite classes at colleges and universities throughout the country and supports students through scholarships.

To donate an auction item, please click here for the donation form.

Taste of SFM

Thursday, September 11

The Taste of SFM showcases the amazing talents of our SFM member chefs that can rival any top restaurants. Attendees will be treated to succulent appetizers during a special cocktail reception prior to the President’s Banquet. Immediately after the President’s Banquet, attendees will enjoy a special after hours event where SFM member chefs will also prepare delicious desserts to perfectly compliment dinner. This event will be one to remember…

Get Interactive with Your Fellow SFMer’s!!
This interactive challenge encourages SFM attendees to submit and share cost-effective ideas under 20K that provide the greatest impact to their respective food service organization and generate revenue.

Conference attendees can submit their most creative ideas prior to the conference (via e-mail) or onsite at the Communication Center. Submissions should be 100 words or less and will be voted on by a panel of judges at the National Conference. The winner will receive a complimentary registration, valued at $650, to the 2009 National Conference!!

Please submit entries to sfmnationalconference@gmail.com.

Submitted ideas will be posted on the SFM website after the conclusion of the National Conference for members to reference.

Dress for Success – NEW THIS YEAR!

Thursday, September 11

Join the Women's Council's hot new initiative in the cool city!

The Community Action Committee of the SFM Women’s Council is partnering with the Austin affiliate of the Dress for Success organization at the 2008 SFM National Conference. Dress for Success’ mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Please note:
Scheduling Non-SFM Functions

Events that conflict with officially sponsored SFM events or educational programming are not allowed during the conference. This includes hospitality suites, special breakfasts, focus groups or similar events. SFM policy states:

Non-SFM sponsored social functions must be held offsite (outside the conference hotel) and not conflict with any scheduled SFM event or educational session held during the conference. Sales presentations are specifically forbidden. Any pre-conference mailing must conform to the Associate Member Mission Statement and Standard of Conduct. Any violation of these standards will result in a board review.