The 30th annual conference of the Society for Foodservice Management (SFM) has as its theme “Building Bridges, Competitive Strategies for Today and Tomorrow,” a goal well supported by a tripartite education and development program that will key in on three main areas: business building strategies, career and personal development and innovative culinary ideas.

The keynote session will be highlighted by keynote speaker Kim Rothstein, principal at The Marlin Network, who will address the topic, , “The New Era of Foodservice: Implications for Your Business.” There will also be workshops on leadership, innovative technology to reach new customers, re-engineering foodservice contracts to win/win, finding hidden catering sales, motivating a multicultural workforce and culinary sessions on flavors and unique dining options presented by The Culinary Institute of America.

The conference takes place September 29 to October 2 at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco, giving attendees a chance to tour one of America's premier restaurant cities as part of the program. For more information or to register, go to www.sfm-online.org