Annual SFM conference emphasizes strategies for B&I as business dining looks to a slowly recovering economy.
Over 260 registrants gathered at the Westin-St. Francis in San Francisco in October for the annual SFM Conference, Competitive Strategies for Today and Tomorrow.
The opening keynote presentation was delivered by Kim Rothstein of the Marlin Network Consulting Group, who provided an in-depth analysis of the demand patterns and behavior of a new generation of foodservice consumers.
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| (From top left) Owen Moore presents Sumi Benedettis with the SFM Spirit Award; Scott Siers (center) receiving the Robert Paci co ‘Above & Beyond’ Award from past recipients Dick Hynes and Rod Collins; Gerald White, winner of the Richard Ysmael Distinguised Service Award, anked by Stephanie and Christine Ysmael; and Tracy Kelly, recipient of the SFM Directors’ Leadership Award. | |
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| For a video clip of Debi Benedetti’s acceptance speech when receiving SFM’s 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award, go to food-management.com/ video/1109-SFM-achievement-award | |
A major highlight was a general session panel, What Does the Future Hold?, that featured top executives from Aramark, Compass Group and Sodexo (see story on p. 10). Other sessions covered topics such as how to find hidden catering opportunities, implement sustainable practices and use social media technology to build business.
In fundraising events, the Hunger Awarenes Committee sponsored an afternoon walk across the Golden Gate Bridge and the SFM Women's Council sponsored its annual Dress for Success drive to promote the independence of disadvantaged women.SFM recognized several members for their contributions in awards presentations over the course of the event:
Rick Post, CEO — Contract Foodservices, Compass Group North America (2009 President's Award);
Debi Benedetti, president of Beyond the Possible, (2009 Lifetime Achievement Award);
Gerald White, president of the Gerald White Co., (Richard Ysmael Distinguished Service Award);
Scott Siers, president, Scott Siers & Associates, (Robert Pacifico Above & Beyond Award).
Tracy Kelly, Sodexo's director of strategic planning (Director's Leadership Award);
Ron Tremper, Compass Group, (SFM Community Service Award);
and Sumi DiBenedettis, Pepsico, (SFM Spirit Award).