SFM met for its 2010 National Conference in Disney's Central Florida haunts to stir up some magic of its own.
Who knows, we may just have a little Disney magic for you to take home.” That declaration, part of the opening remarks made by SFM President Ann McNally to attendees of the group's 2010 National Conference, kicked off the events.
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| IT REALLY IS A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL. The New York Street section of Walt Disney World where SFM President Ann McNally (right) checks out the “moychindice” for sale. | |
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| Incoming SFM president Carol Bracken-Tilley | |
Held in the shadows of Disney's mid-Florida wonderland in Lake Buena Vista, the conference took as its theme Put Your Creativity to Work. The Disney angle was reinforced by an address given by Disney Institute's Tom Madden, who spoke on Disney's Approach to Leadership Excellence.
The conference agenda touched on various areas of interest, from recruitment (Attracting and Retaining Talent in Today's Environment), sanitation/food safety (Crisis Management: Understanding Food Safety and the Impact of Foodborne Illness on Your Operation) and of course new media (Tweet This!) to sustainability (The What, Who and How of Sustainable Food and Beverage) and Menu Refreshment (Menu Magic: Smart New Innovations to Invigorate Your Menu).
Bill Rancic, winner of the first season's competition on the popular Donald Trump-hosted TV show The Apprentice, gave the keynote address while motivational speaker Joleen Goronkin gave attendees advice on how to Create Your Own Crystal Ball.
The conference was also the venue where SFM honored members who have served the organization and the onsite dining community with distinction and dedication.
SFM's President's Award was given to Barbara Kane of Ecolab, a longtime participant in and supporter of SFM's activities.
Other winners included Dick Hynes of Hobert (Lifetime Achievement Award), Charlene Goff of Edgewater Marketing (Robert Pacifico Above and Beyond Award), Jay Silverstein of Credit Suisse (Richard Ysmael Distinguished Service Award), Bernadette Ventura of Cini-Little International (Leadership Award) and Steve Norgren of Aramark (Spirit Award).
