SFM National Conference to Include "Veggie Race" to Benefit Local School

The Society for Foodservice Management (SFM) will host its annual conference, with a theme of Conquering Myths, Defining Realities, September 11-13 in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace. Each year's National Conference features an event designed to raise awareness about hunger.

This year, SMF will hold a “Veggie Drag Race” to benefit the Whitney Elementary School in East Las Vegas, where nearly 85 percent of the children are homeless according to CBS News. Modeled after Pinewood Derby Races, SFM members will compete in teams to design the most aerodynamic “veggie” car and determine which vegetable is best, or at least, fastest. Children from the Whitney Elementary School will join SFM at Caesars Palace for this event.

“For SFM members, food is both our life and our career, which is why hunger awareness is so central to us,” says SFM President Barbara Kane. “When we heard about Whitney Elementary School, we were truly touched and wanted to do something fun and unique with the students to benefit the school.”

Additional features of the 2012 SFM Conference include:

Educational Sessions: Throughout the three day conference, SFM will be holding a number of educational sessions designed to conquer myths in foodservice. Topics range from the creating a path to brand turnarounds, retail foodservice design, using social media to build sales, developing a successful healthy menu and operation, the lies and myths of wine, and many more.

Sponsor Showcase: On Thursday, September 13, nearly 45 companies representing all facets of the foodservice industry will be available for attendees to learn more about their products and services.

Featured Speakers:

Carin Stutz is CEO and president of Cosi, Inc., leading all aspects of franchise development and operations for 80 company-owned and 57 franchise restaurants.

Drew Nieporent, one of America's most respected and celebrated restaurateurs, is the founder and inspiration behind the Myriad Restaurant Group, which operates Tribeca Grill, Nobu New York City, Nobu Fifty Seven, Nobu London, Nobu Next Door, Corton, Centrico and Crush Wine & Spirits.

Kevin Zraly worked at the Windows on the World Restaurant from its opening in 1976 until September 11, 2001. His book, Windows on the World Complete Wine Course, is the largest-selling wine book in the United States, with over four million copies sold. Zraly also authored Kevin Zraly’s American Wine Guide, the only book to cover all 50 states.

For more information, please visit www.sfm-online.org.