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General Sessions
3 days filled with learning, networking, and building meaningful relationships.
8:00am – 6:00pm

Registration & Information Desk

Location: Ellington Pre-Function
8:00am – 2:00pm

Vendor Fair Setup

Location: Overlook
2:00pm – 3:30pm

General Session

Location: Ellington Salon D-F
Editor v. Editor

Different Areas of the Industry, Different Views!  In this dynamic session hear from Restaurant Business Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Maze, and FSD Editor-in-Chief Tara Fitzpatrick as they interview each other and provide a look into what is happening from each side of the foodservice space.  Learn how certain trends may impact the industry as a whole and walkway with key ideas for future planning!

Speakers:

Senior Executive Editor, The Restaurant & Food Group
Informa Connect

Editor-in-Chief
Restaurant Business

Sustainability Overview
The State of Sustainability in the Industry

Hear from Top Operators from All Sectors of the Industry Who are Making a Difference by Pushing Initiatives Forward and Facilitating Progressive Changes!

Speakers:

Associate Editor | Moderator
FoodService Director

Chef Manager
Harvest IFNH, Rutgers University

Industry Building Blocks ‘Mini Session’- Solution Based Fireside Chat and Case Study Review
3:30pm – 3:45pm

Transition Break

3:45pm – 4:30pm

Workshops (Choose 1 of 3)

Flavors and Trends: Exploring Pacific Rim Cuisine

During this presentation we will explore what PRC is and dive into the vibrant ingredients that make this cuisine so incredible.  We will also discuss the penetration of PRC across all segments and why PRC resonates with operators and consumers.

Speakers:

Senior Sales Manager- Non-Commercial Foodservice
King's Hawaiian

Presented By:
King's Hawaiian
Embracing Trends and Driving Versatility: Menu Innovation Is The Answer

Join Impossible Foods as we explore menu innovation as a tool for driving long-term success with delicious, sustainable, and versatile recipes ideal for any non-commercial segment.

Speakers:

Director of Non-Commercial Foodservice
Impossible Foods

Lead Culinary Specialist
Impossible Foods

Presented By:
Impossible Foods
Option 3
Speakers:

Founder
Jim Green & Associates

4:30pm – 6:30pm

Vendor Fair Reception

Location: Overlook

Join us to celebrate the first day of MenuDirections overlooking Midtown Atlanta! Mingle with colleagues and old friends and explore new solutions from MenuDirections's supplier partners as you enjoy food and refreshments. 

6:30pm – 9:30pm

Dinner on Your Own

7:45am – 4:45pm

Registration & Information Desk

Location: Ellington Pre-Function
8:00am – 8:45am

Networking Breakfast

Location: Overlook
8:45am – 9:30am

Workshops (Choose 1 of 3)

Option 1
Presented By:
Golden Malted
Finding Technology that Tastes Good for Food Teams

In today’s rapidly evolving foodservice landscape, the right technology can make all the difference. Jonathan will explore how innovative tech solutions can seamlessly integrate into your daily operations, enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and empowering your culinary teams. Discover how Galley Solutions' cutting-edge software not only supports but enhances the workflow and creativity of food service professionals. Attendees will leave with valuable insights on selecting tech that aligns with culinary goals and operational needs, turning everyday challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation.

Speakers:

Vice President of Sales and Food Data Advisor
Galley Solutions

Presented By:
Galley Solutions
Option 3
9:30am – 9:45am

Transition Break

9:45am – 10:45am

General Session

Location: Ellington Salon D-F
AI vs. HI- Unlocking Flavors of the Future by Combining Human Intelligence with Artificial Intelligence

Whether you are fine-tuning existing dishes or venturing into unexplored trend territories, leveraging AI platforms can serve as a stepping stone to achieving culinary brilliance!  During this session Chef Ian Rameriz will guide us through interactive program to explore the synergy between AI and Human Intelligence within recipe and menu development. This eye-opening presentation we will examine how AI can be a powerful tool for recipe development; while proving that the power of the human brain is what can take these ideas to the next level. Get ready to unlock the secrets of flavor mapping, an exercise that empowers humans to take culinary innovation to the next level. Join us as we embark on a flavorful journey, discovering how AI and human intelligence harmoniously blend to unlock the vibrant flavors of the future!

Speakers:

Founder
Mad Honey Culinary Studio

10:45am – 11:15am

Networking Break

Location: Ellington Pre-Function
Presented By:
Pacific Northwest Canned Pears
11:15am – 12:00pm

Workshops (Choose 1 of 3)

Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
12:00pm – 12:15pm

Transition Break

12:15pm – 2:15pm

Vendor Fair Lunch

Location: Overlook

Enjoy a roving lunch as you stroll through the Vendor Fair visiting our supplier partners to learn about new offerings, helpful solutions and more!

2:15pm – 2:30pm

Transition Break

2:30pm – 3:45pm

General Session

Location: Ellington Salon D-F
Consumer & Menu Trends to Watch
Speakers:

Editor
Technomic

Labor Shifts

A lively discussion with onsite leaders from each segment about operations, technology, the workforce and new regulations! 

Speakers:

Editor-at-Large and Vice President of Content Innovation
Restaurant Business

3:30pm – 5:30pm

Vendor Fair Teardown

Location: Overlook
3:45pm – 4:00pm

Transition Break

4:00pm – 4:45pm

Workshops (Choose 1 of 3)

Global Flavor Trends - Culinary Inspiration

Simplot Corporate Chef Roberto Roman will be preparing dishes from our latest global trends recipe collection, answering questions, and showcasing new Simplot products. 

Speakers:

Corporate Executive Chef
Simplot

Presented By:
J.R. Simplot Company - Boise, ID
Option 2
Option 3
5:30pm – 7:30pm

Taste Venture

Location: Ellington Pre-function/Foyer
Presented By:
Hormel Foods
7:45am – 11:00am

Registration & Information Desk

Location: Ellington Pre-Function
8:45am – 9:30am

Networking Breakfast

Location: Ellington Salon A-C
9:30am – 9:45am

Transition Break

9:45am – 11:00am

General Session

Location: Ellington Salon D-F
Culinary Challenge ‘Mini Session’

Back of the House Solutions and Trend Focused Ideas. A quick culinary demo to showcase menu efficiencies with limited ingredients.  

The Food-as-Medicine Movement

An apple a day may in fact help keep the doctor away! Join Senior Editor Benita Gingerella and a panel of industry experts for an enlightening session around functional foods and the balance they play between menu innovation and nutrition. Learn how food can be more than just fuel for the body, food can be medicine!   This discussion will provide new insights and ideas as these experts explore the important role of “food-as-medicine” within on-site foodservice, and how operators from all segments can incorporate this growing trend into their program.

 

Speakers:

Senior Editor | Moderator
FoodService Director

President
O'Neil Nutrition Communications

Vice President, Nutrition and Industry Relations
Relaltions, Chartwells K12

Senior Director of Culinary Innovation
Morrison Healthcare

The MD Editorial ‘Quickfire’ Roundup

Parting Thoughts and Shots with the FSD Editorial Team- Hear their take and get the inside scoop on top trends, Insights, and Takeaways from MD 2024! 

20+Speakers
200+Attendees