General Session
Location: Capitol BallroomBrigaid founder, and former Head Chef of Noma in Copenhagen (perennially named the best restaurant in the world), Dan Giusti discusses his transition from the restaurant world to K-12 school foodservice.
Editor-at-Large
Winsight Media
Founder
Brigade
Taste of Ponce City Market
Location: 9-Mile Station9 Mile Station, an elevated beer garden in the heart of Atlanta, is located on the top floor of the city’s famous Ponce City Market. This beautiful space has some of the best views Atlanta has to offer, with expansive unobstructed views of the skyline, from Buckhead to Downtown. Join us as we sample craft beers from local brewers—and taste some of the most delicious cuisine this vibrant culinary city has to offer.
Please check in at 5:15pm at the Sheraton Atlanta Hotel (Capitol Foyer). Transportation will be provided to Ponce City Market.
General Session
Location: Capitol BallroomSustainability is the responsibility of all members of the food community, from farmers and laborers to foodservice operators and consumers. How does noncommercial foodservice fit in? What is its unique responsibility and contribution to the growth of the sustainable agriculture community?
Senior Strategic Advisor | Speaker
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
Best-in-class noncommercial operators discuss how they further a sustainable mission in their operations, including strategies, return-on-investment, and innovative, outside-the-box practices.
Senior Editor | Moderator
Restaurant Business Magazine and FoodService Director Magazine
Director of Sustainability
University of Michigan
Foodservice Channel Director
Mushroom Council
847.644.9660
Senior Health Promotion Student
University of Georgia College of Public Health
Culinary Competition
Location: Georgia Hall 6It’s not as cutthroat as Iron Chef but not quite as genteel as The Great British Bake Off. It’s MenuDirections’ 7th annual Culinary Competition, where noncommercial chefs prepare delicious dishes from a mystery basket of ingredients, all to the tune of a ticking countdown clock. Don’t miss the excitement as your peers compete for great prizes and, most importantly, bragging rights!
Foodservice Operation of the Year Awards Dinner
Location: Capitol BallroomRecognizing the 12 winners of the Foodservice Operation of the Month as well as the winners of the Annual MenuDirections Culinary Competition. We cap off the night by announcing the Foodservice Operator of the Year for 2018.
General Session
Location: Capitol BallroomWhen competing for share of stomach in an increasingly crowded foodservice industry, limited-time offers are an effective strategy in attracting consumers. Learn about the different types of LTOs and what ingredients, flavors, formats and even menu descriptions capture the most interest from consumers.
Manager of Consumer Insights
Technomic