NEW FOR 2002! CEO / EXECUTIVE ROUNDTABLE FORUMS

Monday, June 24
C1 - Is Expansion The Next Step? So, you've got a successful restaurant! What's your next move? This panel of operators will discuss the challenges of expanding including the financing, finding a facility, managing multiple units and expanding your workforce. Hear from operators who have gone from single to multiple units and their creative solutions to overcoming the many obstacles.

This panel will be moderated by Chris Tripoli founder of A'la Carte Foodservice Consulting Group, has over 30 years of service in the hospitality industry as a designer, developer, owner and operator. Chris has blended his industry experience into a curriculum entitled "So You Want To Open a Restaurant" and currently teaches at the Small Business Development Center of the University of Houston.

C2 - An Inside Look at the Restaurant Turnaround: Now that we are beginning to move out of a sluggish economy, more restaurateurs are taking a hard look at the changes needed to help shake a restaurant out of sluggish sales and high operating costs. The members of this panel of industry innovators have been instrumental in several concept turnarounds as well as going from somewhat profitable to maximizing profits. Walk away with knowledge that will help even a healthy restaurant become more profitable. This discussion should not be missed!

This panel will be moderated by Bill Main who has been one of our most popular speakers over the years and has more than 30 years of experience in restaurant operations and has become one of the most sought after and respected industry consultants. Bill has worked "hands on" with over 350 clients in 38 states and Canada and is a past director of the Foodservice Consultants Society International.

Tuesday, June 25
C3 - Future Hot Concepts / Menu Items: Americans have stepped back to comfort foods since the September 11th attack but with the economic upturn, what does the future hold for both concepts and menus. This panel of industry innovators will take a look at what customers will expect and what you should do to ensure your concept and your menu stay ahead of the curve. You need to know where food and beverage trends are headed and this Forum will give you an inside look. Take these ideas and forecasts and head to the show floor with a definite plan in mind.

This panel will be moderated by Dean Small, founder of Synergy, a menu and concept development, consulting firm in California. Dean's organization is on the cutting edge of innovative food and beverage approaches to building sales from the recipes to the entire concept. Synergy has worked with Nabisco Foods, Boston Chicken, Brinker International, Sizzler International, IHOP and many more.

C4 - Tomorrow's Managers - Creating a Career in Foodservice: Analysts predict a workforce shortage in the foodservice industry within the next 5 years. What's your game plan? What effect will this have on your staff from the kitchen help to your managers. Join Mel Kleiman, and a panel of industry leaders, and put a plan together that will help you attract your future managers today and encourage them to pursue a career in the foodservice industry.

This panel will be moderated by Mel Kleiman, an internationally recognized authority on recruiting, selecting and retaining the best employees. Mel's insight into employment best practices has guided thousands of executives and managers to successful employment decisions. His dynamic and entertaining presentations are informative, educational and motivational and you will walk away with a tremendous amount of insight on improving relationships with your employees and turning current staff into your managers of tomorrow.