ANFP Annual Conference & Expo Helps Attendees Bring Value to the Table
Released: 11-Sept-2015
Contact Information
Brad Rysz
Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals
Communications & Marketing Manager
brysz@ANFPonline.org
Phone: 800.323.1908 x126
St. Charles, IL - The Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) hosted its Annual Conference & Exhibition (ACE) this past August 2-5 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, FL. The theme of the conference was “Bring Value to the Table” and over 450 attendees participated in four days of education, networking, and exhibits.
Starting with the pre-event workshop, those who were alumni of the ANFP Leadership Institute were eligible to participate in the Advanced Leadership Workshop, presented by Debra Zabloudil, FACHE, CAE. At the Opening Session, which kicked off the conference later that day, keynote speaker, Lt. Col. Rob “Waldo” Waldman, stressed the value of maximizing potential in one’s life and the importance of employing ‘wingmen’ to help along the way. Waldman’s energetic and inspiring session earned a standing ovation.
Education sessions covered a variety of topics including: teambuilding, survey success, communication, pressure ulcers, workplace trust, and other CDM practice areas. Those who attended each education session earned up to 20 hours CE. Highlights from the education sessions included a panel discussing the role a CDM has in helping to achieve positive survey results. Greg Gorgone, CDM, CFPP presented on “Bringing Value to the Center of the Plate” and gave tips on how to prepare meats, fish, and poultry in a way that can take menus to a new level. Nick Nickless, CEC, CCA, ACE, AAC, CDM, CFPP delivered an intriguing session how to assist employees in retaining sanitation best practices. The closing session featured Chef Rocky Dunnam, CDM, CFPP educating the audience on how to explore, utilize, and incorporate new trends in food service. Also, this year’s post-conference workshop, HR Impossible: The Recipe For Success, with Steve Percival, MBA, was well received. Attendees were award two CE hours and walked away with valuable information to build and maintain a successful team!
The Annual Business Meeting & Leadership Recognition Breakfast saw the installation of the 2015-16 Board of Directors for ANFP, including Chair Debbie McDonald, CDM, CFPP. The event also recognized two ANFP award winners: Felicia Smith, CDM, CFPP as CDM of the Year and Barbara Thomsen, who won the Legacy Award. The Diamond Award, ANFP’s top honor for a chapter who exemplifies exceptional leadership and dedication, was awarded to Kansas.
Other ANFP awards that were announced during the conference included Institute Alumni LEAD Award (Kim Kyle, CDM, CFPP), Model of Commitment Leadership Award (Edna Cox-Rice, RD, CSG, LDN), Excellence in Dining Award (Zlatko Jancic, MAEd, CDM, CFPP), Embrace Diversity Award (Mary Hanna, CDM, CFPP) and Public Policy Leadership Award (Lynn Jenkins, R-KS-02).
The three-hour expo featured 52 exhibitors displaying a wide variety of foodservice products, innovations, and trends. During the show, attendees also participated in the Ecolab-sponsored Clean the World service project. Clean the World is the largest global recycler of hotel amenities, with more than 2,000 hospitality partners throughout North America. ACE attendees packed everyday items like soap, shampoo, and other necessities into 500 personal hygiene kits, which were then donated to those in need. Additionally, ACE exhibitors compiled 1,292 pounds of food and nonfood items from the expo and donated them to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
In addition to education and exhibits, ACE also featured the ANFP Resource Center, a place for members to ask questions, voice concerns, and learn more about many of the valuable member benefits available to them. There were also networking events including an Opening Reception, Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, and Nutrition & Foodservice Education Foundation (NFEF) Gala.
The Gala, themed “Celebrating the Stars of NFEF”, included a raffle, silent auction, and dance competition. In total, over $38,000 was raised for the Foundation. This money will go towards scholarships, researching funding, and other foundation initiatives.
Attendees are already talking about next year’s Annual Conference & Expo, which will be held June 10- 13 in Indianapolis, IN at the JW Marriott.
Click below to download a printable flyer with the information on this page.